Association Membership Makes GMAG Awards Possible

We are often asked what benefits are received when joining the Minnesota Pilots Association. It is certainly a fair question.

I am not sure about you, but I grew weary of solicitations last year during the elections, and it seems that every week another piece of junk mail shows up wanting me to join. I’m pretty tired of that. Sure, it gets you free admission ($10 value/day) at the Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering, but what else does it do for you?

We have received much feedback from the 2021 GMAG and it is my read that the Awards Session was of great interest to those who attended. We think that the individuals who were recognized there were quite worthy of praise and admiration, from the recipients of the aviation training and technician awards to the FAA’s Master Pilot awards.

The large number of people who attended the Awards Session is a clue to the importance that attendees place on the awards, and the smiles and tears of joy and pride from the recipients, as well as the family members and friends, were also heartwarming and gratifying to see. Those awards were made possible by you, the members of the Minnesota Pilots Association.

We have received many letters from the awardees, thanking us for recognizing their accomplishments in a venue in which other aviators were able to extend their congratulations. It is one thing to be recognized by people who are relative strangers, but it is another to be honored in the presence of those who share the love and fascination of flight.

It was striking to me to see the broad range of ages and backgrounds of the awardees. Of course, the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Awards are, by definition, bestowed only on “mature” aviators. To be considered for the award these aviators must have exhibited professionalism, skill and aviation expertise and hold a pilot certificate, be a U.S. citizen and have 50 years or more of civil and military flying experience. These individuals must be nominated for the award, and information can be obtained from the Minneapolis FSDO. If you know of an aviator who qualifies, please do take a moment to seek this information!

The Minnesota Pilots Assn scholarship recipients were also very impressive. These young people are movers and shakers, taking control of their lives and aspiring to be professionals in aviation. Please visit our website http://www.mnpilots.org to read about these terrific people.

The EAA Young Eagle program has been a huge success over the years. Over 2 million Young Eagle flights have been given and the EAA chapters with the most rides were recognized at the GMAG, as well as the EAA pilots who gave the most rides were recognized. These folks have made a lot of kids happy by donating their time and aircraft to the program, and undoubtedly made a huge positive impression on the future pilots who boarded their aircraft. Many thanks to you!

All these moments were made possible through your memberships, folks. A great investment in aviation! Thank you!