USAF Thunderbirds Team History Comes Alive at Community Library Presentation

By Carmelo Turdo

The history of the world famous USAF Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Team came alive during Joe Gurney's presentation at the Tesson Ferry Branch of the St. Louis County Library today. The audience was treated to a slide show and video presentation of the various aircraft flown by the team and the maneuvers flown in a typical performance. Memorabilia from decades of Thunderbirds history was on display, and captured the attention of those attending the presentation. Gurney plans to bring his program to a future meeting of the Missouri Aviation Historical Society.

Gone West: St. Louis Aviation Community Mourns the Passing of Dick Windler, B-29 Pilot

By Carmelo Turdo

The St. Louis aviation community mourns the passing of Dick Windler, 92, former B-29 pilot and friend to many. Mr. Windler was a decorated WWII USAAC Veteran from St. Louis who flew 35 missions over Japan as aircraft commander in B-29's. We were honored to have Dick as a plank owner in the Missouri Aviation Historical Society. Last August, he rode in the only flying B-29, Fifi, during it's time in St. Louis - the first time he was in the aircraft since the early 1950s. His health started failing a few weeks ago, he was placed in hospice last week. A memorial service is being planned.

Brian "Brain" Kissinger's Landing Certification Form from Record-Setting Flight Released

As previously reported on The Aero Experience and other media outlets, Brian "Brain" Kissinger set a speed record in the light sport class for a flight from St. Joseph, MO to St. Louis just prior to the Fair St. Louis Air Show on July 4.  Part of the paperwork associated with the record flight is the Certification of Landing Form 7 used by the National Aeronautic Association to document the exact time of landing.  The Air Traffic Control authorities at St. Louis Downtown Airport (KCPS) have released the form (see below).

  

Air Associates Hosts Cessna Skycatcher Discover Flying Challenge

By Carmelo Turdo

Air Associates of Missouri hosted the Cessna Skycatcher Discover Flying Challenge today at Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, MO to invite prospective pilots to fly in the Skycatcher Light Sport aircraft.  Air Associates has been very successful with its Skycatcher training program, and brought in Jen Scanlan, pilot of Skycatcher 6, to encourage others to take to the air and literally broaden their horizons.  Jen is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, with a Bachelor of Science in aviation, professional pilot concentration. She is a commercial pilot - airplane single and multi-engine land, is instrument rated, and also a certified flight instructor with 315 total flight hours, 28 of which are in a multi-engine aircraft. She has accomplished so much already as a pilot and representative of the Cessna Skycatcher that it is no wonder she is such an encouragement to those who are considering pilot training.  Also on hand was the Mobile Marketing Vehicle, a semi trailer featuring the latest in Cessna avionics demonstrations and large-screen presentations of Cessna aircraft. To take your discovery flight in a Skycatcher, contact Air Associates of Missouri at http://www.airassociatesmo.com/.