Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
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Rushford Aviation, Inc. is putting out a warm welcome to avi-ators for several reasons this summer. During its July 15 fly-in a ceremony will be held announcing the airport's new name: Rushford Municipal Airport, Robert W. Bunke Field. "Rob Bunke is the gentleman primarily responsible for establishing the airport in the mid 1970's," said Rushford Aviation owner Mike Thern. The ceremony to honor Rob will begin at 10 a.m. Mark Baker, president of AOPA, and MnDOT Aeronautics officials will be... Full story
From its well attended educational sessions to the EAA Leadership Summit Saturday night, the fourth annual Minnesota Pilots Association Great Minnesota at the Anoka county Blaine Airport was another rousing success. Nestled amongst the impressive collection of vintage aircraft in the Golden Wings Museum, vendors were set up in booths for attendees to visit throughout the April 29-30 event. The Museum's Ford Trimotor was backdrop to recognition ceremonies for the most Young Eagle flights given... Full story
Tracy Lovness is passionate about flying, committed to her goal, and intensely detail oriented. All are components necessary to compete well in the 41st Annual Air Race Classic (ARC) June 20-23, starting in Fredrick, Maryland and terminating in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This is the Cirrus SR22 owner's fourth ARC. "The race is east to west this year," said Lovness. "That means head winds, so it's going to be very challenging. Still, it should be quite a nice ride." This year ARC participants draw... Full story
Inclement weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of those who gathered at Minnesota Sea Plane Association's Safety Seminar held May 19-21 at Madden's Resort in Gull Lake. The beach was full of float planes. The land air strip had a fair number of aircraft, some with tents for an under wing camping adventure. Minnesota Sea Plane Association's president Steve Guetter gave a warm welcome to attendees and vendors, keeping well attended presentations on schedule with a humorously stated comment... Full story
Though there were no burning issues, Executive Director of the Minnesota Business Aviation Association (MBAA) Gordon Hoff knows the wisdom of aviation enthusiasts establishing relationships with legislators. "It's important that we talk about the importance of aviation every year to our members so if we ever do have some kind of emergency, they know who we are and how to reach out to us," said Hoff. "We can be their resource." Hoff noted the importance of stressing to legislators that taxes... Full story
The 28th Annual Induction Ceremony of the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame began, as usual, with a social hour and banquet at the Hyatt Regency Bloomington on April 22. What was most unusual was the passing of the torch for banquet management to a gracious Cheri Rohlfing who noted this year it took a 23-member planning committee to do what Noel and Mary Allard have been undertaking for 27 years. This year's Master of Ceremonies was radio host, Al Malmberg; keynote speakers were Dale Klapmeier... Full story
COVER PHOTO: When Chuck Cook, pilot and owner of the T-28B he hangars at Anoka County Blaine Airport offered a ride to fellow pilot Mike Swiridow during the Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering, Mike graciously suggested the ride be a gift to Bonnie, his wife. Bonnie was smiling before the aircraft even left the ground. Well done, gentlemen!... Full story
Isle Flying Club members Norb and Annette Gregory from Farmington taxi into Isle Airport in their beautifully restored 1946 model 8A Luscombe to participate in one of the airport's events drawing community members and visitors together.... Full story
Back in the 1950s and 60s, sod airstrips dotted farmlands all over the country. One such entity, Isle Airport on Mille Lacs Lake in Isle, Minnesota was activated in July 1956. While hangars and a Pilot Shack have been added, much of Isle Airport remains its quaint, nostalgic self. It was just that ambiance South St. Paul resident Dave Retka was looking for when seeking a place to hangar his 1939 Taylorcraft. "It's fun being up here," said Retka. "It reminds me of when I was a very young kid. My... Full story
After accumulating aircraft and historically relevant aviation items for over 33 years, the Minnesota Air National Guard Museum finds itself in a tight spot, figuratively and literally. "Since we've had a change in the security posture in the United States, it makes it ever more challenging to stay open to allow the public to come out and visit the museum," said Museum Executive Director Jim Atwell. "Visitors must call seven days in advance and have a military ID or valid driver's license and a... Full story
When I began this series of spotlights on Minnesota's top ten most important aviation persons, my intention was to feature the ten persons whose names had been foremost in the news and made the largest impact on the aviation community of Minnesota. I've already thumbnailed the earliest; Walter Bullock, earliest of our barnstormers; Clarence Hinck and Shorty dePonti, gritty pioneer businessmen; Speed Holman, daredevil and first pilot of Northwest Airways; Ray Miller, father of the Minnesota Air... Full story
Anoka County Blaine Airport continues to grow its reputation as a community friendly facility. EAA Chapter 237, Twin Cities Aviation, R.C. Avionics, the American Wings Museum, and Golden Wings Museum once again opened their doors for an educational tour and hands-on adventures for over 40 youth ranging in age from infant to ninth grade, and 20 adults. The tour was arranged by EAA Chapter members Roger Hansen and Harvey Karth. While the younger members of the group visited aviation related... Full story
Aviation enthusiasts from the region will gather April 26 at the Capitol in St. Paul to look their state legislators in the eye, offer a warm handshake, and establish (or refresh) a personal relationship. Aviation Day at the Capitol is arranged by the Minnesota Business Aviation Association (MBAA), Minnesota Council of Airports (MCOA), and the Minnesota Aviation Trades Association (MATA). Mike Beard, a member of all three organizations, also has a history of 12 years as a member of the... Full story
For years, Michael J. Grzincich kept a photograph his mother gave him of his four-year-old self sitting in the cockpit of his grandfather's 1964 Cessna 172F. "I remember seeing that plane," said Grzincich. "I remember the flight when I thought the wheel pants were pontoons. When Grandpa flew over Lake Superior, I asked him if we could land on the water. He said no." Now all grown up, the boy who was raised in Hibbing, Minnesota also remembers his grandmother's affinity to that specific... Full story
If you have heard the name Charles Lindbergh, you already know why he is so well known. His May 20-21, 1927 solo flight, ninety years ago this May, from New York to Paris is perhaps the single most significant flight ever made. There is little more that needs be told that isn't readily available in a thousand books and newspapers. What may be interesting to note is exactly how he is related to Minnesota, other than having been raised in Little Falls. Lindbergh was actually born in Michigan... Full story
When people take their places at the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame Banquet on April 22 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bloomington, regular attendees will notice a marked change. Since its inception in 1988, Noel Allard and Mary, his wife have managed and arranged the annual event. This year the Allard's are transitioning banquet management to Delta Air Lines First Officer, Cheri Rohlfing. "By the sound of it Cheri has everything under control," said Allard. "Things are looking good. We're going... Full story
Look for a few changes in the Fourth Annual Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering (GMAG) coming April 29-30 to the Anoka County Blaine Airport (KANE). "Something new this year is, we are holding it on a Saturday and Sunday instead of a Friday/Saturday format," said President of the Minnesota Pilots Association Randy Corfman. "Everyone is looking forward to that." While the event has grown from 600 to 900 visitors on the strength of the educational presentations, networking opportunities, and... Full story
We all enjoy aviation whether it be a few laps in the pattern, a trip with friends for lunch or visiting family out of state. But, many pilots reach a point in their aviation career when they begin to wonder if there is something more. And, that's where charitable, humanitarian or compassionate flying can bring a new depth to your aviation adventures! There are many types of compassionate flights, including taking patients to medical treatments, fish and wildlife monitoring and support of disaster areas. Today we are going to discuss some... Full story
Minnesota Sea Plane Pilots Association's Spring Sea Plane Safety Seminar will be splashing down on May 19-21 at Madden's Resort at Gull Lake...especially Saturday afternoon during the accuracy landing contest. "Any of the pilots that fly up and are registered participants in the conference are welcome to participate in that contest," said MSPA president Steve Guetter. "It's usually a fairly tight competition. "The past few years we've had airplanes ranging from Piper Cubs all the way up to... Full story
Warroad Lions Club held their 39th Annual Fly-In Breakfast in February, bringing in a wide variety of aircraft from around the regions. Landings were on the Warroad River. God weather, fantastic aircraft, and a delicious breakfast made for a great Fly-In! Rick Mercil of Rick's Aviation Adventures was all smiles, as were many attendees in their picturesque surroundings. Mercil, a Certified Flight Instructor for almost 40 years, with 10,000 flight hours, flew his 1956 Cessna 180 from Sunset Lodge... Full story
Eight years ago in January, my life changed forever when Rosa and I adopted our son Hayden. Our adult girls had left the nest and this little guy came into our lives out of our desire to provide him a home. Fast forward eight years and I not only have a son, but I have a co-pilot too. This was never more evident than on January 16 this year. It being Martin Luther King Day, both Hayden and I had the day off. It was a beautiful bluebird day so we decided to fly up to the North West Angle to... Full story
Apparently Paul Jackson just can't get enough of aviation. He is a Captain at Southwest Airlines based at Chicago Midway, the proud owner of a Cessna 180H awaiting a ferry flight from Olympia, Washington to Minnesota, is co-host and pilot for The Flightline, an aviation magazine T.V. show, and recently held his Second Annual Ski Plane Fly-In at his private sea plane base on Horseshoe Lake in McGregor, Minnesota. Among those attending was Steve Schwister, owner of TrickAir who not only sponsored... Full story
In the early 1940s, high school buddies Orv Amundson and Harold Fjoslien were awed by the sight of an adventurous barnstormer flying over Elbow Lake farms, landing in and taking off from the fields. As the now 91-year-old Amundson recalls, someone put up the money so the boys could take their first airplane ride. The experience that impacted them for life. They, in turn, impacted their community. After graduation, Amundson, Fjoslien, and several other area residents, including Ronny Nelson... Full story
Having a 2017 Cirrus SR22T G6 aircraft in the banquet room is a sure-fire way to let people know this event is all about general aviation. The Southeast Minnesota Flying Club, EAA Chapter 100, the Rochester Airport, and Cirrus Aircraft combined efforts to bring people together January 28 at the Rochester International Event Center to generate conversations about flying. Cirrus Regional Sales Director, Gary Black presented a brief and entertaining history of the development of Cirrus aircraft... Full story
In a day and age where some rural airports struggle to keep the doors open, Longville, Minnesota, with a population of just 156, has a municipal airport that thrives. Longville Municipal Airport was established in the 1950s by a group of pilots who owned summer homes in the area surrounded by lakes where boating, fishing, water skiing, snowmobiling, ATV use, and hiking are the recreational activities. At that time, the airport was perceived by the city and local residents as a wealthy person's p... Full story
