Guest Post: St. Charles Flying Service and MO CAF Wing Host Annual Pumpkin Drop

Guest Post: The Aero Experience thanks our friend, Gary Chambers, for contributing his coverage of the 2024 Pumkin Drop event held on Saturday, October 26. The annual fall event was hosted by St. Charles Flying Service and the Missouri Wing of the Commemorative Air Force at St. Charles County (Smartt Field)  Regional Airport. The Gateway Youth Aeronautical Foundation provided their popular exhibit, which included an F-4 Phantom jet cockpit, TH-67 helicopter and a squadron of pedal planes. Other aircraft, such as the Metro Air Support MD-500 helicopter, were also on static display for the large crowd to enjoy. Throughout the day, pumpkins rained down on the target as local pilots (and their bombardiers) vied for the closest hit. The highlight of the day was the flight of the Missouri Commemorative Air Force Wing's TMB Avenger, culminating with a pumpkin bomb salvo and several passes over the runway. 

Here we include a survey of the activity, courtesy of Gary Chambers.

 

Missouri CAF Wing at St. Charles County Airport (Smartt Field) Is Midwest Aviation Treasure

By Carmelo Turdo

The Missouri Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) makes its home at St. Charles County Airport, dedicated as Smartt Field for U.S. Navy Ensign Joseph Smartt who was killed in action on December 7, 1941 during the Japanese attack on NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.  The wing is the custodian of three CAF aircraft - North American B-25J Mitchell Show Me, Grumman TBM-3E Avenger, and Aeronca 65TAC Defender (L-3E) Lil' Show Me. During the winter months, the aircraft undergo extensive maintenance (the B-25 is currently slated for major engine repairs) so that they can be available for an active air show schedule. The aircraft participate in many Midwest events, including airshows, airport open houses and fly-overs for veteran memorials and sporting events. The Aero Experience visited the Missouri CAF hangar today as members set up for the annual hangar dance this evening. Here are some views of their aircraft along with a visiting Beechcraft C-45H Expeditor and a T-33A Shooting Star on display this morning.

St. Charles Flying Service Open House Brings Wide Variety of Aircraft

By Carmelo Turdo

The St. Charles Flying Service Open House held at St. Charles County (SMARTT) Airport this weekend brought a variety of aircraft just west of St. Louis for the last local fly-in of 2012. The star of the day, the Missouri CAF B-25J Show Me, flew passengers and later dropped pumpkin cluster bombs as part of the pumpkin drop competition. Aircraft from throughout the area converged on the airport throughout the day, including several Navions, Bonanzas, Aeroncas, a C-47 and other conventional light aircraft. Here are some of the aircraft at the Saturday fly-in: