Elite Aviation Hosts Discovery Flight Day with Local STEM Aviation Groups

Elite Aviation

By Carmelo Turdo

hosted a discovery flight day in cooperation with local St. Louis-area STEM programs on Saturday, August 17. Over thirty youth were flown in four Elite Aviation Cessna 172 fleet aircraft. Participants also learned about aircraft operations by following their pilots through the pre-flight inspection process and taking turns flying in the right front seat.

The event was sponsored by the Hugh J. White Tuskegee Airmen Chapter and led by Henderson Smith, a USAF veteran and independent IT contractor who exudes enthusiasm for engaging the next generation in aviation. It was officially named the Tyrell Rhodes Discovery Flight Day in memory of a young man who embodied the spirit of the Tuskegee Airmen as he overcame adversity to earn the right to fly. Born with Cerebral Palsy, he was raised by his mother, a U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant, and loved all things aviation. In 2012, he earned his pilot certificate through Able Flight. Tyrell Rhodes passed away of cancer in 2015, and Able Flight established the Tyrell Rhodes Memorial Scholarship the next year. His legacy continues through events like the one held last weekend. 

Several other local STEM programs participated in the Tyrell Rhodes Discovery Flight Day. The Gateway Eagles of Missouri and the St. Louis Science Center's Youth Exploring Science (YES) Program provided support and students for the flights. The Gateway Youth Aeronautical Foundation, based at nearby Creve Coeur Airport, flew in their Bell TH-67 helicopter for static display as part of their community outreach mission. Two members of the current Red Tail Cadet class were also available to talk about their flight experiences.

The Aero Experience thanks everyone involved in the Tyrell Rhodes Discovery Flight Day, and we look forward to working with these organizations at other STEM aviation activities.