Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Indulgence in aviation education, conversation, and fun!
Golden Wings Museum manager, Craig Schiller, pilot, Dan Barber, Minnesota Pilots Association board member, Gregg Strathy, and Cirrus Regional Sales Director Gary Black enjoy a moment in the sun at the Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering 2016 at Anoka County Blaine Airport with a Cirrus aircraft as a comfortable backdrop.
Hayden Mercil focuses on a simulated flight with UND aviation student, Sara Seaman as a guide.
Golden Wings Museum owner, Craig Herrick entertained the audience with anecdotes of his aircraft acquisition adventures.
Jan Strathy and Gregg, her husband good naturedly put on a show for the camera, demonstrating how they decide who is going to be the pilot in command of their Cirrus SR22T for the day.
Minnesota Pilots Association member, Wayne Flury gives Wright County 4-H leader Brittany Eich a tour of the GMAG 2016.
Ashley Wong encouraged her children, Grayson, Trevor, and Avari to experience of joy of flight at the Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering at Anoka county Blaine Airport with EAA Chapter 237 member pilot Paul Campobasso. She and David, her husband (not pictured) encourage their children to "live outside the box." "It was fun.," Avery said of the flight. "We got to fly around and look down. We learned about the plane." Would she ever fly again if she had the chance? "Yes!" said Avery with resounding enthusiasm.
President and CEO of AOPA, Mark Baker supplied eager listeners with updates on aviation legislative items.
Craig Nelson, President of EAA Chapter 25 accepts an award from MN Pilots president Randy Corfman for David Jennen, EAA Chapter 1174 for most Young Eagle rides (110) given in 2015.
MN Pilots president Randy Corfman presents an award to Krista Olson for EAA Chapter 25, Lakeville for most overall Young Eagle rides (460) given in 2015.
"Three years ago we had our first Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering," said Gregg Strathy, one of the founding directors of the Minnesota Pilot's Association. "This is our third. They just keep getting bigger and better. We've just really enjoyed it."
The event was held at the Anoka County Blaine Airport.
"We enjoy having everybody out here," said Strathy." Good weather helps. We've got great airplanes on display. We've got great speakers. We hope we are providing a great service for pilots in Minnesota."
Strathy knows the value of introducing aviation to people at an early age. He has been flying since he was 15-years old when he took flying lessons from his father. He now has an ATP, float plane, and glider ratings. He is also a CFI.
"I just have a grand old time in the air," said Strathy who is now, with Jan, his wife, a proud owner of a new Cirrus SR22 T.
The Minnesota Pilots Association is the organizer of the GMAG.
"Randy Corfman gets the credit for being the energy behind the Minnesota Pilot's Association," said Strathy. "Randy has participated in a number of events like this other states. For several years he felt we really needed to have a similar organization in the state of Minnesota.
Hangar Flying Sessions over the course of the two-day event covered such subjects as Soaring in Minnesota, Light-Sport Aviation: Is It For You?, Risk and Resource Management in the Cockpit, Setting Up a Flying Club at Your Airport, and Stump the Experts: An Hour with Bolduc Aviation.
Golden Wings Aviation Museum was open to the public. A magnificent array of aircraft flew in, flew over, and parked for people to view up close. Young Eagle flights were also given. An award ceremony concluded the well-received event.
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