It’s a new season!

by Cassandra Isackson
Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics
Published in Midwest Flyer – April/May 2018

Spring is here and summer isn’t far away. This is a happy time of the year for many, especially after a long, cold, snowy winter. It is time to dust off the cobwebs, and get back into the flying mode. But first, do a thorough inspection of yourself as a pilot.

Are you truly ready to fly? Is your medical current? Have you checked with your doctor to be sure you can fly and will be safe if you take certain prescription medications? Are you mentally ready? Have you familiarized yourself with the latest Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)? We want you to make safety your first priority in every aspect of your flying and your life. In other words, walk the talk.

Practice safe habits in everything you do. In fact, make sure you attend a general aviation safety seminar by going to faasafety.gov. If your EAA chapter, flying club, pilot association or other group would like a safety presentation at one of your meetings, call FAA Safety Team Program Manager Jay Flowers at 612-253-4418, or email jay.flowers@faa.gov.

Those of us at the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics are excited to be in our 75th year of operation and partnerships with our 135 public-use airports. They serve the general aviation community, as well as local communities. These quality facilities bring benefits to every citizen of the community, whether or not they are aviators. That makes your local airport a valuable asset to your community and surrounding area, as well as to the state of Minnesota. After all, the local airport is the front door to your community.

We are looking forward to a great spring and summer season of aviation events around the state and region. For example, the 2018 Minnesota Aviation Maintenance Technician Conference was held at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota on March 19 and 20th. Pilots attended this conference as well, especially those who like to do some minor maintenance on their own aircraft.

Coming up, we have the annual Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association Safety Seminar & Fly-In, which will be held May 18-20, 2018 at Madden’s Resort on beautiful Gull Lake in Brainerd. By the way, be sure to read Rachel Obermoller’s seaplane article in this Technical Bulletin.

There are many more terrific aviation events all over the state. Just go to: www.dot.state.mn.us/aero/events to see the list we have. Check back often as we frequently add more events, dates and locations.

Enjoy the new season. Think safety first. Plan your flights well, and share your joy of aviation with young people.

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