STL Aviators Incorporated as St. Louis Area Flying Club

By Carmelo Turdo

STL Aviators has become the St. Louis area's newest flying club, incorporated as a Missouri 501(c)(7) non-profit organization in late February. The flying club is not a flight school, but it is a way for members who have attained their Private Pilot Certificate or higher rating to gain access to club leased aircraft at reasonable cost and with the perspective of ownership. There are already 24 members, and the first club aircraft, a Cessna 172, has been secured at Spirit of St. Louis Airport. This aircraft, and possibly three more, are planned for the club's use to keep the pilot to aircraft ratio to about 12:1 or less. The club will also offer a social benefit of camaraderie through regular meetings, participation in aviation events and community outreach. 

STL Aviators club members gathered Sunday for the inaugural group meeting and salute to the official incorporation approved by the Sate of Missouri on February 20. The gathering recognized the months of work spent preparing the business and membership aspects of the club's founding. Club President, Greg Collier, updated the membership on the current club structure, general operating rules and future plans. A toast was raised to the club's incorporation, and a tentative date was set for the upcoming inaugural flight scheduled for later this month.     

STL Aviators will continue working out further details of the club's operations, including the on-line scheduling, aircraft checkout/recordkeeping and payment modules. Website and Facebook pages are under construction and will be available soon. A first-flight will be held this month with the club's aircraft, now hangered at Million Air St. Louis at Spirit of St. Louis Airport. The Aero Experience will have more details on that and the growth of STL Aviators in future stories. Inquiries about club membership can be made by contacting club President, Greg Collier, at Gregory.a.collier@gmail.com.