Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
FAA representative presents a plaque to Theodore Wyrowski to recognize him for 50 years of aviation safety.
Legends in their own time Waldo Anderson, Ray Johnson and Noel Allard were always around the hangars somewhere.
The Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame was well represented both days of the event.
The seminars were full house both days. All the presentations were very interesting
Between presentations people would meet up and browse through the exhibits, there was a variety of new and interesting things on display.
This entrepreneurial young family was giving out cups of their new coffee brand NorthFork Coffee Company Specialty Aviation Coffee; Day VFR and CAT III Autoland.
The Minnesota Ninety Nines were happy to hand out information and have a chat about women in aviation
The FAA is always there to help you and hand out great information.
Thunderbird Aviation and Academy College were available to explain their programs.
May 16 -17 held the return of the Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering at the Buffalo Municipal Airport hosted by the Minnesota Pilots Association. The two day event included many seminars, speeches and storytelling along with a hangar filled with vendor booths. The very windy weather stopped pilots from flying in however there were over 400 people who showed up to learn new things, refresh old things, connect with friends, pick up an award, purchase something new or maybe just celebrate the magic of flight. It takes many volunteers to put this event together, donations of hangar space, time to give presentations or man the food booth in the wind and rain like those from the EAA Chapter 878, Maple Lake and Buffalo or hand out free coffee and donuts. The presentations were top notch and well scheduled and included topics of passing tests, great landings, backcountry aviation, emergencies, MNDOT updates, seaplane mishaps, ski plane flying, history, medical certificates, rusty pilots, helicopters, MASH units and more.
A silent auction was held this year to help fund scholarships that are given each year to those who wish to pursue a career in aviation as a pilot or maintenance and avionics technicians.
The 2025 Janette Strathy Aviation Scholarship was awarded to Kathleen Thompson.
The 2025 Captain Edward Erickson Aviation Scholarship went to Joshua Irion.
The 2025 Minnesota Pilots Association Maintenance Technician Scholarship was given to Kyra Vogt.
The two day event ends with recognition to deserving pilots and people.
The Minnesota Pilots Association supports the FAA's Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years of Dedicated Service in Aviation Safety, presented by the Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration. These people received this year's recognition; Andrew Brown, Douglas Mansfield, Steve Nedrelow, Robert Shadduck, Michael Willey and Theodore Wyrowski.
The Minnesota Pilots Association also presented these awards to recognize those who volunteer their time and aircraft to giving young people free rides to introduce them to the experience of flight and aviation in general.
The award for giving the most Young Eagle rides, 584, was presented to EAA Chapter 237 of Anoka.
The award for the pilot who gave the most Young Eagle rides, 138, was presented to Michael Grzincich of EAA Chapter 237.
The Minnesota Pilots Association Photography Award was submitted by William Sugden. The photo was used for advertising, brochure cover and posters.
The 99s Minnesota Chapter Scholarship Awards were presented by Chapter Chair Cheryl Daml to support women in aviation. The recipients were;
Emma Hanson, received the MN 99s Scholarship for an advanced rating. She will use it towards her Commercial training.
PingPing He, received the MN 99s Chapter scholarship for Private Pilot. PingPing also received the SkyQueenKing Scholarship for Private Pilot training, which was donated to our Chapter from a private donor.
Majel Baker, received the MN 99s Chapter scholarship for currency, which she will use towards her flight review and IPC.
Kim Marcell, received the North Central Section Spinning Prop award for the most uncompensated flight hours from March 2024-February 2025.
This event was well worth the time and effort to put it all together Here is hoping next year the weather will be more cooperative and more pilots can fly in to Buffalo for this great get together.
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