Missouri Commemorative Air Force Wing Readies for Airshow Season

By Carmelo Turdo

The Missouri Wing of the Commemorative Air Force is gearing up for the 2012 air show season at St. Charles County Smartt Airport, just west of St. Louis.  Since 1982, the Missouri Wing has carried out the Commemorative Air Force mission of "education through living history" by preserving and demonstrating World War II era aircraft and vehicles locally and throughout the country.  There is nothing like seeing a B-25J Mitchell bomber, TBM-3E Avenger torpedo bomber or Aeronca 65TAC/L-3E observation aircraft up close, hearing their engines chugging along, and even putting yourself back in time by taking a flight in one of them.  Currently, the B-25J Show Me and the TBM Avenger are undergoing annual maintenance in preparation for the fast-approaching air show season.  Special thanks to the Missouri CAF for hosting The Aero Experience this weekend - here are some scenes from our tour:     

TBM-3E Avenger Undergoing Annual Maintenance 

B-25J Mitchell Undergoes Annual Maintenance

 

L-3E Prepares for Afternoon Flight

Missouri CAF Member Greg Vallero's AT-6F Texan Is Readied Warbird Rides

For more information about the Missouri Wing of the CAF, please visit http://www.cafmo.org/.  Greg Vallero's Texan will soon be available for warbird rides.  Contact him at warbirdridesusa@gmail.com to reserve your slot.