Sullivan Missouri Fly-In a Great Community Event

By Leo Cachet

This year's Sullivan Regional Airport Fly-In was a success by any measure.  A variety of aircraft were on hand, including homebuilts, Ercoupes, Bonanzas, Cessnas, helicopters and even a Stearman.  Community law enforcement, emergency responders and military recruiters also contributed to making the event enjoyable and educational.  According to the Sullivan Journal, at least 81 Young Eagles were flown by the local EAA chapter, generating an interest in aviation for the next generation.  For a video of the Young Eagle Flights, please visit http://vimeo.com/48313429.  

Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon "Attu Warrior" Makes Stop in St. Louis

By Carmelo Turdo

Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon, Attu Warrior, recently made a fuel stop at St. Louis Downtown Airport. After making an appearance at Oshkosh last month, the aircraft has attended other fly-ins and was heading home to Utah. The current manifestation of the aircraft took flight May 23, 2009, after a three-year restoration by Dave Hansen.  The name of the aircraft helps to explain the historic role that Harpoons played in World War II - service in the Aleutian Islands.  Some of these islands, including Attu, were occupied by Japanese forces in 1942 to defend against counter-offensives by the U.S. and Russia.  Attu and others were retaken by U.S. forces in 1943, and Harpoons were stationed there at Casco Field through the war years.  For more information about the aircraft, visit http://warbirdwarriors.org/.  

  

Red Tails Art Exhibit Opens at Jefferson Barracks Heritage Foundation

By Carmelo Turdo

The Jefferson Barracks Heritage Foundation opened an art exhibit this weekend honoring the service of the Tuskegee Airmen, the famous "Red Tails" of World War II.  The artist, Mr. William Curtis, was on hand to explain the images on the various panels that tell the story of the African-American 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group.  Several Tuskegee Airmen were present for the exhibit opening day: Captain Christopher Newman, Lt. Everett Bratcher, and Clara White, wife of the late Hugh J. White.  In addition to the art exhibit, memorabilia from Mr. Myron Lane was on display, along with several large models and uniform items on loan from the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum.  The exhibit will be at the Foundation Museum through November.  



 



Front: Clara White, Lt. Everett Bratcher; Back: Myron Lane, William Curtis (artist), Capt. Christopher Newman 

Sightings: Rare PZL M28 Skytruck Special Operations Aircraft Makes Stop in St. Louis Area

By Carmelo Turdo

A rare PZL Mielec (now Sikorsky) M28-05 Skytruck, one of nine operated by the USAF Special Operations Command 318th Special Operations Squadron at Cannon AFB, Clovis, NM made a stop at St. Louis Downtown Airport recently for a series of weekend training missions.  The aircraft, manufactured at the Sikorsky plant in Poland, is a modern derivative of the Russian AN-28 that provides a rugged, turbo-prop transport and resupply capability for small teams operating behind enemy lines.  Interestingly, the ten M28s are civil registered to USAF Special Operations Command headquartered at Hurlburt Field, FL.  After an overnight stay, the two crew members were preparing for a training flight when mechanical trouble forced the return of the aircraft to the ramp after engine run-ups.  The aircraft later moved on to its next destination, but not before providing the local aviation community with an interesting Sighting!