Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
March Event At Mac's Twin Bay Sets Participation Record
A 1975 Cessna 170 registered to Leo Offerman of Emily, Minnesota, was one of the visiting aircraft at this year's ICEPORT event.
One of the more unique airplanes photographed at ICEPORT 2021 was this Dyke Delta registered to Alan White of Superior, Wisconsin. The squat little homebuilt aircraft is one of only a handful flying in the U.S.
A 1958 Piper Comanche 250 registered to Britz Store Equipment, Inc. of Buckman, Minnesota, heads down the runway at ICEPORT 2021.
A 1961 Piper Comanche 250 registered to Adam Lurie of Robbinsdale, Minnesota, touches down during the March 6 ICEPORT 2021 on Mille Lacs Lake.
A 1946 Aeronca registered to Michael Pfau of Princeton, Minnesota, takes off after visiting ICEPORT 2021 on Mille Lacs Lake.
For the past eight years, an ice runway has been carved into Mille Lacs Lake and aviators from all over the Midwest descend on the lake. With clear skies and moderate temperatures forecast, the aviation community was buzzing with excitement for a great destination fly-in.
Sponsor Tanis Aircraft Products utilized a streamlined, no-contact process for prize registration this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After landing, aircraft registration was confirmed via N-number.
Organizer Mark Priglmeier reports ICEPORT 2021 was a huge success. A record-setting number of airplanes visited Mille Lacs Lake for the early March event.
According to Priglmeier, the goal of the ice flying event has remained simple since its inception. Create a special place for pilots to spend time during the winter while enhancing their proficiency.
"Yes, we blasted our record. But it's not about how many planes we get," Priglmeier said, recapping the March 6 event. "It's about people thoroughly enjoying themselves and sharing their love of aviation with others."
For the past eight years, an ice runway has been carved into Mille Lacs Lake and aviators from all over the Midwest descend on the lake.
In addition to a plethora of planes from Minnesota, ICEPORT 2021 featured visitors from Wisconsin, Iowa, and even Indiana.
Sponsor Tanis Aircraft Products utilized a streamlined, no-contact process for prize registration this
year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After landing, aircraft registration was confirmed via N-number. Planes were assigned sequential numbers, and a random number generator was used to pick winners.
With clear skies and moderate temperatures forecast, the aviation community was buzzing with excitement for a great destination
fly-in. Mac's Twin Bay resort plowed a 5,300-foot by 80-foot runway for arrivals, a departure runway and lots and lots of parking.
One of the great things about a fly-in is that you never know who or what will show up. Singles, a twin, and a turboprop all participated in this
year's ICEPORT.
Some airplanes were new and some were post-war classics. Straight skis, combo skis, amphibs, little wheels and big wheels all made an appearance.
There were plenty of low-wing aircraft, including several Bonanzas, and a couple of good looking V-Tails.
Editor's Note: Jeremy D. Dando is an aviation writer and photographer. His favorite airplanes are WW II warbirds and cargo planes. Jeremy has travelled internationally photographing everything from the newest Boeing 787 to restored pre- World War II Porterfields. He can be reached at jdando@aviationphotodigest.com.
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