Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine June/July 2024 Digital Issue
The Minnesota Aviation Trades Association (MATA) holds its annual meeting during the Minnesota Airports Conference, and presents its scholarships at that time.
Receiving the MATA Scholarships were Augie Gulbranson of Brandon, Minnesota, and Alex Flaten of Rush City, Minn. Gulbranson has been training at Alexandria Aviation in Alexandria, Minn., and Flaten has been training at Hawk Aviation in Rush City. Gulbranson is a freshman at Alexandria College, and Flaten is a sophomore at Rush City High School.
In applying for the scholarship, Augie Gulbranson wrote: “The image of a pilot has always been stuck in my head. Dressing up as a fighter pilot for Halloween was almost a tradition as a little boy with big aspirations. The first knowledge of flying came from my grandfather who flew the Airbus A320 for Northwest Airlines in a span of more than 30 years. Growing up he would always show me his logbooks and his flight bag and all the materials he was required to have in his possession daily, while working.
Beginning in middle school, my interest was sparked in possibly different careers other than aviation that I could receive education in the Alexandria community. As middle school was coming to an end and a new chapter of my life – high school – was beginning, I began thinking as to what career I wanted to pursue. Business was always in the back of my mind, and I always took an interest in financing and how it can help me in the future, along with my passion flying!
During high school, I started to do some research on where I was going to pursue my dream of becoming an airline pilot while getting a separate degree in finance at the same time. I toured a couple of schools in which I could do both, including Mankato State and UND. After touring Mankato and going with my gut, I started to do a little more research on what my hometown of Alexandria could offer me. As it turned out, Alexandria Technical and Community College and Alexandria Aviation was the right combination for my current situation. I was fortunate enough to get hired at Alexandria Aviation as a line technician. For a young college kid with a passion for flying and in general loves being around airplanes, I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity. It is truly a blessing to interact with my co-workers and instructors and be surrounded by a great group of people with the same interests as mine, as I progress through my ratings. I would like to thank you for reading my letter and the opportunity to be considered an aviation scholarship candidate to help further my aviation career.
Augie Gulbranson
In applying for the scholarship, Alex Flaten wrote: Hello, my name is Alex Flaten and I am applying for the Minnesota Aviation Trades Association (MATA) Scholarship.
I still remember my first flight. I was about 4 years old when my parents took my brother and me to the fly-in/drive-in that was being held at the Rush City Airport. My mom was able to book us a flight on a helicopter, a 20-minute ride that changed my life. About a year later, I went on my first commercial flight and the pilot allowed me to have a quick look at the cockpit. I was hooked and knew I wanted to become a pilot.
In January 2023, I took ground school with instructor Jay Valex at Hawk Aviation. I found the class very interesting, and Jay was a very good instructor and told us some great flying stories. Mark Nelson was also a mentor after I finished the class and worked with me to pass the written exam. I passed in May 2023 and have been working with Dave Gunderson on my flight training. I took my first solo flight in early December 2023.
I am a 10th grader at Rush City High School, with a GPA of 3.95. I am involved in football, track, and golf. I am also on the student council and serve as vice president, and president of the Leos Club, which is sponsored by the Lions of Rush City. As a member and president of the Leos Club, I volunteer many hours in Rush City. I attend First Lutheran Church and am a member of the praise band on Sunday mornings.
After high school, I plan on attending North Dakota State University and majoring in Aviation. With encouragement from my parents, I was able to start my dream to become a pilot in January 2023. I work at the Rush City Aquatic Center, as a lifeguard in the summer to earn money for school. I hope to be awarded the Minnesota Aviation Trades Association (MATA) Scholarship to help with my dream and continue flight training.
Alex Flaten
Speaking at the annual meeting was former Minnesota Legislator and MATA Board member, Mike Beard, who gave members a briefing on current Minnesota legislation.
Ryan Gaug, Director of the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics, briefed members on current initiatives in his office, and concerns including Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as ‘the forever chemicals’ due to their persistence in the environment and having been linked to various adverse health effects. PFAS chemicals have been used in aviation as a fire retardant. New laws are intended to band PFAS chemicals, but nothing yet has been suggested to replace them.
Elections were held with Mark Nelson of Hawk Aviation continuing as President; Joe LaRue of Prairie Air continuing as Vice President; Nancy Grazzini-Olson of Thunderbird Aviation and Academy College continuing as Treasurer; and Kreg Anderson of Alexandria Aviation continuing as Secretary. Other directors include Mark Schwichtenberg of St. Cloud Aviation; Tracie Walter of Bemidji Aviation; Joe Birkemeyer of NorthPoint Aviation; and Dave Weiman of Midwest Flyer Magazine. The board welcomed Tyler Brimmer of Klick Brimmer PLLC to the board. Gene DePalma is Executive Director.
Fixed base operators and vendors are encouraged to join MATA. Visit https://www.mata-online.org/ or call Gene DePalma at 651-343-5986.
EDITOR’S NOTE: What would an airport conference be without visiting the host airport – in this case, “Breezy Point Airport – Muller Field.” The airport is named after U.S. Army Viet Nam veteran and former St. Paul business owner, Cliff Muller. Cliff is the airport manager and an active GA pilot and aircraft builder. NOTAM: Breezy Point Airport is a private airport and pilots must call Cliff before landing: 218-838-3434. The airport hosts a fly-in and classic car show each year called “Breezy Point Aviation Day,” which is free to all visitors, including the food and beverages! This year’s event was held May 4, 2024 (www.breezypoint.com).
