STL Aviators Holds Open House, Attracts Interest in Flying Club Membership

By Carmelo Turdo

STL Aviators, the St. Louis area's newest flying club, held a spring open house and barbeque social event at their Creve Coeur Airport hangar on Saturday. Club members welcomed visitors for lunch and offered information about club membership and the aircraft. Currently, the club uses a Piper Archer II at Creve Coeur Airport and a Cessna 172 based at Spirit of St. Louis Airport. Both aircraft were at the event, and several local flights were made in the Cessna 172 during the afternoon.

STL Aviators was incorporated as a Missouri 501(c)(7) non-profit organization in 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 attitude of ownership. There are now nearly 30 members, and aircraft are based both at Creve Coeur Airport and Spirit of St. Louis Airport. Along with regular membership, the club also offers "Ground Crew" social membership that opens up opportunities for education and ride-along flights at a much reduced cost. At all membership levels, the club provides the benefits of camaraderie through regular meetings, participation in aviation events and outreach to strengthen the St. Louis aviation community.

For more information, contact STL Aviators and see our previous story on The Aero Experience.