Ideal Aviation FBO Holds Grand Reopening at St. Louis Downtown Airport

By Carmelo Turdo

Ideal Aviation FBO held its "Grand Reopening" today at St. Louis Downtown Airport.  New owner, Bill Macon, presented his newly remodeled facility to visitors, who enjoyed catered barbecue lunch and the opportunity to examine aircraft up close.  A ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Airport Director Bob McDaniel and Illinois State Senator James F. Clayborne, Jr. among others.  The star of the afternoon was a 1941 Waco UPF-7, newly based at the airport and being prepared for public rides as the weather allows.  Air ambulance helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft serving St. Louis Children's Hospital were present on the ramp along with a Diamond trainer used by Parks College of St. Louis University.  Just next to Ideal Aviation, the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum was also open to visitors who toured the collection of aviation memorabilia and aircraft in historic 1929 Curtiss-Wright Hangar 2.  Here are some scenes from today's event:

Ideal Aviation owner Bill Macon and IL State Senator James F. Clayborne, Jr. cut the ribbon (Mark Nankivil photo)

 1941 Waco UPF-7 stands out in front of Ideal Aviation

Parks College of St. Louis University Diamond Trainer

KidsFlight 2 serves St. Louis Children's Hospital

KidsFlight 3 provides longer flights to pediatric patients

This Bell 206B Jet Ranger II provided aerial photographs

Ideal Aviation serves a variety of aircraft

 The Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum welcomed guests