Elite Aviation Flight Operations at Spirit of St. Louis Airport

By Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience made a brief visit to Elite Aviation at Spirit of St. Louis Airport Saturday, and it did not take long to catch four flights in quick succession. Flights continue at a constant pace well while following current health guidelines and maintaining high flight training standards.

Elite Aviation is the St. Louis area's premier flight training center, conveniently located in the Spirit West Terminal. They offer a modern aircraft fleet, systematic Cessna Pilot Center training program and advanced Redbird MCX full-motion flight simulator. Elite Aviation also provides piston aircraft inspection and maintenance services for customers from around the region. 

Gateway Youth Aeronautical Foundation Signage Leads the Way to Hangar Location

By Carmelo Turdo

The Gateway Youth Aeronautical Foundation recently received new signage for their hangar facility at Creve Coeur Airport. Silver Fox Marketing delivered and installed the truck decals, banner and welcome signs sporting the foundation's logo. The foundation recently completed the restoration of the F-4 Phantom mobile cockpit exhibit, and the OH-58 Kiowa helicopter restoration is well underway. There is a small museum in the hangar filled with interesting items from the Missouri Air National Guard 131st FW, previously based in St. Louis. The hangar is open most weekdays, and walk-ins are welcome. 

Guest Post: USMC Harriers Pass Through St. Louis on Cross-Country Mission

By Larry Titchenal

Ten Harrier jets from USMC Attack Squadron VMA-542, based at MCAS Cherry Point, NC, made a fuel stop at Spirit of St. Louis Airport on a cross-country flight Wednesday. The crews at TAC Air, who routinely support tactical military aircraft, were ready to service the Harriers during their stay. The "Tigers" were flying remanufactured Harrier II+ variants with air-to-air training stores. Below is a sample set featuring several of the  jets: