The skyline above Spirit of St. Louis airport roared for the first time in seven year’s as the airport celebrated its 50th year in operation. Celebrations included a world-class airshow, Veterans Village resource center, and the newly conceived S.T.E.M. Expo that connects local company’s with the next generation to promote careers in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields. Members of the Missouri Aviation Historical Society were on hand to promote the state’s aviation legacy and upcoming Lambert Airport history project. With attendance surpassing expected levels, the event quickly became the area’s Spring highlight. In addition to the United States Navy Blue Angels the airshow included special duets by Patty Wagstaff and Skip Stewart, along with a parade of war-birds including the Douglas SBD Dauntless (one of two flying today). Rare airshow appearances by the Boeing Company’s P-8 Poseidon and St. Louis built EA-18G Growler rounded an impressive array of over forty vintage and corporate static aircraft. A very special thanks to the airport, TACAIR, Mark Sutherland, and the Boeing Company for creating a truly remarkable weekend. Coverage of Tom Mohan’s special Dauntless flight will be coming soon.
Additional coverage from the show can be found from our friends at the Aero Experience. Photos below by Myron Lane, Chase Kohler, and Joe Gurney.
