Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine April/May 2024 Digital Issue
NorthPoint Aviation is a full-service fixed base operation located at Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport in Brainerd, Minnesota. The company provides fuel sales, aircraft sales, and acquisition for both recreational and commercial clients. It is also a one-stop shop for aircraft management, light and heavy aircraft maintenance, avionics sales, service, and professional flight training.
Maintenance
At NorthPoint Aviation, safety is its number one priority! It is for this reason the company only employs professional, well-trained technicians that follow strict manufacturer and FAA guidelines. Professionally trained technicians are available to complete aircraft warranty work, aircraft modifications, and general maintenance.
NorthPoint Aviation is a Cirrus Aircraft and Textron Aviation Service Center. As an FAA Part 145 Repair Station, NorthPoint’s Maintenance Department performs airframe repairs and upgrades; powerplant upgrades, such as the popular NorthPoint Aviation XP470; and the installation of STC’d modifications and aircraft floats.
The XP470 is by far the most popular engine upgrade for Cessna 180 and 182 aircraft. It provides aircraft extra power and longevity. The NorthPoint XP470 increases the engine displacement by 50 cubic inches, and cylinders are equipped with a 7.5 to 1 compression pistons, which results in a 35 to 45 increase in horsepower over the stock O-470 engine. The NorthPoint XP470 utilizes the existing engine mount, baffling, exhaust, and cowling. No additional airframe modifications are required. The increased performance of the NorthPoint XP470, enables pilots to reach their destination sooner, which means fewer hours on both the engine and airframe.
Avionics
NorthPoint Aviation is also a one-stop-shop for all avionics and instrument needs. Its certified and experienced avionics technicians can perform anything from pitot-static checks, and complete avionics upgrades ranging from small, single-engine piston aircraft to corporate jets and helicopters.
Recent installations include TCAS/TAWS, flight management systems, GPS, audio panels, in-flight entertainment systems, cabin management systems, and ELT systems. NorthPoint Aviation also has the capability of installing cockpit voice recorders, angle-of-attack indicators, weather avoidance systems, engine analyzers, and wire harness fabrication.
Flight Training
NorthPoint Aviation operates an FAA Part 61 flight school that can train pilots from private through certified flight instructors. The company operates three Cessna 172s with a variety of avionics, from original steam gauges to a state-of-the-art Garmin G1000-equipped 2023 Cessna 172. These aircraft provide students with different flight experiences. NorthPoint Aviation’s flight instructors have over 20 years of combined experience, who can help new and experienced pilots achieve their dreams.
Soloy Aviation
NorthPoint Aviation purchased Soloy Aviation in 2022, which included many product lines and 23 Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for general aviation aircraft, including the Turbine Cessna 206 and Turbine Bonanza conversions. NorthPoint Aviation also offers observer window, single swivel seat, and camera mount modifications for the Turbine Cessna 206. These STCs are mostly used for surveillance aircraft and are especially popular among government agencies. NorthPoint Aviation also offers a Vista View window kit for enhanced visibility on Bell 206 helicopters. The company also offers portable helicopter landing pads that are very useful in rough terrains.
For additional information on Northpoint Aviation, call 218-829-3398 or visit https://northpointaviation.net
Northpoint Aviation is one of nearly 100 members of the Minnesota Aviation Trades Association (MATA), an association dedicated to promoting, protecting, and representing general aviation businesses in Minnesota and the region. MATA business members include flight schools, aircraft maintenance facilities, avionics shops, aircraft paint shops, air charter operations, full-service fixed base operations, and aircraft manufacturers and suppliers.
Businesses interested in membership are urged to contact Nancy Olson at 952-851-0631 extension 322 or via email: ngo@thunderbirdaviation.com.
Besides lobbying for the aviation community, MATA sponsors a “scholarship program” to help create tomorrow’s aviation professionals, while supporting member flight schools. For additional information on MATA, visit https://www.mata-online.org/
