Minnesota Flyer - Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960

Those who love airplanes, cars, and outdoor cooking had plenty to see, watch, and eat at Aitkin Aviation Fly-In the weekend of July 27-28.

C.M. Swanson

Gretchen and Michael Patnode from Aitkin get into the 1940s theme of the evening's dance. Gretchen was right at home as she used to swing dance in the Twin Cities area. Michael is a long-time Aitkin resident who is in the process of taking over at hat his folks feed store.

Aviation Education Reaching Others (A.E.R.O.), the non profit organization providing opportunities to qualified individuals seeking an education in preparation for a career in aviation, enjoyed a perfect hangar dance and social the evening before the Fly-In.

Dressed in period clothing, attendees danced to the music of the Red Rock Swing Band, periodically stepping outside the hangar to watch the captivating sight of aircraft landing and taking off during the afternoon and evening.

Tables beautifully set with mouth-watering food was a favorite gathering place for guests, as was the bar excellently tended by a smiling Marisa Stockman.

The Fly-In was attended by a wide variety of folks from locals to those who live far and wide with the desire to get to Aitkin Aviation for the festivities. Picnic type foods were available, grilled in an open hangar that provided cover from periodic rain showers. The Aero Minnesota Fly-In is a family friendly event, attracting children, parents, and grandparents in droves.

Aero Minnesota president Adam Forsberg is kept busy throughout the two-day festivities, giving rides in the 1982 Yak, and 1979 Grumman Tiger, part of the Aero Minnesota's fleet.