National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Visit: Air Force Gemini - The Manned Orbiting Laboratory

By Fred Harl

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force has a very unique piece of space hardware on display - a USAF flight-rated Gemini B that was later modified for use in the Manned Orbiting Laboratory program.  The Air Force was interested in adopting the Gemini spacecraft attached to a cylindrical laboratory and launched by a Titan IIIC booster for manned reconnaissance missions in space.  The program was cancelled in 1969 after only one unmanned test flight, even though a separate corps of astronauts was in the running on a parallel track to the NASA Apollo missions.  

  

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Visit: Early Years Gallery Display Brings Us Back to Earth

By Fred Harl

Our visit to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force included a brief stop at the Early Years Gallery to reflect on just how far aviation has come in the last century.  Aircraft  from a variety of countries are featured, making the point that the U.S. was not the leading aircraft producer in the first two decades of flight.  Balloons, the Wright Brothers, World War I era aircraft and B-10 and P-26 monoplanes from the 1930s are featured.  Here is a peek at the collection to hold you until you make your next visit:

Wright 1909 Flyer (1955 Reproduction)

Curtiss 1911 Model D

 



SPAD VII

SPAD XIII C.1

Avro 504K

Nieuport 28

Sopwith F-1 Camel

Halberstadt CL IV

Caquot Type R Observation Balloon

DeHavilland DH-4

Caproni Ca. 36

Packard LePere LUSAC 11

Martin MB-2

Curtiss P-6E Hawk

Boeing P-26A Peashooter

Douglas O-38F

Martin B-10

Missouri Pilots Association 60th Anniversary Convention Celebrates Past Accomplishments, Looks to the Future

By Carmelo Turdo

Members of the Missouri Pilots Association gathered to celebrate past accomplishments and look to the future at the 60th Anniversary Convention held this weekend at the Isle of Capri Booneville. This is the second consecutive year that the convention was held at the Booneville location, a choice favored by many members in attendance for its central location and quality of service. On Saturday, more than 80 members from across the state received updates on government aviation policy, Missouri aviation history, aviation services, air safety and continuing education opportunities. General member and Board member meetings were also held to encourage participation in current and future initiatives, followed by dinner fellowship and guest speaker. On Sunday, a breakfast was offered by Booneville Scout Troop 67 at the Jesse Viertel Memorial Airport prior to the departure of the remaining members.



 

Bob Crandell (L) and Gary Fox

Missouri Pilots Association President Gary Fox emceed the Saturday meeting with help from convention organizer Bob Crandell.  The colors were presented by a color guard from Booneville Correctional Center, and welcoming remarks were given by Mayor of Booneville, Julie Thacher, Aide to Representative Sam Graves, Aaron Baker, and Sherry Broyles from the Booneville Tourism Office. Presentations were made by a variety of aviation service providers, and chapters were recognized for their membership growth and attendance at the convention.  There were also exhibitors form all over the state providing information about their services.  Here are some scenes from the convention: 
 

Mike Saettele (R) from St. Louis Flight Simulator

President of Missouri Aviation Historical Society Dan O'Hara

Joe Pestka from Jviation

FAA's Fred Harms speaks on NEXTGEN 



Fred Schieszer discusses the Amelia Earhart Mystery

The Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum

Gateway Chapter was well represented

Women In Aviation Alpha Eta Rho Fraternity



Acclaim Aviation Group features the Mooney M20S