Young Eagles Soar on Sunny Sunday Afternoon at St. Louis Downtown Airport

By Mark Nankivil

EAA Chapter 64 and the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum teamed up to provide Young Eagle flights for members of a local Scout troop on Sunday afternoon. The Scouts and their pilots met at the museum, located right off the west apron at St. Louis Downtown Airport, before taking to the air on one of the few fair weather days experienced this spring. EAA Chapter 64 Young Eagles Coordinator, Bob McDaniel, flew some Scouts in his Cessna 172 and Young Eagles pilot John Schaefer flew one at a time in his Cessna O-1 Bird Dog. The Scouts saw the St. Louis riverfront and surrounding Metro East IL area  from the air during their 15-20 minute flight.

The Experimental Aircraft Association offers Young Eagle flights as a first flight experience to youth 8-17 years of age. Flights are provided through local chapters, and following the flight Young Eagles receive EAA Student Membership, Sporty's Learn to Fly Course and first lesson benefits. Flight scholarships are also available. Click on the above link for more details on how to schedule a Young Eagle flight in your area.

 

The Scouts and museum visitors were treated to seeing the Missouri Commemorative Air Force Wing's aircraft on the apron. The Grumman (General Motors) TBM Avenger and North American B-25J Mitchell, Show Me, are taking refuge from the now flooded St. Charles County Airport where they are regularly based. Other aircraft seen during their visit are also featured below.