Sponsor Announcement: Piston Aviation Begins Second Year With The Aero Experience, Hosts EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 Coverage

By Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience is proud to announce that Piston Aviation begins their second year on our team as a sponsor and advertiser. Since their grand opening last August, Piston Aviation has experienced phenomenal growth as a Midwest general aviation resource. More than just a flight school, Piston Aviation now offers a solid portfolio of flight training options with a diverse fleet, and they will soon open their aircraft maintenance facility. And that's just the beginning. 

Piston Aviation will also host The Aero Experience as we return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this year. Three adjoining exhibit areas will represent Piston Aviation, Future Pilots Fund and Bristell Midwest aircraft sales (Booths 208, 209 and 210). Both Bristell 912 aircraft will be there for static display and demonstration flights along with our air transportation, the Future Pilots Fund Piper Cherokee raffle aircraft, flown by Flight Operations Director Phillip Pennell. The Aero Experience will cover the Piston Aviation presence as well as highlights of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 from throughout the week.  Look for the blue sponsor tag (above) on our upcoming EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 posts throughout the rest of this year.

 

Piston Aviation continues to spread their love of aviation through a variety of pilot training programs covering Sport Pilot, Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot and CFI/CFII. They offer block time rates and several special training packages designed to save the students time and money throughout the learning process. The Sport Pilot package provides all the fun of flying while staying within the limits of the sport flying regulations. The Full Private Pilot Package includes dual and solo flight hours, ground school and pilot supplies for a special discounted price. The Accelerated Private Pilot Package is a full-time, immersive experience limited to two students per month who are at least 17 years old, have already passed the FAA written exam and possess a Third Class Medical Certificate. Two CFIs are assigned to each student, the course lasts twenty days and a checkride is pre-scheduled. The Zero to Hero Professional Pilot Package includes training from Private Pilot through Multi-Engine Instructor rating in 12-24 months. 

The Piston Aviation training and rental fleet has grown from one Bristell 912 LSA and one Piper Cherokee to two Bristells, four Cherokees and one Beech Musketeer. The Bristell 912 is a highly capable Light Sport Aircraft that is also a comfortable cruiser with Garmin displays and autopilot. One of the Bristell LSAs is also an IFR trainer as well. The Piper Cherokees in the fleet are clean, low-time models that are ideal training aircraft. The Beech Musketeer has a roomy cabin and is very fuel-efficient. 

During their first year of operation, the Piston Aviation fleet has flown over 2000 hours. On a busy flight day, 15-17 students are in the air. There are currently 112 active students, so weather permitting, there is usually a Piston Aviation aircraft in the air over the St. Louis area.

"Looking back on this year since we started Piston Aviation, I'm very proud of what we've been able to accomplish so far," Piston Aviation co-owner Joe Ord told The Aero Experience. "I never anticipated that we would be able to grow to seven planes, four hangars, start a 501c(3) and a maintenance facility in just the first year. I am so overwhelmed by the warm welcome and support the St. Louis Aviation community, particularly Creve Coeur Airport, has given to us. I never imagined I would love running a school as much as I do. I am living my childhood dream - THANK YOU St. Louis! Keep watching, there is so much more to come!"

Piston Aviation continues to expand their aviation service offerings with the Grand Opening of their Maintenance Center coming on August 12 at Creve Coeur Airport. Appointments are currently available for maintenance log reviews and aircraft inspections. The Aero Experience will have extended coverage of the maintenance services as we approach the grand opening day. 

     

Piston Aviation is already giving back to the St. Louis community by supporting foundations that provide opportunities for youth to pursue flight training and aviation careers. Since opening their hangar doors at Creve Coeur Airport, Piston Aviation has sponsored the Gateway Youth Aeronautical Foundation Intro to Flight Program that has already inspired several high school students to take Discovery Flights. They also formed the independent 501(c)(3) called Future Pilots Fund to raise money for aviation education scholarships. The first aircraft raffle is now underway, and the Future Pilots Fund Ambassadors will be at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and other events through mid-August. 

Check back with The Aero Experience as we continue to feature Piston Aviation in our regular story rotation and bring back our signature extensive coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.