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| By The Aero Experience Team |
The skies over St. Charles County were filled with the
sights and sounds of World War II-era Stearman trainers earlier this month when
over a dozen of the iconic warbirds were in the air throughout the first
weekend in June. A Stearman Flight Formation Clinic, hosted by Creve Coeur Airport, attracted Stearman pilots from around the Midwest. From June 1-3,
pairs of aircraft launched throughout each day to hone their formation flying
skills - the lead aircraft flown by an instructor and the other flown by a student/instructor
crew. Creve Coeur Airport, home to several Stearman aircraft owners and the
distinguished Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum, regularly hosts similar
clinics, aircraft club reunions and antique aircraft events each year.The Aero Experience was privileged to cover the June
Stearman Flight Formation Clinic on Friday and Sunday (Saturday was a marginal
weather day). Crews gathered early on Friday for breakfast and thorough
briefing on the day's crew assignments and flights. Flights and elements met
together then and throughout the day as flight operations continued. Details of
the flight were recorded on the Stearman Flight Briefing Card, and each point
was debriefed after each flight. Maneuvers such as left/right wing formation,
cross under, close trail and break/rejoin were flown and evaluated. FAST
formation proficiency certification was also available to those who qualify.
Sunday again began with an early morning briefing:
Crews received their assignments and began flight operations again at 7:30 a.m. The aircraft were lined up and ready as each 2-ship element prepared for a staggered departure.
Flight operations continued until around noon, when all objectives and make-up flights were completed. Our friend, Anne Lee, flew with John Ladley in 518.
The Aero Experience thanks the Stearman Flight organizers and crews for allowing access to their flight operations. Check back soon for coverage of our flight in John Ladley's Stearman!
Crews received their assignments and began flight operations again at 7:30 a.m. The aircraft were lined up and ready as each 2-ship element prepared for a staggered departure.
Flight operations continued until around noon, when all objectives and make-up flights were completed. Our friend, Anne Lee, flew with John Ladley in 518.
The Aero Experience thanks the Stearman Flight organizers and crews for allowing access to their flight operations. Check back soon for coverage of our flight in John Ladley's Stearman!
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