Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
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Regular Minnesota Flyer readers may recall a promise to provide updates on the saga of a 1943 Boeing Stearman, previously owned by Ray Johnson. Johnson had sold his beloved biplane to Paramount Productions and it departed Buffalo into a cold morning sky in March 2021, initially arriving in Florida but ultimately touching down in the United Kingdom as part of an upcoming movie production. (See "Buffalo-Based Boeing Stearman Leaves State" April 2021 issue.) While not a condition of the sale, the...
Ray Johnson has lived in or near Buffalo, Minnesota since 1960, but remains a very proud son of Pine County. He grew up on a farm near Pine City and graduated Pine City High School in 1950. After a stint in the Army, Johnson returned home and an interest in aviation was sparked by flights with his brother who had purchased an airplane. In a series of fortunate events, Johnson also learned to fly, bought the first of many aircraft he has owned, met his future wife, and began a long career as a...
The sky over Buffalo this summer will be missing the sight and sound of a 450 hp Stearman biplane. The red with black trim airplane has been a familiar sight in the area for many years. But time marches on and things inevitably change. Early afternoon on Thursday, March 4, Boeing Stearman N65691 lifted from the Buffalo Airport, likely for the very last time. It was piloted not by its long-time owner and restorer Ray Johnson, but by a ferry pilot who took advantage of relatively warm spring...
On February 15, the main hangar of West Metro Aviation was filled with the aroma of hot chili as EAA Chapter 878 hosted their 3rd Annual Chili Feed Fly-In/Drive-In at the Buffalo (MN) airport. Mike Wiskus generously donated the use of his hangar, and the "Friends of the Buffalo Airport" (FOBA) and Steve Blyseth provided use of their tables and chairs. This event began three years ago as a social and fundraising event, giving pilots a destination to shake off the winter cold, plus to encourage...
