Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum and EAA Chapter 64 Host Third Young Eagle Flight Rally This Year

By Carmelo Turdo

The Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum and EAA Chapter 64 held their third Young Eagles Flight event in as many months in 2015 on Saturday at St. Louis Downtown Airport.  About 40 Scouts from the Lutheran Association for Scouting were flown around the St. Louis area under a program designed by the Experimental Aircraft Association to give youth 8-17 (Young Eagles) a first flight experience.  Following the flight, Young Eagles receive access to study materials needed for the FAA written private pilot examination without cost from Sporty's Pilot Shop.  Scouts who were not on their flights toured the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum and participated in activities credited toward the Aviation Merit Badge.  Members of the USAF from nearby Scott AFB also offered advice on choosing military career opportunities. 

The Lutheran Association for Scouting has teamed up with the museum and EAA Chapter 64 for several years, and other groups are invited to reserve a date for flights in the coming months.  For reservations, please contact the museum.         

Special thanks to the pilots who flew their aircraft and Ideal Aviation, our ramp Fixed Base Operator, who provided an aircraft and other assistance to make the day a success! 

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security, had a significant presence at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014.  They were not patrolling the airport per se, but brought some aircraft and watercraft for exhibit.  A unique and impressive watercraft, a 40ft. Sea Hunter interceptor, was on display near a Cessna Citation 550 aerial surveillance aircraft.  An Airbus As-350 patrol helicopter was part of an indoor exhibit, and as seen in a previous post, the Bombardier DHC-8 maritime patrol aircraft was available in Boing Plaza throughout the week.  

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014: Boeing Plaza Aircraft Displays

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 continues with views of the daily aircraft displays in Boeing Plaza, the central nexus of the main industry exhibit area and the aircraft parking near the flight line.  The featured aircraft change periodically based on daily themes and availability of large jets such as the USAF C-17, FedEx Express A300, Republic Airways Embraer ERJ-190 and the extended-wing NASA WB-57F.  Boeing Plaza was also the setting of high-profile press events featuring new aircraft, such as the first production HondaJet, and of course, the concert stage.  A number of warbirds were also featured, including the B-17 "Yankee Lady," a Corsair/Zero duo, an Avenger torpedo bomber among others.