Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
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It was a privilege to attend the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame Induction Banquet on April 12, 2025. Held at the Mystic Lake Center banquet hall, once again it proved to be an elegant evening with friends and family. The evening of events included; social hour, silent auction, displays of the inductees, meet n greet, delicious dinner and dessert, then the award presentations. The Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame and their sponsor partners award scholarships during the banquet to deserving...
The Curtiss-Wright SB2C-5 Helldiver Production and purpose The SB2C Helldiver is a dive bomber developed by Curtiss-Wright for the U.S. Navy during WWII. The Helldiver, also known as "The big tailed Beast" was designed to replace the SBD Dauntless. The early versions were not well liked by pilots or carrier crews. But Curtiss made substantial improvements to the design and Helldiver became extremely successful the last year and a half of the war. The last design (SB2C-5) had a bigger engine, a...
Henry (Hank) Irlbeck had no idea he would pass down a passion of flying to several generations of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Henry, who was born and raised in Hinckley, joined the Army Airforce after Pearl Harbor was bombed. He flew B17s and B29s stateside. After being discharged when WWII ended he settled in Maplewood and continued to fly with his wife and five children, mostly out of Benson Airport, north of White Bear Lake along with Anoka Airport. He lived in Little Can...
During the Korean War, Japan-based F-82Gs were among the first U.S. Air Force aircraft to operate over Korea. On June 27, 1950, all-weather F-82Gs shot down the first three North Korean aircraft destroyed by U.S. forces. The F-82 was the last propeller-driven fighter acquired in quantity by the USAF. It appears to be two P-51 Mustang fuselages on one wing, but in reality, it was a totally new design. The Twin Mustang carried a pilot and co-pilot/navigator to reduce fatigue on long-range bomber...
An early morning storm didn't stop the crowds from coming out to enjoy a pancake breakfast in Mora. The storm passed quickly and the sun came out to welcome visitors to a variety of events. A paper airplane contest for kids, free gifts for kids and adults, airplane rides from Hawk Aviation, a short take off and landing demonstration, tractors and airport equipment on display, fuel discount for visiting pilots and lots of interesting aircraft to see. The Sept. 21 fly-in sponsored by the city of...
The city of Mora hosted its annual fly-in Saturday, Sept. 19 from 8 a.m. until noon at the Mora Municipal Airport. The day began with the Mora American Legion opening ceremony with the presentation of colors followed by the Mora Lions Club serving a pancake breakfast with all proceeds going to support community projects and donations. Volunteers were standing by to greet all incoming aircraft with a poker chip for a free breakfast for all pilots in command. There were airplane rides available,...
