Flight Check is a story about where St. Louis has been, where it’s going, and how collaboration—not competition—is fueling what comes next. Award-winning producer Kara Vaninger, who spent nine years as a producer at Nine PBS, brings curiosity, credibility, and a deep love of place to this exploration of the region’s aviation and aerospace ecosystem—where legacy meets lift-off.
A City Built to Fly
Long before drones, space startups, and advanced manufacturing, St. Louis was shaping aviation history. That innovative spirit never left—it evolved. Today, the region’s aviation and aerospace legacy lives on through a strong and growing network of airports, companies, educators, and workforce leaders who understand one thing clearly: growth happens faster when you build it together.
At the center of that momentum are St. Louis Lambert International Airport and MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, whose expansion and regional roles are opening new doors for passengers, cargo, businesses, and careers alike.
Airports Moving in the Same Direction
In most regions, airports compete. In St. Louis, they collaborate. That mindset led to the creation of the St. Louis Regional Aerospace and Aviation Task Force in 2024, a coordinated effort to align infrastructure, workforce development, and industry needs. Five regional airport directors sit on the task force—an unprecedented level of cooperation designed to strengthen the entire ecosystem.
This alignment is helping the region think bigger: about accessibility, economic growth, and what it takes to compete globally while staying grounded locally.
An Industry That Invests in People
St. Louis’s aviation and aerospace industries don’t just create jobs—they cultivate futures. From engineers and technicians to logistics, maintenance, and operations professionals, companies here are actively investing in workforce pipelines, particularly for young people who may not yet see themselves in aviation careers.
As Randell Gelzer, senior director of government operations for The Boeing Company, Missouri’s largest employer, puts it: “The unique collaboration that exists between the airports in the region, the aerospace companies operating here, and the many leaders in education and workforce development will be instrumental in building upon the existing workforce to ensure the region has the available talent pool required for continued growth.”
That collaboration is already paying off.
One powerful example is happening at Spirit of St. Louis Airport, a member of the regional task force. Through a partnership with Elite Aviation and Boeing, select students from the Ferguson‑Florissant School District participate in a seven‑week tuition‑free aviation course each summer. The program pairs hands‑on learning with mentorship from local industry professionals, offering students a clear view of educational pathways and career options.
Building More Than Infrastructure
Strengthening runways, terminals, and training programs isn’t just about aviation—it’s about making St. Louis more accessible, attractive, and livable. These efforts support tourism, global business connections, and long‑term economic stability while also making the region a place where skilled workers—and their families—can see a future. St. Louis helped launch aviation history. Now, it’s building a workforce that will define its future.
Flight Check
Premiere broadcast: Monday, May 18, 7 pm
Encores: May 20, 1:30 pm; May 21, 7:30 pm; May 23, 1:30 am
Streaming on the PBS app after the premiere.
Contributed by Lynanne Feilen, communications manager.
