Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
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Nestled among the historic aircraft at the upcoming Minnesota Pilot's Association Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering will be an aircraft that is currently making a history of its own. Creating the perfect contrast to the stalwart collection at the Golden Wings Museum at the Anoka County Airport on April 10-11 will be a personal jet from the Cirrus Vision SF50 series. "We like showing at the Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering," said Gary Black, pilot and Cirrus Regional Sales Director for the... Full story
When Jason Erickson was 16 years old he surprised his parents with a call from the Buffalo Airport requesting their presence while he took his first solo flight. "Solo?" his folks replied. "But you weren't supposed to be taking flying lessons until you got your driver's license!" Oops. It seems Erickson just couldn't help himself. At age 14, he started working at the Buffalo Airport, about seven miles from his home in Rockford. He worked after school during the winter, and as much as possible du... Full story
Kristin Kaplan Holsworth is a woman of her word. It is also evident that her grandfather's blood runs in her veins. Reuben W. "Buzz" Kaplan was a Minnesota born family man, businessman and world adventurer who passed away in 2002. However, in the year 2000 he had approached Kristin, his granddaughter with a request that she assist him in writing a book about his life. Picture that. An elderly gentleman asking his granddaughter, who was a sophomore in high school at the time, to help him write a... Full story
The American Helicopter Company was formed in 1947 and produced a small series of pulse jet rotor helicopters beginning with the A-5 "Top Sergeant" in January 1949. This was followed in 1950 by the A-6 "Buck Private." Neither design made it beyond the prototype stage. In 1951 the Army Transportation Corps joined the Air Force in calling for a one man, lightweight helicopter that could be airlifted and used for observation or rescue. In June 1951 a contract was awarded to the American Helicopter... Full story
Isedor Iverson wasn't a famous aviator. He might be best known as a politician, but leadership was his real talent. Iverson was Mayor of McGregor and also represented the area in the State Legislature. He started the city's electrical utility and the volunteer fire Department, all this while the Swedish immigrant was operating the local automobile dealership for 42 years. The mayor (and car salesman) knew the value of a good airport. His contribution to aviation was establishing the McGregor... Full story
Minnesota's airports have a tremendous value not only to the cities and towns they are in, but also to the surrounding communities, the state and the nation. There are many factors involved that demonstrate the value of an airport to a community. Two very important ones are the economic and social impacts. First look at the social impact of an airport, then the economic impact, and their impact on the state and the nation. By definition, general aviation is considered to be all flying in the U.S... Full story
April 10-11: Blaine, MN. Second Annual Minnesota Pilots Association Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering, Golden Wings Flying Museum, KANE (See ad on page 2) April 15-17: St. Cloud, MN. MCOA Airports Conference, Rivers Edge Convention Center, 10 Fourth Avenue South. Teresa Washington, (612) 624-3745, washi002@umn.edu. April 25: Bloomington, MN. 26th Annual Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame, Ramada, Mall of America Hotel. Social hour, 4:45 p.m. Dinner, 6:15 p.m. Induction ceremony follows. Tickets $45 per person. Make checks payable to MAHOF, send...
The Duluth International Airport (DLH) and the Range Regional Airport (HIB) in consultation with the late congressman’s family, regional leaders, and Duluth Mayor Don Ness, are honored to announce that the DLH passenger terminal will be named in memory of the late U.S. Representative James. L. Oberstar. This decision was made to honor Congressman Oberstar for his lasting legacy in the transportation industry throughout the course of his long legislative career and the key role that he played in the completion of the new DLH terminal project. R...
Cirrus Aircraft in February announced that new aircraft shipments in 2014 were the best company performance since 2008 as the Cirrus SR22 maintained its position as the best-selling airplane in its segment for the 12th year in a row. New unit deliveries for 2014 totaled 308, a 12 percent increase over 2013, securing the industry’s leading market share for the category. Cirrus Aircraft has now delivered over 5,800 new aircraft and the global Cirrus fleet has amassed over six million flight hours. “In just the last 12 months, we have added com... Full story
Vertigo is common. When you were a kid I bet there was a time or two when you spun around and around until the whole world was topsy-turvy or you tossed your cookies! A variant of that happens in flight. When you’re in the clag and abruptly bend down, let’s say to pick up a pencil, suddenly it seems as if either you or the plane is in a spin. Hold still, don’t do anything funny with the stick and it goes away. Accelerate rapidly and the aircraft seems to be pitching up. Slow down quickly and i... Full story
The beauty of spring comes in a vast array of sights, sounds, and aromas. Once the snow is all gone and the earth has felt a few days of the suns warmth, dozens of different types of vegetation will spring forth. Many will grace our eyes and noses with beautiful flowers and sweet smells that invite us to come closer and enjoy. Even the simple blades of grass exude a sweetness that draws us to lie down for a few minutes and breathe-in the fresh sweetness as we watch the clouds quickly changing... Full story
You, as an aviator, aviation administrator or manager, or an aviation supporter need to know how your aviation tax dollars are put to work for you in Minnesota. You also need to care about and understand how the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) impacts aviation throughout Minnesota. These things are vitally important to aviation across the State and the Nation. First, there are three main sources of state aeronautics funding. Each source is a tax on aviation-related activities. The dollars... Full story
It's hard to think that spring is almost here because, as of this morning’s writing we had a 30 below wind chill, but spring is in our minds. What better way to think about the melting of snow and warming of our hangars than the Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering, which is detailed on Page 2, and at right by Dr. Randle Corfman, president of the Minnesota Pilots Association. One of the companies attending the event is Cirrus Aircraft. A story on that is on Page 5. Gary Black, regional sales m...
Most aviators recognize the tremendous power of lightning, but few truly understand this unique/ natural phenomenon. Here are a few eye opening facts about lightning: • A typical thunderstorm lasts approximately 30-45 minutes with lightning on average of 3-4 strokes per minute. • While most tend to occur in the afternoon and evening during the spring and summer, thunderstorms can occur at any time of the day, and along frontal boundaries. • Lightning can strike as far as 15 miles away from a thunderstorm. • Lightning can occur even when it is n...
