Fliers from across the Midwest gathered for the Fall Fly-In at St. Louis Downtown Airport (KCPS) on Saturday. It has been several years since there was a general aviation fly-in at KCPS, and this one was planned as a low-key lunch stop for those winging their way across the Midwest. The event was organized by Aaron Tarlow, a Piper Comanche pilot based at the airport, with special thanks to the airport management, air traffic controllers, Jet Aviation and Big River Aviation.
One of the attractions for the fly-in was the F-4 Phantom jet cockpit exhibit provided by the Gateway Youth Aeronautical Foundation. The foundation's mission is to inspire youth to discover the world of aviation, and one way to do that is to provide the opportunity for the public to actually sit a fully-restored military jet cockpit. The exhibit is available for events and STEM programs in the St. Louis and surrounding areas.
The cockpit exhibit supports the GYAF's mission to inspire youth to discover the world of aviation, and it will later be joined by a flying Bell OH-58C Kiowa helicopter. Other current and future programs offered by the GYAF are Discovery Flights (see coupon below), RC aircraft build and fly planes, flight simulation experiences and STEM educational programs in cooperation with other organizations.
"The Gateway Youth Aeronautical Foundation has this mission - to spark youth interest in pursuing opportunities in the aviation field," said Joe Steimann, the Founder and President of the GYAF. "The goal is to be that one event experience that proves to be pivotal in changing a youth’s life forever. This mission will be achieved through the financial generosity of sponsors and donors so that individual cost is never a prerequisite for youth to participate in activities provided by GYAF." Tax-deductible donations, large or small, are appreciated.
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