The Aero Experience - Celebrating Midwest Aviation

Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum Displays St. Louis-Built Aircraft in Center Hangar

2012-01-29T20:04:00.000-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

The Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum, located at Creve Coeur Airport in west St. Louis County, is known for its collection of pristine, flyable pre-war period aircraft. The museum is now offering a display of all St. Louis-made aircraft in its central hangar, and The Aero Experience has received a sneak peek at this incredible arrangement. Aircraft included in the collection are 1943 Laister Kauffman LK-10A sailplane, 1931 Curtiss-Wright 15-D Sedan, 1936 Travel Air 16-E, 1932 Monocoupe 90, 1929 St. Louis Cardinal, 1935 Piper (Taylor) E-2, 1933 Flagg F13, 1926 Ryan M-1,1931 Nicholas Beazley NB-8G, 1936 Star Cavalier, Curtiss-Wright Robin, among others. Put this museum on your must-see list this year, especially during the Waco Club Fly-In. For more information, visit http://www.crevecoeurairport.com/home.html.

Laister Kauffman LK-10A

Ryan M-1

Monocoupe 90

Curtiss-Wright 15-D Sedan

Nicholas Beazley NB-8G

Curtiss-Wright Robin

Flagg F13

Travel Air 16-E

St. Louis Aircraft Cardinal

Piper (Taylor) E-2

Missouri Commemorative Air Force Wing Readies for Airshow Season

2012-01-29T11:19:00.000-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

The Missouri Wing of the Commemorative Air Force is gearing up for the 2012 air show season at St. Charles County Smartt Airport, just west of St. Louis. Since 1982, the Missouri Wing has carried out the Commemorative Air Force mission of "education through living history" by preserving and demonstrating World War II era aircraft and vehicles locally and throughout the country. There is nothing like seeing a B-25J Mitchell bomber, TBM-3E Avenger torpedo bomber or Aeronca 65TAC/L-3E observation aircraft up close, hearing their engines chugging along, and even putting yourself back in time by taking a flight in one of them. Currently, the B-25J Show Me and the TBM Avenger are undergoing annual maintenance in preparation for the fast-approaching air show season. Special thanks to the Missouri CAF for hosting The Aero Experience this weekend - here are some scenes from our tour:

TBM-3E Avenger Undergoing Annual Maintenance

B-25J Mitchell Undergoes Annual Maintenance

L-3E Prepares for Afternoon Flight

Missouri CAF Member Greg Vallero's AT-6F Texan Is Readied Warbird Rides

For more information about the Missouri Wing of the CAF, please visit http://www.cafmo.org/. Greg Vallero's Texan will soon be available for warbird rides. Contact him at warbirdridesusa@gmail.com to reserve your slot.

Marine MV-22B Osprey Stops for Fuel and Food at St. Louis Downtown Airport

2012-01-27T20:51:00.000-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

A Marine MV-22B Osprey stopped in at St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia, IL today for a brief fuel stop on a delivery flight from the Bell Helicopter plant in Amarillo, Texas. The inter-service crew parked in front of the Greater St. Louis Air and Space Museum in Curtiss-Wright Hangar 2 and received fuel from neighboring Ideal Aviation. After getting some lunch, the two Marines and one Air Force pilot spoke briefly to a gathering of "ramp rats" before spooling up and taking off. The Osprey flew towards the St. Louis Gateway Arch on their way to an unknown destination. Here are a few photos of the aircraft and crew:

Apollo 1 Crew Remembered on Anniversary of Tragic Fire

2012-01-26T23:04:00.007-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

The crew of Apollo 1 will be remembered across America January 27 on the 45th anniversary of the tragic fire that destroyed the spacecraft and killed 3 astronauts at Cape Kennedy Launch Complex 34. The crew consisted of Lt. Colonel Virgil Ivan “Gus” Grissom (USAF), command pilot; Lt. Colonel Edward Higgins White, II (USAF), senior pilot; and Lt. Commander Roger Bruce Chaffee (USN), pilot. The accident occurred during the Plugs Out Integrated Test. The purpose of this test was to demonstrate all space vehicle systems and operational procedures in as near a flight configuration as practical and to verify systems capability in a simulated launch. The mission was due to be launched on February 21, 1967 as the first manned Apollo flight.

Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward White and Roger Chaffee (NASA photo)

Selected in the first astronaut group of 1959, Grissom had been pilot of MR-4, America’s second and last suborbital flight, and command pilot of the first two-person flight, Gemini 3. Born on 3 April 1926 in Mitchell, Indiana, Grissom was 40 years old on the day of the Apollo 1 fire. Grissom received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Purdue University in 1950. His backup for the mission was Captain Walter Marty “Wally” Schirra [shi-RAH] (USN).

Edward White had been pilot for the Gemini 4 mission, during which he became the first American to walk in space. He was born 14 November 1930 in San Antonio, Texas, and was 36 years old on the day of the Apollo 1 fire. He received a B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1952, an M.S. in aeronautical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1959, and was selected as an astronaut in 1962. His backup was Major Donn Fulton Eisele [EYES-lee] (USAF).

Chaffee was training for his first spaceflight. He was born 15 February 1935 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was 31 years old on the day of the Apollo 1 fire. He received a B.S. in aeronautical engineering from Purdue University in 1957, and was selected as an astronaut in 1963. His backup was Ronnie Walter “Walt” Cunningham.

It was concluded that the most likely cause was a spark from a short circuit in a bundle of wires that ran to the left and just in front of Grissom's seat. The large amount of flammable material in the cabin in the oxygen environment allowed the fire to start and spread quickly. A number of changes were instigated in the program over the next year and a half, including designing a new hatch which opened outward and could be operated quickly, removing much of the flammable material and replacing it with self-extinguishing components, using a nitrogen-oxygen mixture at launch, and recording all changes and overseeing all modifications to the spacecraft design more rigorously. Ironically, the command and service modules (capsule and propellant/rocket/utility sections) were constructed by North American Aviation, not McDonnell Aircraft who designed the earlier successful Mercury and Gemini manned spacecraft. Both North American (Rockwell) and McDonnell (Douglas) were absorbed into the Boeing Company decades later.

The Mission Designation and Patch Design

The mission now known as Apollo 1 was originally designated AS-204, and the launch vehicle that finally bore the designation AS-204 carried a lunar module, or LM, as the payload, instead of a command module. The missions of AS-201 and AS-202 with Apollo spacecraft aboard had been unofficially known as Apollo 1 and Apollo 2 missions. AS-203 carried only the aerodynamic nose cone. On April 24,1967, NASA's Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, Dr. George E. Mueller, announced that the mission originally scheduled for Grissom, White and Chaffee would be known as Apollo 1, and said that the first Saturn V launch, scheduled for November 1967, would be known as Apollo 4. The eventual launch of AS-204 became known as the Apollo 5 mission. No missions or flights were ever designated Apollo 2 or 3.

Apollo I Patch (NASA graphic)

The patch worn by the astronauts of AS-204 did indeed have "Apollo 1" embroidered on it, worn on practice ground missions in 1966 and 1967. Just a week before the tragedy, NASA withdrew its permission to label the mission "Apollo 1" until it was officially redesignated. For more information about the evolution of the Apollo 1 mission patch, please visit http://genedorr.com/patches/Apollo/Ap01.html.

At 6:31:04 pm please pause to remember the crew of Apollo 1 - one of three crews who lost their lives in the pursuit of American manned space flight.

(Portions of this posting provided by NASA)

2012 Midwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show In Full Swing This Weekend

2012-01-21T15:04:00.001-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

The 2012 Midwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show (MACTS) is in session this weekend at the Maryland Heights Centre in St. Louis County. Sponsored by the Greater St. Louis Flight Instructors Association, the program offers technical and safety briefings as well as discussion of general aviation aviation topics. The schedule of events is below:

January 2012 Saturday, January 21, 2012

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Aviation Trade Show

9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. Welcome and Introductions:
Fred Harms, Mr. Tyrone Gilliard, Gloria Bahn

10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Business Aspects of Flight Instruction, Peggy Chabrian

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Flight Safety, Gregg Maryniak

12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. Break/Lunch

1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. NextGen, Central Region FAA Administrators Panel

2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. Safety Trends in General Aviation, Jeff Edwards

6:15 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Awards Banquet- Keynote Speaker Rhonda Hamm-Neibregge Director, Lambert Airport

Some of the Trade Show Sponsors:

Air Associates

St. Charles Flying Service

Women With Wings and St. Louis 99s

EAA Chapter 32, St. Charles County Airport

St. Louis University Center for Aviation Safety Research

Wicks Aircraft Supply

Sunday, January 22, 2012 Time Event Details

10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. Risk Management/Risk Intervention Strategies, Steve Hofmann

11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. Pilot Proficiency Wings Program, John Teipen FAA Safety Team

12:20 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch – Free Pizza Lunch

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Learn to Fly – Adult & Youth Programs, Featuring: Craig O’mara Program Director. Guest: Dave Desmond, , Chief Test Pilot, Military Tactical Flight Operations for The Boeing Company

Missouri Aviation Historical Society Meeting Features Tuskegee Airmen Presentation

2012-01-19T23:23:00.000-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

Myron Lane

The Missouri Aviation Historical Society's January meeting featured a presentation on the Tuskegee Airmen by member Myron Lane. On the eve of the release of the movie, "Red Tails," a large number of attendees were present to learn more about the segregated 332nd Fighter Group and their service escorting American heavy bombers over Europe. Case studies of local St. Louis area Tuskegee Airmen were discussed, and various paint schemes of the aircraft flown in the four squadrons of the 332nd FG were illustrated. Special thanks to Myron and the leadership of the Missouri Aviation Historical Society for hosting this month's meeting.

Fly a Mission With the Tuskegee Airmen and Experience the Red Tails Movie

2012-01-17T21:11:00.001-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

The January 20 premier of the movie "Red Tails" is rapidly approaching, but you can fly a virtual mission with the Tuskegee Airmen right now. Fly your P-51 Mustang as a rookie fighter pilot and be ready for movie night! Take off with a large formation of Mustangs and shoot down German fighters attacking your bombers. As you gain more victories, you can access more exclusive web content such as historic video, pilot biographies and more. Get comfortable, gas up your fighter plane and visit http://www.redtails2012.com/ for interactive experiences that will make you an honorary "Red Tail."

Carl Cochran, Former Manager of Washington, MO Airport, Remembered

2012-01-17T20:29:00.001-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

Mr. Carl Cochran passed away on Jan 3, at the age of 89. Carl was very well known in the St. Louis aviation community, and among his many accomplishments, flew for Ozark Airlines, and managed the Washington, Missouri airport for nearly two decades. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service is being planned for sometime in April at the Washington, MO airport.

The emissourian.com gives the following review of Mr. Cochran's aviation career:

Mr. Cochran was a pilot, flight instructor and airport manager in his long career in aviation that began in 1940. He managed the Washington Municipal Airport, which now is a regional airport, from 1982 to 1997 when he retired at age 75. He and the airport weathered two major floods, in 1986 and 1993.

Because of his long career in aviation, he was widely known and is credited with "putting the Washington Airport on the map." Under his management, flight instruction and maintenance on aircraft brought many pilots to the airport. The airport was the location for many events, fly-ins and reunions. For a time, instructions were given in Stearman biplanes. It was the only place in the country where instructions were available in that aircraft.

Raised on a farm, he went to work at age 17 at an aircraft factory in Kansas City, Kan. With World War II under way, he enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and earned his wings in 1944. He flew land-based patrol bombers on many missions. After the war, he spent a number of years in the Naval reserves before retiring from the service. Cochran ran a flying school in New Mexico for a period and learned to fly helicopters in 1948. He was one of only about 100 pilots certified to fly helicopters at that time. He flew for non-scheduled airlines, including one in Illinois that later became Ozark Airlines, headquartered in St. Louis. He flew for Ozark for 31 years. Ozark later was sold to TWA.

Air Associates of Missouri Posts Flight Training Class Schedule

2012-01-15T11:59:00.001-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

Air Associates of Missouri, located at Spirit of St. Louis Airport, is a Cessna Pilot Center and provides a wide range of maintenance services on single and twin engine aircraft, including the G1000 equipped Cessna. They provide a modern, comfortable setting for your flight training and recurrent training classes and of course, use the latest training aircraft -Skycatcher, C172, C182 - and simulators. Your outlook on life will be forever changed the first time you take the controls of a Cessna aircraft, flying through the air, far above the ground. This is what you were born to do. And the best place for you to begin your journey of flight is at Air Associates.

Simulator (Air Associates Photo)

NEW Instrument Flight Ground School Series - Tuesdays at 7pm

1/17: Understanding Your Instruments and Instrument Flying

1/24: IFR Navigation & Flight Planning

1/31: Weather

2/7: Departure Procedures

2/21: IFR En Route

2/28: Basic Arrival & Approach

3/6: Advanced Arrival & Approach

3/13: Regulations

3/20: Emergencies & Go/No-Go Decisions

3/27: G1000

4/2: G1000

Please call (636) 536-1341 to reserve your spot.

"Space Junk" Premiers January 14 at St. Louis Science Center Omnimax Theater

2012-01-11T21:19:00.001-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

"Space Junk" Premiers January 14 at the St. Louis Science Center Omnimax Theater. 50 years after launching our dreams into space, we’re left with a troubling legacy: a growing ring of orbiting debris that threatens the safety of earth’s orbits. SPACE JUNK is a visually explosive journey of discovery that weighs the solutions aimed at restoring our planet’s orbits. Experience mind-boggling collisions, both natural and man-made. Soar for the stunning depths of Meteor Crater to an unprecedented view of our increasingly crowded orbits – 22,000 miles above earth. Join us as foremost expert Don Kessler, the “Father of Space Junk,” guides us through the challenges we face in protecting them, forging a new age of space discovery.

Please visit http://www.slsc.org/WhatToDo/OMNIMAXTheater/SpaceJunk.aspx for ticket information.

Cirrus Plans Public Premier of 2012 Models, Including Appearance by Vision SF50 Jet

2012-01-09T09:04:00.002-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

Cirrus plans to introduce its 2012 SR20, SR22 and Vision
SF50 jet January 11 at Austin Executive Airport. Cirrus, a regular attendee of the Great Plains Air Expo held in the St. Louis area each summer, continues to produce the best selling single engine piston aircraft series. After a prolonged development, the Vision SF50 is proceeding through flight testing and will appear at the January 11 event (and hopefully in St. Louis in the future). Here are some photos of pilot John Arnold and the Cirrus SR20 he flew to Spirit of St. Louis Airport for the Great Plains Air Expo last June, and a video featuring the history of the company.

Prairie Aviation Museum Dedicates "Peashooter" Children's Flight Simulator

2012-01-08T22:06:00.004-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

(This a reprint of the article featured in the January 2012 edition of the Prairie Aviation Museum "Logbook" Newsletter).

On Saturday December 10, 2011 the Prairie Aviation Museum (PAM) hosted a dedication and celebration of the work of Earl Kaufman. At 2:00 pm, with Earl’s son Lonne and his family present, we honored Earl with a dedication of the recently preserved home built aircraft Simulator he built.

Gifted mechanic, aviation enthusiast, and PAM member (#46) Earl Kaufman built a youth flight simulator in his Normal, IL workshop and donated it to PAM. He wanted to provide children with an airplane experience and enjoyed sharing his creation with children attending the PAM air shows in the late 1980’s. After many years of use, the Peashooter, named after the famous 1930’s Boeing P-26A, needed some tender care and restoration.

The museum is indebted to Lonne Kaufman, son of Earl Kaufman, for sharing information about his father and the construction of the Aircraft Simulator. After providing some history of the aircraft simulator and its preservation, Tom Kuhn gave appreciation certificates to Lonne and his family, Jim Wallen and John Rice and JOPAC.

Peashooter Before Current Restoration

The 4 Peashooter’s (PAM members Tom Kuhn, Gary Volk, Doug Reeves, and Karl Rubbel) disassembled the simulator, replaced worn-out parts, installed a windshield and painted it to resemble the Boeing P-26A Boeing aircraft. A special thanks goes to Jim Wallen for refinishing the seat and interior. Jim spent over 20 years as the creator and repair expert for the interior of Air Force One.

And a special thanks to John Rice and JOPAC Auto Paints & Supply for use of their workshop, paint supplies, great ideas and encouragement. John and his firm are experts in auto painting and he had many ideas that made the preservation a real success.

Then Doug Reeves and Tom unveiled the “new” peashooter and showed off the marvelous example of aviation craftsmanship by Mr. Earl Kaufman. The plane will be used for many events at the museum.

Peashooter After Current Restoration

First Flight!

The visitors talked about the work of Earl Kaufman, the details of the preservation and even gave rides to some of the younger family members. It was a fun afternoon and great dedication to Earl Kaufman.

Support the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum in Round Two of Monsanto's Grow St. Louis Contest

2012-01-08T19:30:00.001-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

Support the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum in the Monsanto Grow St. Louis contest. Please vote daily and get your friends to also vote to help the museum gain some much-needed funding for its continued operation as the only air and space museum in the area. Here is the description from the Monsanto Grow St. Louis site:

The second round of the Grow St. Louis contest has begun! Tell us what your favorite non-profit organization could do with some prize money -- and then in January, we'll start voting for the winners.

What is Grow St. Louis?

Monsanto has pledged to help St. Louis grow by awarding $15,000, $10,000, and $5,000 awards to local projects.

The second round of the contest has kicked off. The nominations are in, and we'll start the voting on January 9, 2012. From January 9 – 29 to vote for your favorite eligible submission. Voting will be open to the public, so don’t forget to tell your friends about it. (Note: For this round of the contest, daily votes will be limited to one vote per person.)

Be sure you don’t miss a date by liking STLGROWN on Facebook and following #STLGROWN on Twitter. We’ll be announcing all phases of the contest – as well as featuring eligible submissions throughout the contest.

Prizes
Based on the top vote-getters, awards in the amount of $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000 will go to the top three project winners, respectively.

To learn more about submissions and timing, view our official contest rules and regulations: http://www.monsanto.com/stlouis/Pages/GrowSTLContest.aspx.

1929 Curtiss-Wright Hangars - We Have TWO Functioning Here In the St. Louis Area

2012-01-08T17:10:00.002-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

1929 Curtiss-Wright hangars were once scattered about the U.S. at most major airports where Curtiss-Wright did business. With time and aviation industry consolidation taking their toll on nearly all of these facilities, only a few remain in any condition. We in the St. Louis area are very fortunate to have TWO of these magnificent historic landmarks not only still standing, but functional and occupied by viable entities at St. Louis Downtown Airport: Ozark Air Services in Hangar 1 and The Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum, EAA Chapter 64 and the Gateway Area Ultralight Association in Hangar 2. Two other Curtiss-Wright hangars exist, one in South Carolina in very poor condition and another in "storage" in Oklahoma, planned for rebuilding at Wiley Post Airport at later date. Restorations of the South Carolina and Oklahoma hangars will cost millions of dollars. Curtiss-Wright Hangars 1 and 2 are pictured below:

Hangar 1 Curtiss-Wright Logo

Hangar 2 Curtiss-Wright Logo

Hangars 1 and 2 at St. Louis Downtown Airport, Cahokia, IL

Hangar 1 Now Used by Ozark Air Services

Hangar 2 Houses the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum

Hangar 2 During EAA 64 Ford Trimotor Event (Mark Nankivil photo)

The two hangars in the St. Louis area are showing their age, and also need funds for repairs and modernization. You can help preserve these registered historic buildings and a living aviation history by giving generously to the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum building fund at: http://airandspacemuseum.org/ - Support Us tab.

Airport Sunrise - Beautiful Scenes of the Morning Sky

2012-01-08T14:35:00.000-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

Sometimes getting somewhere at just the right time will produce photo opportunities that just call out to you - "Capture this moment!" Midwest winter sunrise comes after 7a.m., which leaves plenty of time to go to the airport and get your best shots. In my work with the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum, I spend a lot of time at St. Louis Downtown Airport and recently found this scene as I arrived prior to opening the museum. I hope you enjoy the view as much as I did!

EAA Announces Webinar Schedule for January and February

2012-01-04T17:05:00.001-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

Upcoming webinars include the following:

January 4 - 8 p.m. CST
All About Magnetos - AMT Credit
Presenter: Mike Busch

January 11 - 7 p.m. CST
Chapter Officer Transition - Getting off to a good start!
Presenters: Brenda Anderson and Steve Buss

January 19 - 7 p.m. CST
Emergency Bailout Procedures and Survival Equipment for Pilots - Wings Credit
Presenter: Allen Silver

January 27 - 7 p.m. CST
A Chat With Air Racing Legend Bill Brennand Presenters: Bill Brennand and Jim Cunningham

February 1 - 8 p.m. CST
Deciding When to Overhaul - AMT Credit
Presenter: Mike Busch

February 8 - 7 p.m. CST
UL Power Aero Engines
Presenter: Robert Helms

February 15 - 7 p.m. CST
Onex Kit Aircraft
Presenter: Jeremy Monnett

February 22 - 7 p.m. CST
15 Habits for Good Radio Communication - Wings Credit
Presenter: Don Weaver

February 28 - 7 p.m. CST
The History and Restoration of the Original: RV-1
Presenters: Louise Hose, Ernie Butcher, Paul Dye and Dick VanGrunsven

Mount Vernon, IL Aviation Community Mourns the Passing of Mr. Max Firebaugh

2012-01-03T16:40:00.020-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

The Mount Vernon, IL aviation community mourns the passing of Mr. Max Firebaugh, a World War II veteran and former manager of Mount Vernon Outland Airport. Mr. Firebaugh, 90, passed away on New Year's Eve 2011 at Fair Park Health Center in Maryville, Tennessee after he earlier suffered a series of mini-strokes at his home in Mt. Vernon. The family is planning for a Tuesday evening visitation at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. The funeral is planned for Wednesday afternoon at Central Christian Church. As current Mount Vernon Outland Airport Manager, Chris Collins, told The Aero Experience: "As one member of the family put it: 'We have lost a great aviator, airport manager, soldier, American, and friend!'"

Lt. Max Firebaugh, Dec. 1942

Max Firebaugh had a long and distinguished aeronautical career, beginning with his enlistment in the U.S. Army Air Corps as an Air Cadet soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He later flew Martin B-26 Marauder bombers in Europe, including supporting the D-Day landings. He retired later as an Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonel.

Mount Vernon's favorite son was also known for an early aeronautical exploit over town. Collins relates the story this way: "During a 1943 cross-country test flight, Max wanted to say hello to his friends and family back home and Mt. Vernon was directly on course. As legend states, windows were rattled in the Rogers Building downtown. Max’s mother was so inspired by the act, she wrote a letter to her favorite poet, Edgar Guest. The letter described the flight through Mt. Vernon by one of its own preparing to fight overseas. Mr. Guest crafted a poem “Dusting off His Hometown” in tribute to Max’s aerial antics over Mt. Vernon. The poem was published in syndicated newspapers as well as the Saturday Evening Post on July 27, 1943. Max spent the rest of his life fearful that the Civil Aeronautics Administration, and later, the Federal Aviation Administration, would render punishment."

Post Card Sent by Max Firebaugh from England

Max Firebaugh's remembrance in the Mount Vernon Register News continues: "After WW-2, Max returned to the University of Illinois, graduating in 1947 with a BS in Geology. During his career as a geologist, Max worked for Illinois State Geological Survey, Sohio Pipeline Co., and from 1948 through 1966 for Collins Brothers Oil Co. He served as president of Illinois Geological Society in 1956-1957. In 1966, Max became manager of the Mount Vernon Outland Airport. For the next 23 years, he worked aggressively to turn Mount Vernon Outland Airport into a regional facility that provides excellent commercial services to individuals and industries in the area. In the years following his retirement as manager, Max continued to play a role in advancing the airport, offering wise counsel and sometimes physical help."

After serving members of the local aviation community for most of his life, there came a time in November of 2011 when Max Firebaugh needed their help, and they quickly came to his aid. After falling ill following a series of strokes, family members living in Knoxville, Tennessee felt it would be better for him to be with them rather than remain in Mount Vernon. Airport Manager Chris Collins continues: "Mt. Vernon Outland Airport Management sought assistance from the local aviation community for help relocating Max to Knoxville. Within one hour of the request, Dr. Alan Froehling generously offered to fly Max in his Piper Navajo aircraft. A request for someone with the skills to care for Max during the flight was answered by longtime Mt. Vernon Physician, and Max’s personal Doctor and friend, Dr. Richard Garretson. Nurse Millie, from Dr. Garretson’s Office, volunteered to help as well. Also assisting with the flight were the aviation mechanics at SRT Aviation who helped ready the aircraft for the flight. Litton Ambulance Service provided Max’s transportation from Countryside Manor to the airport.

"Friday, December 23, 2011, was cold and windy so the team decided to load Max inside the Heroes Memorial Hangar. Many of Max’s friends, airport employees, airport board members, and aviation enthusiasts showed up to say what is hoped to be a temporary “goodbye” to a favorite son and an aviation legend. Although Max had very hard feelings leaving his beloved Mt. Vernon, he knew he had a better chance recovering with his family members by his side in Tennessee."

Sadly, he did not recover, but has again returned to a grateful Mount Vernon. Memorials may be given to Central Christian Church Food Pantry and will be accepted at the funeral home, church or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, Illinois 62864.

For more information about Max Firebaugh, please visit:

Hughey Funeral Home: http://www.hugheyfuneralhome1969.com/expressionsoftware/index.php/obituaries/view/max_creighton_firebaugh/

U.S. Military Tribute:
http://mtvernonairport.com/html/veterans_hall_of_honor_-_services_at_mt__vernon_airport.html

(Photos and background information for this feature were provided by Chris Collins).

MO Aviation Historical Society Meeting January 19 Presents the Tuskegee Airmen Story

2012-01-01T16:21:00.002-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

The Missouri Aviation Historical Society is a group of folks with a love of aircraft, and we are striving to record and document the rich aviation history that has been a part of the great state of Missouri for the past century. From Benoist to Zenith, the aviation industry in the "Show Me" state has always been at the forefront of technology, and has produced some of the world’s best known aircraft. Famous pilots, from Jimmy Doolittle, to Slim Lindbergh, all called Missouri home for a portion of their lives, and made significant contributions to the advancement of aviation. We meet monthly in Clayton, MO, at 190 Carondelet Plaza, Suite 600, St. Louis, MO 63105. Our next gathering will be on Thur, Jan 19th at 7 PM. With the release of the new movie "RED TAILS", MOAHS member Myron Lane will present the history of the men from Missouri, who left their homes for Tuskegee, Alabama, and became some of the most respected fighter pilots in the USAAC. Known as the TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, bomber crews were soon requesting them for escort with their brightly painted red tail P-51 Mustangs!. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served. For directions, please see the accompanying page, and if you have any questions, please contact Dan O’Hara at 573-529-2539 or email danjo60@gmail.com Hope to see you there!

Charles McGee, a Tuskegee Airman, in Columbia, MO May 2010

P-51C Mustang "Tuskegee Airmen" in Columbia, MO May 2010

Red Tails Movie a Hit With St. Louis Area EAA President

2011-12-29T20:54:00.003-06:00

By Rick Rehg, EAA 64 President

(EAA Chapter 64 President, Rick Rehg, screened the yet to be released movie Red Tails and gave his review to The Aero Experience this week).

Red Tails is a wonderful film and I give it a superior rating. It is a very action packed film about the Tuskegee Airmen. I researched the history of the 332nd Fighter Group and found that the film is historically accurate. These airmen gave it their all and truly proved themselves in combat as the best possible reply to racism. They faced the best of the German Luftwaffe, including the German Me 262 jets. George Lucas, the executive producer, celebrates the heroics of the Tuskegee Airmen by putting his own money and team behind the making of this film because he believed in their story.

It is an important film about American History. This movie puts you in the cockpit and will have your heart pounding as you face Germany's best fighter Aces. It even has some romance, with a sad ending as one of the pilots does not make it back from a mission. I think this movie will inspire and illustrate how talented and brave the Tuskegee Airmen were in the face of a fierce enemy. The movie never drags and will keep you wide awake with 1/2 of the film time in virtual combat flying. This is a story that should have been presented to the American public 65 years ago. Thanks to George Lucas for creating a film now that will engage and excite people of all ages.

Boeing Deal for F-15s to Saudi Arabia a Boon for St. Louis Military Aircraft Production

2011-12-29T20:21:00.001-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

The announcement today of the sale of 84 new F-15S Eagle strike fighters along with the upgrade of a further 70 aircraft was a boon to Boeing's military aircraft production facilities in St. Louis, MO and its subcontractors. The nearly $30B deal was in the making for over a year, and also includes munitions, spare parts, training, maintenance and logistics support. Key to the defense of the Saudi kingdom are the strike fighters, necessary to present a strong punch to Yemeni rebels or any other likely destabilizing nation in the region such as Iran.

Boeing has continued slow but steady production of F-15 Eagle variant strike fighters, a legacy aircraft from it's takeover of McDonnell Douglas, for export to Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Singapore. Will any further exports include the Silent Eagle? This variant, first flown in 2010, incorporates radar-absorbent materials, electronic countermeasures, and conformal internal weapons carriage capabilities (with the ability to rapidly convert to full F-15E loading without the conformal bays). While not a fully stealthy aircraft, the Silent Eagle significantly increases the odds of survival by reducing its IR and radar signatures using technology cleared for export customers. Boeing is also looking for more export customers for its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighter to continue its St. Louis production line and keep unit costs down for current U.S. orders. Ironically, export orders like the F-15 deal announced today will keep defense contractors producing legacy weapons systems that may eventually be again needed in America if the new high technology, high cost models do not pan out (ie. F-22).

St. Louis County Lewis & Clark Branch Features Display of World War II Japanese Airplane Models

2011-12-28T20:53:00.001-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

The Lewis & Clark Branch of the St. Louis County Library featured a display of World War II Japanese model aircraft in remembrance of the attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941. The models, in1:72 scale, were made by Mr. Frederick Busse, have been in a handsome case in the library lobby throughout December, and are of impeccable quality. Also included in the case are books and other memorabilia to set the scene of Japanese naval air forces used in the Pearl Harbor attack and through the rest of hostilities. Special thanks to Mr. Busse and the St. Louis County Library for presenting this excellent exhibit!

2012 Will Bring Bittersweet Mix of U.S. Manned Space Mission Anniversaries

2011-12-27T21:38:00.000-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

2012 will be a year of U.S. Space Flight anniversaries - a bittersweet mix of triumph and tragedy that marks any of mankind's most difficult endeavors. The nation will celebrate the 50th anniversary of John Glenn's first orbital Mercury flight in Friendship 7, launched February 20, 1962. Also in 2012, the 40th anniversary of Apollo 16 and Apollo 17 manned lunar missions will be observed. It will also be the 30th anniversary of three Space Shuttle launches - STS-3, STS-4 and STS-5 - as well as the arrival of Challenger for preparation for its inaugural mission the following year. The 20th anniversary of eight Space Shuttle missions and the 10th anniversary of five Space Shuttle missions will also be celebrated.

America will also come together to remember more somber moments in the U.S. manned space program:

45th Anniversary of the Apollo 1 Fire - January 27,1967 (NASA Graphic)

26th Anniversary of the Challenger Mission STS-51L Tragedy Jan. 28, 1986 (NASA Graphic)

9th Anniversary of the Columbia STS-107 Tragedy February 1, 2003 (NASA Graphic)

Farmington, MO Regional Airport Shows Off Updated Layout

2011-12-26T21:55:00.002-06:00

By Fred Harl

The Farmington, MO Regional Airport has undergone significant upgrades in recent years, and this seemed like a good time to take another look at this gem of the Midwest. Owned by the City of Farmington, it sports a 4222 x 75 ft. concrete Runway 2/20 that may be extended to 5000 feet in the future.

Improvements included a new terminal building, additional ramp space, new taxiway with additional turnoffs, and a self-service fueling area. Also of note is the nearby Air Evac Life Team base, established in 1998, serving southeast Missouri communities. Make Farmington, MO one of your next destinations as you convert money to fuel, and also drop by these airports while you are in the area: A. Paul Vance Fredericktown Regional Airport (11 nm SE), Washington County Airport (18 nm NW), Festus Memorial Airport (26 nm N), Perryville Municipal Airport (28 nm E), and Sparta Community Airport-Hunter Field (42 nm NE).

Here are some of my recent aerial photos of Farmington Regional Airport:

Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum Displays Newest Attraction

2011-12-24T10:14:00.001-06:00

By Carmelo Turdo

The Greater St. Louis Air and Space Museum is sprucing up its hangar to accommodate its newest display – an F-4 Phantom II cockpit restored by Joe Steimann. The aircraft cockpit, originally from a McDonnell Douglas F-4F stricken from the German Air Force after an accident, is now in the colors of the MO ANG 131st TFW formerly based in St. Louis. Other aircraft on display include a BD-5, 1941 Meyers OTW previously owned by Nikki Caplan, Pietenpole Air Camper as well as several sailplanes and missiles.

Make it your New Year’s Resolution to visit the museum at historic Curtiss-Wright Hangar 2, St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia, IL. Visit the web site at http://airandspacemuseum.org/.

Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum Receives Restored F-4 Phantom Cockpit on Loan

2011-12-18T22:57:00.001-06:00

By Mark Nankivil

The Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum has received a restored F-4 Phantom II cockpit on loan through the spring of 2012. The owner, Joe Steimann, restored the cockpit and nose section of the aircraft to resemble F-4E s/n. 68-0338 flown by the 131st TFW, Missouri Air National Guard, formerly based in St. Louis. The cockpit is actually from a German F-4F that was damaged in an engine fire, and after being used as a trainer was destined to be scrapped. Steimann purchased the remnants of the cockpit and restored it. The cockpit can be seen at airshows and corporate events during the airshow season, but you can see it now at the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum located in historic Curtiss-Wright Hangar 2 at St. Louis Downtown Airport. For more information about the museum, please visit http://airandspacemuseum.org/.

Joe Steimann and the F-4 Cockpit Before Restoration (Joe Steimann Photo)

The F-4 Cockpit Arrives at the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum (Mark Nankivil Photo)

The F-4 Cockpit Is Readied for Display in the Museum's Hangar (Mark Nankivil Photo)

The F-4 Cockpit is Now In the Museum's Hangar (Mark Nankivil Photo)