EAA President and CEO Rod Hightower Diverts to St. Louis Downtown Airport Due to High Winds at Wicks Sale Site

By Carmelo Turdo

EAA President and CEO Rod Hightower flew his AT-6G Texan to St. Louis Downtown Airport Saturday after diverting from the intended landing site near Wicks Aircraft Supply in Highland, IL.  Hightower was to be a special guest at the Red Tag Sale being held at Wicks last weekend, but strong crosswinds precluded him from landing on the airport's runway.  St. Louis Downtown Airport offered additional runway options for landing into the wind, and after fighting headwinds for over three hours from EAA headquarters in Oshkosh, WI, Hightower decided to land, refuel and head to his home field - Creve Coeur Airport in St. Louis County.  It was great to see him again in the St. Louis area, and we wish him happy holidays and a great 2012.