The Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame has announced the seven aviation leaders selected for induction into its Class of 2027. Representing a broad cross-section of Minnesota’s aviation community, the inductees have made significant contributions to military, commercial, general, and aviation education through decades of leadership, innovation, service, and dedication.
The Class of 2027 Inductees
Corey J. Goodnature – An elite U.S. Army Night Stalker aviator whose exceptional leadership, combat flying skill, and selfless courage culminated in the ultimate sacrifice while leading the 2005 rescue mission during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan. His legacy endures through the Corey Goodnature Memorial Scholarship Fund, which has awarded scholarships to hundreds of students, ensuring his values of service, humility, leadership, and sacrifice continue to inspire future generations.
John F. Hanson – He devoted more than six decades to aviation as an airline captain, instructor, mentor, and aviation historian, culminating in a distinguished 39-year airline career. Hanson has received international recognition for safely commanding the emergency landing of Northwest Airlines Flight 85 after a catastrophic rudder failure. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hanson has inspired generations of aviators through flight instruction, aircraft restoration, aviation education, and lifelong service to preserving and promoting aviation history.
Karsten Palmer “KP” Haram – He rose from an entry-level aircraft cleaner and Navy-trained mechanic to Captain at Northwest Airlines on the Boeing 747, exemplifying how determination, lifelong learning, and perseverance can lead to the highest levels of commercial aviation. Over a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, he accumulated approximately 20,000 flight hours, mentored future airline pilots after retirement, and has left a lasting legacy as one of Minnesota’s most respected aviation professionals.
Alan “Al” Peter Malmberg – He has dedicated more than five decades to advancing aviation through broadcasting, education, and public outreach, preserving Minnesota’s aviation heritage as the longtime host of The World of Aviation radio program. Through more than 1,000 interviews, his service as Master of Ceremonies for the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame Inductee Banquet, and his lifelong commitment to inspiring future aviators, Al has become one of Minnesota’s most influential ambassadors for aviation.
Michael R. ‘Mike’ Stevens – He is an internationally recognized experimental test pilot and aerospace engineer whose four-decade career has advanced general aviation through groundbreaking flight testing, aircraft certification, and safety innovation. As Executive Director and Chief Test Pilot at Cirrus Aircraft, he led the development and certification of multiple industry-leading aircraft and technologies, helping to establish Minnesota as a global center for aviation innovation and earning recognition as one of the nation’s foremost flight test professionals.
Lola “Nadine” Ransom Sugden – A pioneering Minnesota aviator whose historic achievements include becoming the first woman in the state to earn an instrument rating. She has contributed nearly seven decades of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for aviation education and general aviation. Through her volunteer service, philanthropy, and unwavering support of the Mankato aviation community, she inspired generations of pilots and helped shape the future of aviation in Minnesota.
Cyril Ludwig Stodolka – Pioneer Inductee – As one of Minnesota’s earliest aviation pioneers, he designed, built, and flew his own aircraft before aviation became widespread. Later he became a renowned barnstormer whose innovative spirit helped inspire the next generation of aviators, including a young Charles Lindbergh. After his flying career, he applied that same ingenuity to Minnesota’s construction industry, leaving a lasting legacy as an inventor, entrepreneur, and one of the state’s foundational figures in early aviation.
Mark your calendars!
Annual Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame Induction Banquet on Saturday, April 24, 2027, at the Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
Banquet details and reservation information will be available beginning Jan. 1, 2027, on the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame website, mahof.org. Additional information about the Class of 2027 inductees will also be posted on the Hall of Fame website and shared through its Facebook and Instagram channels.
Nominations
Know someone whose contributions have helped shape Minnesota aviation? The Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame welcomes nominations of deserving individuals for future induction classes. Nomination guidelines, eligibility requirements, and submission information are available on the Hall of Fame website at mahof.org/nominations.