Minnesota Aeronautics Bulletin Department of Transportation Aeronautics
About The Series
This nine-webinar series will focus on advanced air mobility (AAM), including what airports across the country are doing to prepare for AAM operations at their facilities. AAM systems efficiently move passengers and cargo using sustainably powered aircraft that feature innovative propulsion systems or highly automated aircraft, each with a gross takeoff weight of 300 pounds or greater.
These webinars will feature experts in AAM aircraft manufacturing, operations, and supporting services sharing their insights and lessons learned. Join us to hear from those who have begun implementing AAM and get perspectives that may be useful for Minnesota airports!
There’s no cost to participate, but separate registration is required for each webinar you would like to attend.
Who Should Attend
These webinars are designed for airport managers, consultants, and administrators, as well as those interested in learning more about integrating AAM at Minnesota airports.
For More Information Contact Jackson Piper at piper129@umn.edu.
Sponsors
The series is organized by MnDOT Aeronautics and AirTAP.
Minnesota Airport Development Projects Completed
Duluth Sky Harbor Airport
Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth Sky Harbor Airport opened its new terminal building in July 2024. The $2.66 million project meets floodplain requirements and ADA compliance, and features an upscale pilot lounge, modern flight planning room, vending options, and public outdoor patio areas.
Glencoe Airport
Glencoe, Minnesota
The new Glencoe Municipal Airport (GYL) Arrival/Departure (A/D) building opened in June 2024. Glencoe airport’s new A/D building replaces a 54-year-old building that needed major repairs. The new building features two bathrooms, a waiting area with great views of the airfield, a new well and septic system, and meets accessibility requirements. It is open to pilots and airport users 24/7. Other services include 24/7 self-service 100LL fuel, a courtesy car available for short trips, a 3,300-foot asphalt runway, PAPI and REIL lighting, and six tie-down locations.
Fillmore County Airport
Preston, Minnesota
On May 10, 2024, the Fillmore County Arrival/Departure building was officially inaugurated, marking a significant milestone. This achievement was made possible through collaborative efforts involving Fillmore County, the City of Preston, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), SEH, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation Office of Aeronautics (MnDOT Aeronautics). Arika Johnson, representing MnDOT Aeronautics, dedicated the building, emphasizing its crucial role in enhancing services at Fillmore County Airport. Furthermore, she highlighted its contribution to elevating safety standards for aviation across Minnesota, thus ensuring the sustainability of the state’s broader aviation infrastructure in the long run.
Thief River Falls Airport
Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Thief River Falls Regional Airport in June celebrated the grand opening of its new air cargo hangar. The 27,648 square-foot hangar is spacious enough to fit two CRJ200 aircraft, and has a concrete apron that is able to carry the weight of a fully loaded Boeing 757 jet or other similar cargo aircraft. The hangar features high-strength fabric lifting doors that are lightweight, yet effective at retaining heat and keeping out the cold. Other amenities include additional office space, conference room, wellness room, locker room, kitchenette, restrooms and a high-expansion foam fire suppression system that’s PFAS-free!
Attention Airport Managers!
The most recent agricultural and crop advice guide, created specifically with airport management in mind, is now available. This extensive resource guide is intended to help airport officials make well-informed decisions about farming/agriculture practices on and near airport property.
Key Features Include:
*Detailed guidelines for sustainable crop management.
*Best practices for mitigating wildlife hazards.
*Strategies for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
*Recommendations for optimizing land-use, while preserving ecological balance.
This valuable resource guide is now available for your review and implementation.
To access this guidance document, please visit our website at Aviation: Minnesota Department of Transportation (state.mn.us)
One’s commitment to responsible agriculture practices plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of airport operations. Thank you for your dedication to excellence in airport management!
For any inquiries or assistance, please get in touch with the Airport Operations team at the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics.
Happy farming and safe flying!
Development has the following updates:
•Dan Boerner has officially retired from the Central Region Engineer position as of April 3, 2024. All Central Region queries can be sent to Arika Johnson in the interim.
•SFY25 State Only Projects Awards were announced on the Aeronautics website by June 30, 2024.
A dynamic group of new hires at MnDOT Aeronautics:
The following people bring fresh talent and expertise to the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics administrative, operations, and development teams. Together, the office is poised to achieve great things and drive success in our endeavors.
•Angle Vang has joined our office as an Administrative Specialist.
•Dmitry Foster has joined our office as an AvRep.
•Nate Williams has joined our office as an AvRep.
•Rob Mason has joined our office as an AvRep.
•Joe Block has joined our office as the AAM Program Administrator.
•Hans Engstrom has joined our office as the North Region Assistant in Airport Development. He joins Aeronautics through a work-out-of-class opportunity.
•Travis Haskell has joined our office as the Central Region Assistant in Airport Development. He joins Aeronautics for a work-out-of-class opportunity.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out as questions arise.
Mina Carlson
Office of Aeronautics
Minnesota Department of Transportation
395 John Ireland Blvd., MS410
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-1800
C: 651-279-4453