by Chris Roy
Director, Mn/DOT Office of Aeronautics
We have had a fabulous summer overall and now we can see the early vestiges of fall. Soon we will be experiencing the cool, crisp mornings and bright, blue skies dotted with fast moving popcorn clouds heralding the change of the seasons. It is a beautiful time to take advantage of all that aviation has to offer.
Minnesota’s 135 terrific airports are there, ready to receive and welcome you as you visit a new city and explore its colors and flavors of the season. In fact, there is a way to do that and make the journey even more valuable and fun for every pilot. It is called the “Fly Minnesota Airports Program,” commonly referred to by many as the “Minnesota Passport Program.” I have mentioned this before, but I want to assure you that as a pilot, you have an opportunity to participate. It is a program that gives pilots many reasons to go fly from point A to point Z, and by doing so, support aviation and aviation businesses throughout the state, while improving their piloting skills and safe flying practices.
But that’s just a part of it. By getting a free “Minnesota Passport” from your local airport or your Minnesota Office of Aeronautics, and getting it stamped at every airport you visit, you could qualify for some great gifts like a leather flight jacket with a zip-out winter lining, or a flight bag, or an aviation cap.
Not only that, you’ll be experiencing new airports and different cities. Along with that you’ll have the opportunity to see miles and miles of beautifully colored fall landscape while you enhance and improve your piloting and safety skills at airports new to you.
This is also a great time to remind you to use caution when you prep for flying as the season changes. Remember that soon we’ll see frost in the morning and the potential of black ice on roadways, taxiways and runways. Please stay alert and stay safe while you enjoy the beauty of the season.
If you want to take advantage of participating in the “Fly Minnesota Airports Program,” now is a great time to do so. If you want to enjoy all that Minnesota and Minnesota aviation has to offer, just step out this fall!
