Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering Returns May 20-21 In Buffalo

The 2022 Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering is just a month away and we are looking forward to seeing you again this year to celebrate aviation and to cross flight paths with our aviation friends. This year’s GMAG is shaping up to be one that you will not want to miss!

The leadership at the Minnesota Pilots Association has undertaken an effort to develop a robust strategic plan for our future, led by Treasurer Andy Brown.

We are pleased to announce that Vice President Paul Jackson is leading a revamping of our website and social media efforts, bringing a new look and greater versatility in striving to fulfill our mission. The board of directors is also pleased to announce that one of our board members, Grant Wallace, has enthusiastically agreed to serve as our Seaplane Operations Advocate. One of the first steps we have taken is to incorporate a seaplane ground school course into this year’s GMAG, complimentary to those who attend the GMAG event. Three outstanding members of the seaplane CFI community have come forth to graciously offer to lead the event from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 20. Details will be posted on our website. This promises to be a valuable course for those who are interested in gaining their seaplane rating, but also for those of us who may be a bit rusty on our seaplane skills.

Back this year will be what we call a “Pinch-Hitter” course, taught by CFI Cheryl Daml on Friday morning from 9 a.m. to noon. Some of you may recall that AOPA came up with this idea many moons ago. If you fly regularly with a spouse or significant other who hasn’t yet become a pilot but who may want to know some basics of how to safely get the aircraft on the ground should an inflight emergency occur, this is a course for them!

Cheryl held this event several years ago at the GMAG and the positive feedback was abundant. Again, this course is complimentary for GMAG attendees.

We are pleased to welcome Mark Baker, president of AOPA, who will be addressing us at 1 p.m. on Friday afternoon to update us on the State of the Flying Union, so to speak. We always enjoy getting an update from him regarding the most current information on subjects such as Avgas, negotiations with Canada regarding BasicMed and much more. AOPA is also supporting us by providing the Rusty Pilot seminar series on Saturday, May 21, from 8 a.m. to noon. This seminar is always well-attended, serving as a perfect kickoff for the flying season!

We have a full slate of timely presentations by outstanding speakers who donate their time and energy to share their knowledge with us. Please visit our website as the event comes closer for the schedule of events. We hope you will attend both days. Remember, members of the Minnesota Pilots Association gain free admission to the GMAG, while admission for others is gained for a paltry $10 per day! What a deal! See you at the GMAG!