St. Louis Aviation: Visiting Creve Coeur Airport and St. Louis Downtown Airport

By Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience team begins a new fall series of reporting from various sites around the Midwest and the nation as we enjoy a change of seasons and cooler weather.  Some of our upcoming stories will highlight visits to airports, aviation museums and fly-ins, while others will report on the positive impact of Midwest Aviation on our communities.  As always, our intent is to share our first-hand aero experiences with you, and encourage everyone to seek out opportunities to participate in Midwest Aviation activities.

Today's post highlights general aviation activity at two St. Louis area airports: Creve Coeur Airport on Saturday and St. Louis Downton Airport on Sunday.  Saturday morning found us at Creve Coeur Airport in St. Louis County.  Known for its vintage aircraft collection at the Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum, the airport services the general aviation and warbird communities as well.  Included here is general aviation traffic and the departure of John Ladley in his Stearman to Pioneer Airport in Oshkosh, WI for the Stearman Flight Formation Clinic.  The Airport is planning a vintage aircraft fly-in, sponsored by EAA Vintage Aircraft Association Chapter 39, on October 14.   

Sunday was spent at St. Louis Downtown Airport in nearby Cahokia, IL within sight of the St. Louis Gateway Arch.  The airport is the third busiest in Illinois, and often serves as the preferred destination for those participating in activities in the heart of St. Louis.  Flight activity included aircraft based at the airport along with transients and executive jets.  The public is invited to visit the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum (Fri-Sun 10am-4pm) and take a ride in a 1941 Waco biplane with pilot Kevin Kegin of St. Louis Biplane Rides.   The airport will host an open house event on October 7.