Midwest Airport Visit: St. Louis Downtown Airport

By Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience continues with our first series on Midwest Airports in 2020 with a visit to St. Louis Downtown Airport, just across the Mississippi River in Cahokia, IL. Home to our sponsors Big River Aviation and Gateway Jets, the airport traces its history back to 1929 as Curtiss-Steinberg Airport. It quickly became a state-of-the-art facility, anchored by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation with the nearby Parks Air College and other flight schools. U.S. Army Air Forces Cadets were trained there during World War II, and the airport rebounded into a successful regional and reliever airport in recent decades. It is now operated as a Bi-State Development enterprise. 

Here we feature aircraft operations as viewed from the West Terminal, home to Big River Aviation and St. Louis Flight Training. Their training aircraft, along with several from Ideal Aviation and private owners, are included. While on the west apron, we visited the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum, located next to the terminal in historic 1929 Curtiss-Wright Hangar 2. On display in front of the hangar is a Lockheed JetStar, once owned by Howard Hughes. Inside the museum you will find memorabilia and aircraft associated with the area's notable aviation history.

 

 

Young Eagles Soar at St. Louis Downtown Airport

By The Aero Experience Team

EAA Chapter 64 and the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum hosted several homeschool groups last Saturday, providing Young Eagle flights for over fifty students. The students and the Young Eagle pilots met at the museum, located right off the west apron at St. Louis Downtown Airport, before taking to the air throughout the morning and early afternoon. EAA Chapter 64 Young Eagles Coordinator, Bob McDaniel, flew some students in his Cessna 172 while others were flown in six additional aircraft. Along with privately-owned aircraft, a plane and pilot were also provided by AeroCareers and St. Louis Flight Training.  

The Experimental Aircraft Association offers Young Eagle flights as a first flight experience to youth 8-17 years of age. Flights are provided through local chapters, and following the flight Young Eagles receive EAA Student Membership, Sporty's Learn to Fly Course and first lesson benefits. Flight scholarships are also available. Click on this link for more details on how to schedule a Young Eagle flight in your area.

Here are some views of the Young Eagle Flights held October 5.