Info Notes: Photos Wanted!
ST. PAUL, MINN. – The MnDOT Office of Aeronautics is excited to invite you to submit your best photos showcasing the spirit of Minnesota aviation. Think breathtaking aerial views, special moments at an airport or the incredible airplanes in our state! The winner is selected internally and may be featured on publications, including the 2026 “Minnesota Airport Directory and Travel Guide.”
By submitting your photo(s), you agree to allow the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics to use your photos without additional compensation, and your submission indicates that you are a photographer and that the photo was taken in Minnesota. Photo credit will be provided when possible.
Preferred minimum size is 6 megapixels for portrait and 12 megapixels for landscape. Please submit your photos to danielle.walchuk@state.mn.us by September 30, 2025.
Aero Update:
Plan Your Next Flight With Ease: New Digital Tools Now Available On MnDOT Aeronautics Webpage
By the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics
Planning your next flying adventure just got easier. The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Office of Aeronautics is excited to announce the release of two new digital tools designed to support aviation trip planning and in-flight navigation across the state.
Whether you’re exploring Minnesota’s scenic airports for the first time or flying your favorite weekend route, these resources are built to keep you informed and connected:
✈️ Minnesota AirportFinder App
Now live on the Aeronautics webpage, this interactive web map puts airport details at your fingertips. Browse the entire network of Minnesota’s public-use airports with ease—filter by amenities, runways, services, and more! It’s a great way to plan your next fly-in, fuel stop, or overnight visit.
📱 Airport Directory ForeFlight Content Pack
Pilots who use ForeFlight can now download the Minnesota Airport Directory directly into their flight bag. This content pack brings MnDOT’s trusted airport data into your flightdeck—complete with runway info, contact numbers, aerial photos, and more—all integrated with your flight planning workflow.
Together, these tools offer a modern, accessible way to chart your next aviation experience in Minnesota—on the ground and in the air.
Access both tools today through the MnDOT Aeronautics website:
🔗 www.dot.state.mn.us/aero
Whether you’re flying solo, planning a group trip, or checking off airports in the “Fly Minnesota Airports Passport Program,” these new resources make it even easier to explore everything Minnesota aviation has to offer.
Wheels Up: Minnesota’s 2025 Aviation Calendar Is Packed & Ready For Takeoff
By the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics
Fly-Ins & Events
Minnesota’s aviation scene is shaping up for a strong 2025, with a full slate of fly-ins, educational events, community open houses, and airport gatherings planned across the state. Whether you’re logging time in the air, mentoring the next generation, or just looking to reconnect with your home airport, this year’s calendar offers something for every kind of flyer.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Office of Aeronautics keeps an up-to-date list of aviation-themed events on its website, ranging from grassroots breakfasts to airshows and statewide aviation conferences. If you haven’t checked it lately, now’s a great time to mark your calendar:
🔗 https://www.dot.state.mn.us/aero/events/flyins-and-events.html
In addition to showcasing where and when to go, the site also includes information about the “Fly Minnesota Airports Passport Program,” a self-paced initiative that encourages pilots and aviation enthusiasts to explore Minnesota’s public-use airports. Participants can register online and begin earning stamps—no matter your flying frequency, it’s a great way to rediscover the variety and charm of airports across the state.
With events that welcome professionals, students, families, and aviation supporters alike, Minnesota continues to prove that it’s more than just flyover country—it’s a destination. From spring through fall, there’s plenty of lift under our wings.
For updates throughout the year, keep the MnDOT Aeronautics events page bookmarked. We’ll see you out there.
MnDOT Aero Outreach:
Celebrate National Aviation Day – Tuesday, August 19
Minnesota joins the nation in recognizing National Aviation Day on August 19—celebrated each year on Orville Wright’s birthday to honor the pioneers of flight and the ongoing impact of aviation in our communities.
Whether you’re a pilot or simply aviation-curious, there are many ways to celebrate. Take to the skies with a visit to a new airport as part of the “Fly Minnesota Airports Passport” program, or spend the day at your local airport watching aircraft, visiting a museum, or attending a public aviation event. Minnesota’s more than 133 public airports are open gateways to exploration, learning, and community connection.
Request your free “Fly MN Passport” or find a public airport near you at: http://www.mndot.gov/aero