Talking All Things Aviation

I believe Minnesota possesses a rich heritage in aviation, being blessed with bountiful options in terms of both commercial and general aviation.

Minnesota has a very active Aviation Division in the Department of Transportation. There is an active Minnesota Council of Airports, and a very active, effective FAAST program. All are effective though governmental in nature.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has many members in the state, not the least of which is Mark Baker, President. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has many very active chapters in the state.

What has been missing is an organization that represents ALL pilots in the state, particularly those who may not be owners of aircraft or builders of experimental aircraft but still who hold aviation near and dear to their hearts.

It was with this in mind that a group of pilots and supporters of aviation established the Minnesota Pilots Association (MNPilots) in April of 2013. MNPilots' mission is to promote and protect aviation in Minnesota through advocacy, education, outreach and social activities.

MNPilots was founded upon the belief that a healthy aviation community is an invaluable asset to our state; that pilots form a necessary and important force in maintaining and expanding aviation activities.

We have to work hard to let our communities know how important aviation is to them, to get them out to the airport and see what a great asset aviation represents!

MNPilots recently opened its membership through its website, http://www.mnpilots.org We encourage all pilots and supporters of aviation in the state to join this group to provide a unified voice on issues facing aviation in Minnesota.

MNPilots has announced the First Annual Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering to be held March 21-22, 2014 to bring those who value aviation together, and to bring more awareness of the benefits of aviation through exposure to a variety of vendors and safety and education seminars. More information will be forthcoming as plans are solidified.

Stay level and keep your eyes on the horizon.

Talking all things aviation