Aviation Events Propelled By 'People-Power'

Fly-in events are upon us as the trees are putting out their leaves, the flowers are blooming and, thank heavens, the threat of snow is behind us. I know that aviators in Minnesota and throughout the country are looking forward to a great summer of flying, without the threat of cancellation due to things other than weather.

Those of you who lead and organize aviation events are keenly aware of the hard work and planning that goes into making these events happen, what goes on "behind the scene." Enjoyable events don't just happen by chance.

A "flight plan" is hatched before the event, taking into consideration things that you cannot control (weather, pandemics, supply chain problems) and things you can control (infrastructure).

I would like to take a moment to consider the infrastructure side of our aviation events, and emphasize the importance of people pitching in to help make the "flight" of your event a success.

People are the most important part of the events. This may seem just too obvious to us at times, but the people I am referring to are not just those who attend, but those who organize and volunteer.

I know that we appreciate the fact that "the customer is most important," but one of the unique things about virtually every aviation event that is held in Minnesota is that the leadership is very important...and all are volunteers!

Having an event that is hosted and organized by all volunteers presents a significant change in paradigm in that those who do all the tasks are not on the payroll. There is not a "boss" to which you do what they say or risk losing your livelihood.

People who organize and provide the services do so out of the kindness and goodness of their hearts, out of their commitment to promoting aviation and to facilitating the social benefits that accompany the event.

This is true for the Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering (GMAG), for the EAA-sponsored pancake breakfasts, or the Young Eagle rallies that are all very important to aviation in our communities and in our state.

While I know there are many, many people who enjoy these events, it is a significant challenge to find people to volunteer to make them happen. It is a challenge to gather those who desire to provide leadership, and to do so by leading by example. Leaders who simply wish to delegate, and not partake in the hard work, are a dime a dozen and are not particularly desirable as leaders.

This is particularly true for volunteer organizations. One poignant observation I have heard regarding these types of individuals is that they are "like a blister...they show up after the work is done!" How true this can be.

Gaining the inertia to make our aviation events successful and enjoyable is a challenge. Making a commitment to lead or become involved with our aviation organizations is vitally important to the success of our events, to the success of organizations like our Minnesota Pilots Association.