Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame

William "Bill" Mavencamp was born in Maple Lake, Minnesota on January 19, 1927. His first airplane ride was with a barnstormer in a biplane at the age of 6 in his hometown. In 1947 he soloed in a J3 Cub in Monticello. He earned his instrument rating in 1965. In 1971 he was designated by the FAA as a flight examiner and instrument rating examiner. He became seaplane rated in 1974. Through his career he owned over 20 airplanes. During his lifetime he flew most of the Piper, Cessna, and Beechcraft piston model airplanes.

He served in the Navy in the USS Saufley (DD-465) from January 1945 to April 1946. He also served during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. In 1965 he was a founding member of the Maple Lake Flying Club. The club worked to get the Maple Lake Airport established. In June 1967 the airport was opened. EAA Chapter 878 was founded and held their meetings there.

Bill was a corporate pilot for Vocational Flight Training. In 1970 he purchased the company from Bob Leader who conducted operations out of the St. Cloud airport. After the purchase, Mavencamp moved the business to Maple Lake. Through his career he taught a significant number of students to fly. It is estimated that he has given over 13,568 check rides. He also taught his wife, his 9 children, and their spouses to fly for licensure.

Vocational Flight Training became the preferred flight school for St. Cloud State University and the University of North Dakota. As an instructor he insisted that the students understand safety before he issued them their license. Bill Mavencamp enjoyed a satisfying career as a pure fixed based operator and his business has been passed on to his children. He had a significant impact on many people's lives and flying careers. He passed away on January 26, 2015.''

Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame Inductee Banquet will be held on April 18th. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.mnaviationhalloffame.org/awards-banquet.html

NOTE: The Hall of Fame Banquet has been rescheduled for Nov. 7th at the MSP Intercontinental Hotel. All April reservations will be honored, all event times are the same.