St. Louis Regional Airport in East Alton, Illinois held its 16th Annual Open House and Fly-In September 25, 2010.  The weather was perfect for the classic car show and, of course, constant activity on the ramp.  A wide range of aircraft arrived throughout the day, most locally owned, and some flew passengers and fly-bys for the crowd.  The event was truly an eclectic display of locally owned aircraft for the appreciation of the local residents.   

The variety of aircraft flying and on display was impressive:

A group of RV homebuilts arrived in style, with an impressive break for landing over the runway.  General Aviation aircraft – Cessnas of all types, Piper Tripacers, Aeroncas, Bonanzas, a Siai-Merchetti F.260B and sport biplanes - lined the ramp. 

Warbirds were present in the form of two Stearman A75N-1 trainers, a Vultee BT-13, AT-6F Texan, C-47 Skytrain from the Ozark Airlines Museum in St. Charles, MO, the B-25J “Show Me” from Missouri CAF Wing, T-34 Mentor, 1950 Navion, N3N-3 Yellow Perril, Eric Downing’s Skyraider and two T-28 Trojans.  The T-28s, Joe and Betsy Meyer’s “Miz Betsy” and Ralph Glasser’s gray 38339 of Trojan Horesmen fame, flew several passes together (with smoke) in tight formation over the runway to the delight of the crowd. 

Other interesting aircraft attending the fly-in were 2 Waco biplanes, a Piaggio P.180 turboprop, Benson Modified gyrocopter, and a Robinson R-44.

 
This year’s St. Louis Regional Airport Fly-In was a great example of a family-friendly event that attracts residents to celebrate local aviation.  The convergence of an engaged  aviation community,  a wide range of locally-owned aircraft, steady flying activity, food and gift concessions, the accompanying car show and ideal weather proved to be a winning combination again in 2010.