International Cessna 170 Association Holds Convention at Creve Coeur Airport in St. Louis

By Carmelo Turdo

The International Cessna 170 Association is holding it annual convention this week at Creve Coeur Airport near St. Louis, MO.  As of June 2013, there were over 1200 members with 960 Cessna 170s.  The Cessna 170 is a stretched, 4-seat development of the Cessna 140, and the aircraft with fabric-covered wings debuted in February of 1948.  Later in 1948, the all-metal Cessna 170A became the standard model through 1951, and the Cessna 170B with new flaps was produced between 1952 and 1956 up to the introduction of the new Cessna 172.   

During the week, several dozen Cessna 170 pilots will participate in formation flights, flour bombing competitions and other flying activities.  The aircraft are on display on the grass taxiway near the runway intersection between flights, and we have some views of today's lineup:

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013: Matt Younkin and Kyle Franklin

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 attracted the top airshow performers in the industry, and two of those performers carry on the tradition of two legendary aviation families: Matt Younkin and Kyle Franklin.  Matt Younkin flew the Beech 18, "Magic by Moonlight," in a carefully choreographed series of rolling and looping maneuvers perfected by his father, Bobby Younkin.  The performance is flown both day and night, with the day performance shown here.  During EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 we also met Kyle Franklin, son of Jimmy Franklin, during several autograph sessions.  He brought his newest aircraft creation, the Franklin Demon-1, "Dracula," a combination of Waco Mystery Ship with modern aerodynamic and control systems that was originally conceived by Kyle and Jimmy Franklin.  The aircraft was on static display during the week, and will be flying at this year's event.  

 

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013: Kevin Coleman and Nicolas Ivanoff

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 featured many different airshow performers, and we continue our coverage with a relative newcomer Kevin Coleman and experienced aerobatic pilot and air racer Nicolas Ivanoff.  At 23 years old, Kevin Coleman is one of the youngest airshow pilots.  He soloed on his 16th birthday, and crewed for his brother, Wyche Coleman and the 2003 Stars of Tomorrow team.  He now flies the Extra 300SHP at airshows across the country.  French performer Nicolas Ivanoff has been flying aerobatics since 1994, and also was a world aerobatic champion and Red Bull racing winner.  He flies the Edge 540 sponsored in part by Hamilton Watch of Switzerland.  Here are some highlights from their airshow appearances: