As the Propeller Turns…
Smartt Field News and Notes from the Director - Volume 3, Winter 2016
A MESSAGE FROM DENNIS WISS, AIRPORT DIRECTOR
This issue of As the Propeller Turns is dedicated to the memory of Robert (Bob) Kraemer; U.S. Navy veteran, pilot, EAA member, aviation-afficionado, supporter of numerous aviation organizations, long-time Smartt Field tenant and friend.
“We have all watched as the airplane taxis away to the end of the runway, begins its takeoff roll, gracefully leaves the ground and climbs into the sky where it recedes into the horizon, eventually disappearing from our sight. It is not gone, but has only departed for another destination.” (Inspired by Henry Charles Brent)
May your skies always be blue, visibility unlimited and your fuel tanks full. We will miss you, Bob.
Dennis
AIRFIELD IMPROVEMENTS
A total of 26 runway, taxiway and runway holding location signs were installed at various locations in the recent project, 10 double-sided and 16 single-sided signs. In addition to these signs, the Runway 18 Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL’s) were replaced with new LED fixtures, a new 35-foot tip-down rotating beacon pole was installed and radio controllers were installed to allow pilot-control of the runway lights after-hours.
S SPOTLIGHT ON EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION YOUNG EAGLE PROGRAM
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is an international organization with numerous local chapters. The EAA Spirit of St. Louis Chapter 32 building is located directly north of the terminal. EAA members volunteer their time and aircraft to take part in the EAA’s flagship program known as the Young Eagles, www.youngeagles.org. This program is designed to foster and promote the interests of the next generation of aviation enthusiasts by giving them a short classroom introduction to aircraft and flight and then they get a chance to fly in EAA member aircraft.
Young Eagles rallies are typically held the second Saturday of each month running April through October, weather permitting. There is no cost for children and teens, ages 8 to 17, to take part in the Young Eagles program. To date, Chapter 32 members have flown over 6,500 flights. In 2015, almost 200 flights were flown out of Smartt Field with 250 Young Eagle participants flying in 25 different aircraft. Approximately 1,970,000 Young Eagles flights have flown since the program’s start. Boy Scout merit badges are offered during the Young Eagles program as well.
AERONAUTICAL CHARTS AND AIRPORT DIRECTORIES
Missouri Aeronautical Charts and Airport Directories are available at no cost in the terminal. Stop by and help yourself.
BUSINESS TENANTS DIRECTORY o Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Spirit of St. Louis Chapter 32 636-250-4257, www.eaa32.org o Missouri Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF); B-25, TBM Avenger, L-3 aircraft, CAF Museum, 24/7 Avgas 636-250-4515, www.cafmo.org o Ozark Silver Swallows (Ozark Airlines Alumni Association) 636-463-1333, [email protected] o St. Charles Flying Service: Flight instruction, aircraft maintenance, Avgas, charter and air cargo 800-447-6066, 636-946-6066, www.stcharlesflyingservice.com o Skylink Aviation: Flight instruction, aircraft maintenance, Avgas 636-250-4121, www.skylink.homestead.com
UPCOMING 2016 EVENTS
June 3: Wounded Warrior Bicycle Run and Lunch o Military veterans will take part in a bicycle ride through the county followed by lunch in the terminal.
September: Ozark Airlines Annual Reunion and Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Hangar Dance o Final dates to be announced later this year.
October 15: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Cycle For Life o Once again, the Cycle For Life bicycle ride will start and end at Smartt Field with bicyclists riding 25, 50 and 100-mile routes around St. Charles County. Last year’s event had over 300 bicyclists riding from the CAF hangars down the ramp and on to their routes. For more information about this fund-raising event, call 314-733-1241 or visit http://gateway.cff.org.
October 29: Airport Open House / Pumpkin Drop o We have requested military aircraft and equipment for this year’s event. Keep your fingers crossed and let’s hope we can get some military assets this year.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dennis Wiss, Airport Director: 636-949-1893, fax 636-949-1827, [email protected] Steve Perkins, Airport Maintenance: 636-949-1829, [email protected]
6390 Grafton Ferry Rd. Portage des Sioux, MO 63373 www.sccmo.org