Fly-In Season: EAA Chapter 1424 Fly-In at Washington County, MO Airport

By Leo Cachet

The annual EAA Chapter 1424 Fly In was held Saturday at Washington County, MO Airport.   It was a slow start as the fog which had been in the area overnight didn't lift until about 9 a.m. The Aero Experience south team of Fred Harl and Leo Cachat were on hand to cover the days activity. The first aircraft to arrive was a Cessna 172 flown by a friend of The Aero Experience, Marvin Pitney. Soon a Long EZ was also on the ramp, along with a Scout. As the day went on, an Ercoupe, Pacer, Cardinal, and Hummel H5, arrived.  A Remos GX had a close call with a turtle upon taxiing in, and a Rand Robinson KR 2 and Air Evac Life Team Long Ranger all come in to mingle and share stories while having a few pancakes.

   

Ian Cachat

Marvin Pitney was gracious enough to take Leo's son, Ian, for a Young Eagles flight in his Cessna 172.  Upon returning, he took Leo for a not so young Eagle flight.  Both Ian and Leo thoroughly enjoyed their flights of the Missouri countryside.  Leo had his first opportunity at some air to ground photography, which turned into a great aero experience. He was able to capture a train, the Washington Co. courthouse and the high school along with the runway upon his return. 

   
The event was lightly attended, which was quite possibly due to the weather reports stating thunderstorms could appear, but they never materialized. When all was said and done, it turned out to be an enjoyable event for those who attended, and a pleasure for The Aero Experience to cover.

Washington County Airport Fly-In Produces Fly Baby Reunion

By Carmelo Turdo

This year's Washington County Airport fly-in attracted a number of interesting aircraft and new visitors to this area. Young Eagle flights were given in a variety of aircraft, such as a Socata TB 9, Ercoupe 415-C, Cessna 150F, and Taylorcraft BC-12D.  A major portion of the day was dedicated to the three Fly Babies that arrived mid-morning, and one in particular, N175X. This aircraft was built by Winnie Wackwitz, an 87-year-old aviatrix, around 20 years ago. She eventually sold it and was under the impression it was parted out and scrapped. She did not know that the same airplane is alive and well and flying out of Columbia Sackman airport. Her daughter, Dena, tracked the Fly Baby down and contacted the current owner for this reunion.

Fly-In and Young Eagle Flights:

Fly Baby Reunion:

Greetings From Farmington: Sightings from the Hinterland

By Fred Harl

Recently, during the mild winter, some interesting aircraft were spotted in the Farmington and Washington Missouri airports.  80 miles south of St. Louis, Farmington Regional Airport was remodeled in 2009 and attracts local and transient air traffic.  Competitive fuel prices and local eateries make the stopover a pleasant experience.  Another place to find unique aircraft is Washington County Airport, home of EAA Chapter 1424.  Located about 75 miles south of St. Louis, Washington County Airport also supports a variety of aviation activity.  Here are some recent sightings:

Farmington, MO Regional Airport

A Zenith Aircraft CH-750 STOL and a CH-650B Zodiac stopped in for fuel recently on their way to Florida from the factory in Mexico, MO

Larry McCormick's 1946 GC-1B Swift at his Mac Air Hangar

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Washington County, MO Airport

Flying Flea under construction, recently featured in EAA's Light Plane World column

 

Ultra Cruiser doStanley Crocker's Hummel H-5ing a taxi test

Chris Santschi's RV-8 in splashy paint job and nose art