Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
A.E.R.O. (Aviation Education Reaching Others) holds perfect hangar dance
Attendees of the A.E.R.O. (Aviation Education Reaching Others) June 27 hangar dance gather in and outside the hangar, torn between dancing to the music of the Red Rock Swing Band and watching the captivating sight of aircraft land and take off at Aitkin Aviation.
Gretchen and Michael Patnode from Aitkin get into the 1940s theme of the evening's dance. Gretchen was right at home as she used to swing dance in the Twin Cities area. Michael is a long-time Aitkin resident who is in the process of taking over at hat his folks feed store.
Aero Minnesota president Adam Forsberg piloted the Yak for auction winner Beniece Olson. Olson said the ride was thrilling and definitely worth "winning" the auction. She was pleased that money raised from the auction went to a good cause.
Pete Dunn, A&P Mechanic and co-founder of Aero Minnesota and Atikin Aviation looked the part of a 1940s service man, especially when posed by Pat Heavirland's 1946 Aeronca Chief parked in an Aitkin Aviation hangar.
Aero Minnesota's 1982 YAK parks outside the hangar with other vehicles of transportation the night of the hanger dance so as to be accessable for rides to attendees of the party who contributed towards Aviation Education Reaching Others, (A.E.R.O.) the non-profit organization providing opportunities to qualified individuals seeking an education in preparation of a career in aviation.
Marisa Stockman of Brainerd was the smiling bartender for the hangar swing dance.
Pat Heavirland put many hours of TLC into his 1946 Aeronca Chief which is housed at the family farm , complete with hangar and air strip in north Branch. "It's not perfect," said Heavirland, but my goal was to have it look good from 15 feet and I wanted to fly it and not be concerned." Spoken lke a true pilot who enjoys time in the air.
Grandpa pilot Dave Gunderson (left) spent the day at Aitkin Aviation with grandkids Eva, Ira, Obadiah, and Ailsa. Some of the children were a bit more sensitive to the sound of an aircraft takeoff than others, compensating in a very practial way rather than missing the visuals of flight. Grandma Cindy was not available for the photo. Gundersons are from Mora, Minnesota.
Nathan Rom (13) of Aitkin waves from the copilot seat of the 1979 Grumman Tiger, part of Aero Minnesota's fleet offering rides during the Aitkin Aviation Fly-In. Though too young to actually be a co-pilot, Rom is just the perfect age to dream. Real life pilot Adam Forsberg encourages dream to reality experiences, not only for kids, but for anyone wanting to engage in the all thrilling aspects of aviation.
Those who love airplanes, cars, and outdoor cooking had plenty to see, watch, and eat at Aitkin Aviation Fly-In the weekend of July 27-28.
Aviation Education Reaching Others (A.E.R.O.), the non profit organization providing opportunities to qualified individuals seeking an education in preparation for a career in aviation, enjoyed a perfect hangar dance and social the evening before the Fly-In.
Dressed in period clothing, attendees danced to the music of the Red Rock Swing Band, periodically stepping outside the hangar to watch the captivating sight of aircraft landing and taking off during the afternoon and evening.
Tables beautifully set with mouth-watering food was a favorite gathering place for guests, as was the bar excellently tended by a smiling Marisa Stockman.
The Fly-In was attended by a wide variety of folks from locals to those who live far and wide with the desire to get to Aitkin Aviation for the festivities. Picnic type foods were available, grilled in an open hangar that provided cover from periodic rain showers. The Aero Minnesota Fly-In is a family friendly event, attracting children, parents, and grandparents in droves.
Aero Minnesota president Adam Forsberg is kept busy throughout the two-day festivities, giving rides in the 1982 Yak, and 1979 Grumman Tiger, part of the Aero Minnesota's fleet.
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