Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
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We are all pretty worn down by the precautions that were electively taken by our governor with regard to the COVID-19 virus, and many of us are pretty much over it. It is time to get back to doing the things that make us happy, not to mention productive. I know that it was with heavy heart that we cancelled the 2020 Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering, that Sun-N-Fun was cancelled, and that we learned of the postponing of the Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Safety Seminar to the fall of 2020. While... Full story
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill had a way with the English language. He also liked the sound of his own voice. Many of his speeches in Parliament lasted so long that some members were nearly comatose by the end. On August 20, 1940 Churchill made a typically long speech concerning the status of the war with Germany. He paid tribute to all the people defending Britain against the aggressors, but buried in the speech is this single sentence that has an important place in aviation history.... Full story
Most aviators recognize the power of lightning, but few understand this unique natural phenomenon. Take time to review a few facts about lightning. 1. A typical thunderstorm lasts about 30 minutes. 2. Though most tend to occur in the afternoon and evening during the spring and summer, thunderstorms can occur at any time of the day and along frontal boundaries. 3. Lightning can strike as far as 15 miles away from a thunderstorm. 4. Lightning can occur when it is not raining. 5. Deaths caused by... Full story
When we think about how far air travel and space travel have come since the first drawings of da Vinci to the most recent flight of the space shuttle, we are truly amazed. Now imagine what can be coming in the next century or even just in the next ten years! It is mind-boggling. While those thoughts are in your head, why not have a little fun with a little aviation/space trivia test? The questions are in random order and are taken from three national sources of aviation and space information. 1. What aviation safety device predates the advent o... Full story
The Aero Shell Team snarled its way into the air. As usual, their formation was superb. Once the four Texans turned northeast, away from Runway 36, we resumed our conversation. "You've announced for years. What was your favorite formation?" I thought for a moment. Eight or nine people were gathered by the high wing Stinson trimotor's starboard Lycoming, some in the shade, others content to absorb the noon time sun. "Well," I thought out loud. "I did announce the Trimotor Gathering here in 2005.... Full story
Written by Alexandria Gossen, a student at Concordia College St. Paul, reprinted with permission from the Hinckley News. Social distancing has become a life-saving lifestyle, but it can be difficult to remain six feet apart from the average human – essential or not. Cambridge resident Greg Regnier has his own way of keeping far away from locals by ascending approximately 2,000 feet into the air. Air Force Veteran Greg Regnier did his usual precheck routine: engine check, wing check, oil check a... Full story
As I roll to the start of the runway, I look eagerly to the sky for the tower has cleared me for takeoff and again I am committed to fly. As the nose of the airplane lines up with the solid white line on the black, there is a feeling of joy as the engine roars and there is no turning back. With throttle full forward, it isn’t long before the spinning prop becomes so strong and the roll that started slow at first, is racing to free me from the earth. My heart pounds a little, for I can feel that moment of truth is near when a slight backward for... Full story
"Hey, aren't you the dude who announces up at Anoka?" He wore three Canon cameras, all with long expensive telephoto lenses, a sleeveless T-shirt, baggy cargo shorts, and sandals. His nose and forehead were seriously sunburned, as were the backs of his calves. "I have, yes," I replied and tried not to let the chocolate covered Dove ice cream bar drip on my shoes. "I thought I recognized the beard," he nodded. "You announcing here?" "Oh, no. Not here." "Have you ever announced here?" "Well,... Full story
WAI Three days focused on workforce issues, professional development & education seminars, and Girls in Aviation Day Orlando, Florida March 8, 2020 – Women in Aviation International held another successful annual gathering during the 31st Annual International Women in Aviation Conference at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, March 5-7, 2020. With its unique blend of top-notch speakers, busy exhibit hall, an array of education sessions, and more than 100 scholarship awards, the WAI 2020 conference delivered num... Full story
James "Jim" Baker is a native of Mankato, MN. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps at the age of 18. He learned to fly at Luke Field in Phoenix, Arizona. He conducted his solo flight in a Stearman. After earning his wings, Jim was assigned instructor duty in the Stearman at the Air Training Command. In 1945, Jim completed training in the B-25 Mitchell bomber and was awaiting deployment orders when Japan surrendered. After his transition from active duty in 1947, he returned to Minnesota and joined... Full story
March 18, 2020 Due to recent events and to help prevent the spread of the novel COVID-19 virus, the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame (MAHOF) has decided to postpone our annual Inductee Banquet. It will be held in the same location, at the MSP Intercontinental Hotel on November 7, 2020. All associated banquet events, such as the Plaque Unveiling, will also be postponed. The health and safety of all involved is our top priority. Considerations were made to cancel the event, but our mission at MAHOF is to honor our inductees and give them the... Full story
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (March 18, 2020) Even as in-person aviation gatherings have become less available this spring, EAA’s webinar series begins a second decade of providing aviation information, knowledge, and community to pilots everywhere. The EAA webinars provide group opportunities on topics ranging from aircraft maintenance and technology to pilot certification and flying clubs. In addition, specific webinars provide guidance to specialized areas such as EAA chapter leaders, aerobatic pilots, and more. “Ten years... Full story
Results to inform recruitment strategies and retention of women aviation. March 6, 2020 – Recognizing the global aviation industry is facing an unprecedented challenge to meet the hiring needs of aviation professionals in the workforce, Women in Aviation International worked with Dr. Becky Lutte, Associate Professor, University of Nebraska at Omaha Aviation Institute, on a series of studies to provide a current look at where the gaps in employment are for women in aviation. Together, the study results can be used by aviation companies and o... Full story
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... Full story
My blood pressure was about to spike. The youngest daughter had just told me she was going to the Marine Corps Ball. This was a successful and self-assured young woman, who could take care of herself very nicely. No matter. I was having flashbacks to a much different era, and the only time I'd ever been to a Marine Ball. November 10, 1775 is the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Initially called the Continental Marines, their birth place was "Tun Tavern" in Philadelphia. Appropriately... Full story
Highlights and photos: Courtesy of aviation writer/photographer Jeremy D. Dando Aviators in Minnesota are hardy folks. They do not let the long cold winters put an end to their flying. Not wanting to remain in hibernation the first fly in of 2020 was organized for 01 January, 2020! John Holand had the idea for a New Year's Day fly-in and did all the heavy lifting to get a group of aviators interested in heading up to Brainerd from the Twin Cities area. If you needed additional motivation to go... Full story
Isle Airport Flying Club member Dave Retka terms it a "fight for survival" of the Isle Airport in a letter to airport supporters in early January. After growing membership of the club and making a positive difference in this small community of 751, located on the southeast edge of Mille Lacs Lake, the airport's survival is now in question. Just last July, 45 airplanes landed on its perfectly manicured grass runway, including one from the middle of South Dakota, Aberdeen. During the pancake break... Full story
Born in Bremerton, Washington, on June 7, 1945, Hancock lived in Washington until he was 22. This is where he learned to fly and in 1963, soloed in a Cessna 140. He learned to fly in a Cessna 140 and 170 while pursuing his airframe and powerplant licenses. He finished his A&P at the University of Illinois. He went on to earn his instructor and multi-engine ratings. Over the years, he would earn several more ratings. In 1967, Hancock applied to Northwest Airlines for work and was hired as a... Full story
William "Bill" Mavencamp was born in Maple Lake, Minnesota on January 19, 1927. His first airplane ride was with a barnstormer in a biplane at the age of 6 in his hometown. In 1947 he soloed in a J3 Cub in Monticello. He earned his instrument rating in 1965. In 1971 he was designated by the FAA as a flight examiner and instrument rating examiner. He became seaplane rated in 1974. Through his career he owned over 20 airplanes. During his lifetime he flew most of the Piper, Cessna, and Beechcraft... Full story
Minnesota is a vast and rural state, with much of it remaining unknown to outside residents. However, with the release of a new app, aiming to familiarize pilots with the state’s airports, flying over Minnesota’s endless forests and prairies will hopefully become much less daunting. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Aeronautics and Aviation division recently released the Minnesota AirportFinder App. In essence, the app is a digitized version of the MnDOT Airport Directory and Travel Guide. It is intended to provide all pos... Full story
January 16, 2020 - EAA is very concerned that the FAA's proposed rule on Remote Identification (RID) of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) could have a severe detrimental impact on traditional model aviation, and is preparing a full package of comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The rule would require most UAS, no matter whether they are "drones" or traditional model aircraft, to carry equipment that identifies the device and broadcasts its location. Additionally, many would be... Full story
Donald Berndt, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, lived to age 95 and passed peacefully after suffering a stroke on December 15, 2019. Donald was born at home near Mayer, Minnesota, prematurely, after his mother suffered a fall on the ice on their farm. They kept him warm on the wood stove oven door with little hope of his survival. He was strong, a survivor from the start, and thrived. Don had a lifelong passion for aircraft that was fostered by Elmer Sell, the owner of Sell Airfield across the field from his home. During WWII, when the time neared... Full story
Spatial disorientation can be defined quite simply as the inability to correctly orient oneself with respect to the earth’s surface. It is caused by a variety of sensory illusions. Pilots are especially vulnerable at night and in certain weather conditions. This is because sensory illusions can occur regardless of a pilot’s proficiency or experience. The body’s sensory system normally provides enough information to our subconscious to adequately orient us for normal, earthbound activity. In the environment of flight, however, the sensory syste... Full story
In 1965 Gus DeWeedt was flying over Anchorage, Alaska when he was caught in a sudden storm. He lost control of his plane and crashed, killing him. One year later his granddaughter, Joelle Petersen, was born in New Brighton, Minnesota. Peterson never knew her grandfather beyond the picture on the wall. All she knew was that he met his death flying into an Alaskan mountain. Petersen grew up and eventually left Minnesota. She spent a significant portion of her adult life living in Europe, working i... Full story
This past year we have had the unfortunate opportunity to read about a number of aircraft accidents. Far too many of these accidents were pilot error. Worse yet, a number of these accidents ranging from GA, to corporate, military, and the airlines were caused by and effect called the normalcy bias. Normalcy bias sometimes referred to as “analysis paralysis,” is a reference to a person (or peoples) mental state when facing a disaster. When in that state of consciousness it (normalcy bias) causes people to underestimate the possibility of a dis... Full story
