2006 Wings and Wheels

You can click below to view some aircraft that have been to our past fly-ins. View Past Fly-Ins! 2005 |2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

Planes, tractors and automobiles

The oldest existing C-47 airplane still flying in its original condition, a B25J Mitchell Bomber, and a P51 Mustang will highlight the St. Louis Regional Airport’s 12th annual Open House and Fly-in from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 30, 2006. The extremely popular event featuring food, a car show and free plane rides for kids is back this year with the addition of tractors from the American Farm Heritage Museum in Greenville, Ill.

“We are hoping to have individual collectors in the area bring around 20 great tractors,” said Oliver Schaffer, president of the museum. “I plan to bring an Oliver Orchard ’66, a 1937 Oliver 70 Standard, and maybe even an Oliver Miniature 1250 and a few peddle tractors for the kids.”

Kids Fly Free.

The event offers free single engine airplane rides to children ages 8-17 to help promote an interest in aviation and the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program, Parents are asked sign their children up at the designated Young Eagles area between
9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“It has been an amazing event that just continues to grow year after year,” said David Miller, St. Louis Regional Airport manager. “The location on 111 in Bethalto, Ill. is close to both Hwy 270 and Hwy 255 and so convenient that it has long been a popular landing strip for both upscale corporate and vintage planes.”

He encourages the public to attend and view display aircraft as well as watch fly-bys and formation flying throughout the day. A few of the aircraft expected for the open house include T-6 Texans, T-28 Trojans, a Fairchild PT-19 WWII trainer, a North American SNJ-5 WWII Navy marine trainer and a number of contemporary aircraft including L-39 Jets. To see photos of planes from previous fly-in events, visit the airport’s web site at www.stlouisregional.com.

On the ground there will be a showcase of classic automobiles, hot rods and custom cars from several auto clubs as well as vintage military vehicles that will be on display. The event will also include a chili cook-off with lots of food and beverages available.

The event is contingent on weather. This is not an air show and there will be no waivered airspace. For more information contact the airport authority at 1-888-562-9950.