St. Louis Metro East Airport/Shafer Field Offers Serene Setting, Affordable Services to Local Aviation Community

By Carmelo Turdo

(Google Maps)

St. Louis Metro East Airport/Shafer Field (3K6) is one of those airfields that brings back the charm of flying and the sense of a real community that was once the hallmark of general aviation.  The grounds have a park-like atmosphere, with rows of hangars to one side and an airpark housing development on the other.  Located about twenty miles east of the Mississippi River in the St. Jacob/Troy, IL area, the privately owned airport is open to the public.  Services offered include 24-hour 100LL self-service fuel, ramp tie-down, pilot services, meeting room and computer testing facility.  There is a staffed maintenance hangar off the ramp and a Piper Tomahawk available for rent or pilot training.  There is some available hangar space for new tenants at very reasonable rates.

The Aero Experience spent Saturday at the airport, taking a tour of the facility and visiting with owner/operator Mr. Edward Shafer, the maintenance staff and several local pilots taking advantage of the beautiful fall flying weather.  Runway 13/31 stretches 2662 feet of asphalt.  There is great potential for future growth for additional hangars and ramp space.  Shafer Field would also be a great location for a community fly-in and a meeting place for local community groups.  Make sure it is a destination on your great places to fly itinerary!

The Aero Experience sincerely thanks Mr. Shafer and all those we met at the airport for their hospitality, and we look forward to future visits in the coming months into the new year and beyond.  Here are some views of the airport from our visit Saturday: