The Aero Experience is a celebration of Midwest Aviation and aerospace achievement. We invite you to join us as we tell the story of Midwest Aviation through first-hand, immersive experiences. Check in with The Aero Experience frequently to see where we land, and then go out and have your own aero experiences!
The Aero Experience looks back on a week of activities that show the vibrance of the Midwest Aviation Community. Fall is traditionally an active time for a flurry of aviation events and fly-ins in September and October, and here we have a sampler of our coverage.
Taste of Hope
The Wings of Hope Young Ambassadors held the 6th Annual Taste of Hope fundraiser at the Wings of Hope St. Louis World Headquarters on Saturday, September 17. The event supports two international humanitarian programs chosen by the Ambassadors earlier this year:
Patrulla Aerea Columbiana Maternal Health Care Program
Global Humanitarian Network Funds
For one very reasonable ticket price, guests at Taste of Hope sampled delicious food from local restaurants and participated in optional activities such as the silent auction and 50/50 raffle that also benefit the above programs. Here is a preview of our full coverage coming soon.
EAA's B-25 Berlin Express Tour Comes to Cedar Rapids, IA
The EAA's B-25H, Berlin Express, made a stop in Cedar Rapids, IA September 16-18. The public was invited to tour the aircraft on the apron and purchase rides in the iconic World War II-era medium bomber. This aircraft was accepted by the USAAF in December of 1943 and served in stateside roles until sold as surplus. It was converted into an executive transport and was featured in the movie Catch-22 as Berlin Express before being acquired by the EAA. Here are some views of the flights captured by The Aero Experience guest post contributor, Duane Cooley.
Aviation Explorer Post 9032 Holds Open House
Aviation Explorer Post 9032 held their fall open house Wednesday at their Boeing St. Louis meeting location. Adult and student leaders briefed the attendees on current and future programs and welcomed new members to join the post. Members are provided opportunities to tour aviation facilities including the Boeing production plant, Scott AFB and air traffic control centers; meet with test pilots and aerospace engineers who lead aircraft development and production programs; participate in aircraft building projects; fly in general aviation aircraft and develop skills through flight simulation. The highlight of the year is their attendance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh each July. Contact the post through the link above for more information on how to join the post and contribute to this great organization.
Big River Aviation Maintenance Operations and Local Flight
The Aero Experience visited Big River Aviation at their maintenance facility at St. Louis Downtown Airport on Thursday. There were two Cessna twins and a Piper Aztec in the hangar along with the Cherokee Six rebuild project that we featured in a recent post. While we were there, we took a flight with Big River Aviation owner Paul Voorhees to Creve Coeur Airport to meet with a customer, returning later in the afternoon. Here we include some views of the visit and the flight.
Farmington, MO Regional Airport Helicopter Refueling Operations
Last week, The Aero Experience'sFred Harl visited Farmington, MO Regional Airport where he captured these views of service helicopters getting refueled. Featured here are a USMC UH-1Y Venom and Kids Flight 1 MBB BK 117C-2 air ambulance from Air Methods being fueled by Airport Manager Chuck Sitzes, who is due to retire at the end of the month. We thank him for welcoming our visits over the years and wish him well!
Young Eagle Flights at Fredericktown, MO Airport
EAA Chapter 1635 held their fall Young Eagles Rally at A. Paul Vance Fredericktown, MO Airport on Saturday. Fred Harl provided these views of the riders preparing for takeoff. Each Young Eagle received a special backpack provided by FlightSafety St. Louis.
St. Louis Regional Airport Annual Fly-In and Young Eagle Flights
St. Louis Regional Airport in Bethalto, IL held their annual Fly-In Saturday and Young Eagles Rally on Sunday. Here we feature a preview of the aircraft on display and fly-ins, the Gateway Youth Aeronautical Foundation F-4 Phantom jet cockpit exhibit, Gateway Flight Training and SWIC exhibits, the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation UH-1H Huey rides provided on Saturday and the Young Eagles flights on Sunday. Air transportation for The Aero Experience was provided by Gateway Flight Training. Full coverage coming soon on The Aero Experience.
The Wings of Hope Young Ambassadors held the 6th Annual Taste of Hope fundraiser at the Wings of Hope St. Louis World Headquarters on Saturday, September 17. The event supports two international humanitarian programs chosen by the Ambassadors earlier this year: 
