The Aero Experience: Red Tail Cadets Make Cross-Country Training Flight from St. Louis to Cape Girardeau and Sikeston With Elite Aviation Instructors

By Carmelo Turdo

The Class of 2023 Red Tail Cadets recently reached a new milestone: cross-country flight training. The exercise was one of technical training but also one of logistics. Five Cadets and CFIs in their Cessna 172S Skyhawks along with Elite Aviation owners John and Donna Tipton in their Piper Saratoga departed from Elite Aviation at Spirit of St. Louis Airport July 18 for their first destination - Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. The second stop on the trip was nearby Sikeston Memorial Municipal Airport before returning to St. Louis. The Aero Experience was with the Cadets, accompanying them on the trip and providing our coverage of the day's activities.

The five high school students from the Ferguson-Florissant School District were inducted into the current class of Red Tail Cadets during a ceremony held on May 18 at Elite Aviation. The event marked the official start of the practical aviation and life skills training sessions that have been held throughout the summer. The program provides the means for the Cadets to explore the aviation field as a part of their overall Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. It is hoped that this program will be launched in cities across the country in the future.

The Red Tail Cadet Program Class of 2023: (L-R): Miguel Brown, Ellie Flick, Breann Simmons, Martel Coleman and Matthew Gaikins

The Red Tail Cadet Program is a cooperative effort by the Ferguson-Florissant School District, The Crossing Church, and Elite Aviation among other sponsors to use aviation as a pathway to a STEM career. The program is named for the Red Tails of the 332nd Fighter Group, the first all-black military pilot unit that formed during World War II and popularly known today as the Tuskegee Airmen. The same drive and talent that made the Tuskegee Airmen legendary in war and in peace can be applied by these students in pursuit of their own future goals while participating in the Red Tail Cadet Program.

Spirit of St. Louis Airport to Cape Girardeau, MO Regional Airport

The day began with pre-flight briefing and flight planning session at Elite Aviation. Weight and balance was calculated by our crew - CFI Eric Whiteside and Cadet Martel Coleman - to include The Aero Experience in the back seat. With our aircraft as the lead, we were ready for takeoff.

Southeast Missouri State University Aviation Department Briefing

Upon arrival, the cadets were met by representatives from Southeast Missouri State University. During their visit, the Cadets were given briefings on the Professional Pilot Program, scholarship opportunities and general campus life. While we were on campus, a shower moved through the area, and the Cadets and their CFIs used the delay to play a game of volleyball in the campus rec center.

Cape Girardeau, MO Regional Airport to Sikeston, MO Memorial Municipal Airport

The cadets and their CFIs then took off for the short flight to Sikeston, MO Memorial Municipal Airport that just happens to be located by the Midwest's popular hundred-dollar hamburger venue - Lambert's Cafe, Home of Throwed Rolls!

Sikeston, MO Memorial Municipal Airport to Spirit of St. Louis Airport

After another weight and balance calculation, The Aero Experience switched aircraft and flew back to Spirit of St. Louis Airport with CFI Andrew Laub and Cadet Ellie Flick.