Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
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Proceed direct to earth Admitting they get few requests but were happy to oblige (after confirming our arrival with the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) Tower), Orlando Approach advised us to expect the RNAV GPS 15 approach. We were on a route from Atlanta via the MCN VOR to the famous SLF. Having received vectors upon reaching KEVB, we were more than just a little excited when Orlando issued directive. "Descend to 3,000," and moments later, "You are 5 miles from Earth (IAF)...proceed direct...
Tom Lymburn The full moon was the only light on the gray gravel of lot 3-the Participants and Media lot. Race crews filtered slowly out of the banquet hangar, last good byes, hugs, slaps on the back, jokes, and joshes delivered, and wended their tired, sunburned ways toward rental cars, dusty pickups, and RV'S. Sawbones team would be taking many ways home-airliner, truck, and race plane. Sue and I trudged toward the gate, past Formula 1 racers being disassembled for trucking home. Wings and... Full story
C.M. Swanson When he was not flying, the late John Benson sat in a barber's chair next to a wood stove at his airport on his farm, sharing stories about aviation. One of the familiar stories is how, in the 1930s, his brother Roger plowed an airstrip on the farm just east of Bald Eagle Lake in White Bear Township. "John actually got his pilot's license when he was 15 years old," said EAA Chapter 745 president, Jerry Fleischhacker at the October 8 Fly-In Breakfast. The old barber chairs still sit... Full story
It didn't take long for Minnesota EAA Chapter 237 to rally once they got the call for assistance from Grantsburg Municipal Airport requesting Young Eagle rides for community members in Wisconsin. "Twenty-four airplanes flew in," said EAA Chapter 237 president Kirk Fjetand. "Forty Young Eagles fights were given to children during the event. For many of them, it was their first flight." The local media was also on hand to record the event. "It's good to see so much support for the airport in... Full story
C.M. Swanson Positive societal change doesn't happen by chance. It takes drive, dedication, and determination. Judging by those standards, the Minnesota STEM workforce call to action held by AirSpace Minnesota and Aerospace Industries Association at the Minnesota Department of Education Conference Center on October 6 was a rousing success. From the morning visit from Senator Amy Klobuchar, to keynote speakers Dr. John Olson, Vice President and General Manager of Polaris Defense and Dale... Full story
In a genuine show of support for general aviation and the importance of an airport to a community, Osceola's Airport Commission, Area Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, and Village of Osceola gathered at the airport to serve the public during their annual Wheels and Wings Fly-In at the L.O. Simenstad Municipal Airport in September.... Full story
Animals and airplanes drew an interested crowd to the Commemorative Air Force hangar at Fleming Field Airport October 15 for the second annual Planes and Paws Pet Expo. Event activities included a pet costume contest complete with prizes, vendors of animal rescue services and related fields, and, of course, aircraft on display for up close public viewing. Kathy Fox, Quality Assurance Manager at Sierra Hotel Aero, Inc. based at the South St. Paul Airport said the response from the event they put... Full story
C.M. Swanson On a warm Sunday evening in late August, one of Key Air's hangars at Anoka County Airport looked like a movie set. In actuality, it was more exciting than that. Folks gathered from all around to see, feel, and touch the SF50, a personal jet recently unveiled by Cirrus. Ryan and Jennifer Lake from Blaine were among those gathered. The couple currently rents an SR22 but they were curious about the new aircraft. "We're here just checking out the Vision Jet and the newer SR22 Cirrus... Full story
C.M. Swanson When just the right team is matched with compatible, effective management; when business is set in a harmonious, symbiotic location; when benefits extend to the community, brilliance happens at an airport. Brainerd Lakes Area Regional Airport captures this exact configuration of elements in the community it serves. This spring, Steven A. Wright assumed the Airport Director position, and Joe Birkemeyer became manager of Northpoint Aviation, the airport's FBO. Both men have similar... Full story
The Metropolitan Airports Commission MAC recently presented Randy Corfman and Kirk Fjetland with the Promotion of Aviation Award at Anoka County-Blaine Airport. "The work you do with the EAA, and all of your other volunteer work truly strengthens our airport community," said MAC Reliever Airports Manager Joe Harris. Following are statements given to the Minnesota Flyer upon request. "I am so honored and humbled to receive this award. Awards that one receives from those with whom one works are... Full story
Now in its ninth successful year, WomenVenture activities were expanded this year to a week-long event, but Wednesday was declared Women's Day at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. WomenVenture has provided a way for women to connect at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh while having Oshkosh-style fun at the same time. WomenVenture Wednesday began at the EAA Nature Center with a sold-out Women in Aviation International Connect breakfast, sponsored by Avemco, and attended by more than 400 enthusiastic showgoers.... Full story
A well deserved congratulations to Bailey Murawski who received her private pilot license 8 August, is going to medical school, and just got engaged to be married. An energetic, smiling Murawski has been spotted, usually with a text book in her hands, at Rush City Airport, Mora Airport and others over the course of her active summer. It looks like a bright future on the horizon for this dynamic young woman. C.M.Swanson... Full story
EAA AirVenture 2016 at Oshkosh presented EAA Chapter 237 with the Chapter Grand Champion award, the first of its kind given for this category. During AirVenture, and the week prior, Chapter 237 had 37 members volunteering in 13 areas. They worked a grand total of 1,296 hours. Chapter 237 is based at Anoka County Blaine Airport. Chapter president is Kirk Fjetland.... Full story
Deb Klier, Tree of Hope Tree of Hope is an all volunteer organization that collects and distributes toys to children that are hospitalized over the holidays. Since 1990, Tree of Hope has supplied hospitals across the state of Minnesota with toys to help bring joy and hope to children in their care. Many of them are far from home and missing their families and friends. Often times only one parent might be able to stay with the child. Families may be needing to spend their holiday money on... Full story
C.M. Swanson All through the morning of 18 September aircraft arrived at Hector Municipal Airport with such regularity it began to take on the look of MSP on a Saturday. "We have one of the biggest, if not the biggest fly-in breakfasts in Minnesota right out here in Hector," said airport manager Ed Newberg. In a town with a population of 1,100, it is an impressive statistic that the Hector Annual Fly-In Breakfast has served up to 1,600 breakfasts. This year, with near perfect weather numbers... Full story
C.M. Swanson A bit of cloud cover did not dampen the spirits of attendees of September's annual Fly-In at Mora Municipal Airport. Smiles were had at every turn, due a combination of a good breakfast prepared by the Lions Club, good organization from the Airport Board, and plenty of interesting aircraft. Fagen Fighters WWII Museum graciously displayed their Erco Ercoupe with Pilot Ray Fagen proudly emblazoned under the cockpit window. The eye-catching aircraft drew many visitors including Master... Full story
Howie Klier noticed all the aircraft parked at Flying Cloud. He sent this photo to share with Minnesota Flyer readers. Thank you, Howie. Your efforts are much appreciated!... Full story
Girls in Aviation 2016 at the St. Paul Airport, organized by Stars of the North, the Minnesota Chapter of Women in Aviation, was even more successful this year than last. Along with the many aircraft on the field, the Learning Jet, and aviation related businesses in informational booths in the hangar, two inspirational speakers addressed attendees. Belinda Jensen KARE 11 television meteorologist, assisted by daughter Tory, gave a brief presentation about the weather, teaching how to measure the... Full story
Minnesota Aviation Trades Association (MATA) members and guests gathered at Thunderbird Aviation in August for its annual meeting. After attendees enjoyed a pleasant picnic in an open hangar, long time MATA member Darrell Bolduc was awarded the Meritorious Service Award for 37 years of service to the aviation community. Andre Schmidt received a MATA scholarship for $2,000 towards aviation education. A wild-land fire fighter with the U.S. Forest Service, Schmidt obtained his private pilot's... Full story
"That should about do it." John set the big camera down and turned to the lap top that rested on the work bench. Another biz jet taxied by the Weeks hangar. Light rain continued its dreary patter on the big hangar's roof. Deftly, he adjusted the contrast to eliminate a tiny bit of glare near the faded letters of the crew bomb tally. At Oshkosh, in 2015, I had run into Atlanta photographer John Slemp by the Stinson. When he showed me a photo from his bomber jacket art project – a photo that w... Full story
Photographer Ray Pittman attended the Burnett County Airport Gandy Dancer Fly-In/Drive-In in July to enjoy the day and get a few shots of the days activities. For the hungry, a wild rice pancake breakfast served by the Ag Club of Burnett County. For those on the ground there were static aircraft displays, local emergency vehicle displays, inflatable bounce houses for the kids, classic cars to view. A variety of aerobatic performances kept eyes of attendees skyward for much of the day. While many... Full story
The Board of Directors of the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame is proud to announce the names of the 2017 Hall of Fame Inductees. The families have been notified. The new inductees are: Edward J. Chapman, the late Alvin Grady, Bruce Jaeger, the late Robert Peterson, General George Schulstad, and James Brodie. Watch this magazine for more information about the inductees and next Spring's induction banquet. At this time the Hall of Fame is soliciting nominations of candidates for induction into... Full story
Attitudes were positive and expectations high at the Chairman's Gala, hosted by the Consulate General of Canada, held at the Greysolon Ballroom in Duluth the night before the Duluth Air and Aviation Expo, all with good reason. The show was attended by over 45,000 spectators. According to Expo president, Ryan Kern, the event provided a local economic impact of nearly 9 million dollars as well as educational opportunities to the public in aviation and aerospace careers. Spectators were pleased wit... Full story
In what promises to be an annual affair, the first Grass is a Gas Poker Run was held at Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport on Saturday, June 11. An almost perfect weather day resulted in 17 aircraft and 28 participants turning out for a great day of aviation enjoyment celebrating "grass roots" aviation. Carbon Cubs, Super Cubs, Cherokees, Cessnas, a Just, a Maule, and a Comanche rounded out a varied field of general aviation aircraft. Flying from Brainerd to four grass strip airports, participants... Full story
In an air show masterfully emceed by aviation historian, photographer, author, and pilot Tom Lymburn, Wings of the North presented a fantastic AirExpo 2016 at Flying Cloud Airport. The huge, white, big top tent was filled with aviation dignitaries of past and present fame. One of the stars was a spry 100-year old Dick Cole, last of the Doolittle Raiders who took time to autograph books and provide photo opportunities with youth and seniors who stood in line for the privilege. Aerobatic air show... Full story
