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…
Category: MN Aeronautics Bulletin
Airport Inspectors Play A Crucial Role
by Mina Carlson Minnesota Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine August/September 2024 Digital Issue An airport inspector is a critical role at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)…
New aircraft registration system provides one-stop service online
by Julie Carr MnDOT Aeronautics – Business Section Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine June/July 2024 Digital Issue In Minnesota, all aircraft are registered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, through…
MnDOT Aeronautics Update
by Ryan E. Gaug, Director Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine June/July 2024 Digital Issue It is truly an honor to be writing my second annual MnDOT update from the aeronautics…
Communicate with farmers about safe agricultural operations around airports
by Jared Wedel MnDOT Aeronautics Airport Coordinator – North Region Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine April/May 2024 Digital Issue One of the hardest things to tell farmers is that they…
Maintaining Minnesota’s AWOS Stations
by Nick Kremer Navigation Systems Radio Engineer, MnDOT Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine April/May 2024 Digital Issue As a pilot or member of a flight crew, you listen in…
How COVID-19 Changed Things
by Jeff Flynn MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine February/March 2024 Digital Issue In March of 2020, my family and I took a vacation to Mexico. Upon…
Minnesota’s Helicopter Air Ambulance Service… One of many players in our state’s aviation community
by Mina Carlson MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine February/March 2024 Digital Issue In my time as a pilot, air medical flying was never in my purview….
All About Airport Pavement Markings
by Nate Sievert Airport Operations Program Administrator MnDOT Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2023 Digital Issue Pavement markings at airports in the state of Minnesota are refreshed and…
What are NAVAIDs, and what do they have to do with MnDOT?
by Luis E. Canelon-Lander MnDOT Navigation Systems Radio Engineer Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine October/November 2023 Digital Issue As a new member of the Navigation Systems team in the Office…
Airport Enthusiasts: General Aviation’s Unofficial Ambassadors
by Jeff Flynn Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine August/September 2023 Digital Issue Have your ever heard the term “Airport Enthusiast?” Maybe you have been one or are one. There is…
MnDOT Aeronautics Appointments & Services
by Ryan Gaug Director – MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine June/July 2023 Digital Issue I am pleased to report that after a year as Interim Director…
MnDOT Aeronautics Update
by Ryan Gaug Interim Director MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine April/May 2023 Digital Issue It’s hard to believe it has been almost a full year since…
Annual conference offers continuing education for aircraft maintenance technicians
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine February/March 2023 Digital Issue A new report from the Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC) finds that a healthy but expected increase in newly certified aircraft…
P.A.P.I. Maintenance – Q & A
by Casey Carlson MnDOT Aeronautics, Airport Electrical Administrator Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine February/March 2023 Digital Issue Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lights at an airport are a very important…
Flight Tracking
by Sheila Kvilvang Air Transportation Services Dispatcher Minnesota Department of Transportation – Aviation Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2022/January 2023 Digital Issue It wasn’t long ago that the only…
Air Service From Your Regional Airport
by Kevin Carlson Planning Program Coordinator – North Region Minnesota Department of Transportation – Aviation Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2022/January 2023 Digital Issue The airline industry is in…
The Ins and Outs of an AWOS System
by Nate Sievert Airport Operations Program Administrator – MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine August/September 2022 Digital Issue Airports around the world provide pilots – and the…
Change is in the air at MnDOT Aeronautics
(Really, a lot has changed.) by Ryan Gaug Interim Director, MnDOT Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine August/September 2022 Digital Issue If you are a regular customer or partner of…
Airport Development Funding Overview
by Arika Johnson, PE, MnDOT Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine June/July 2022 Digital Issue As everyone knows, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a whirlwind of new experiences for most…
Minnesota eases registration requirements for sUAS owners
by Michael Johnson Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine June/July 2022 Digital Issue The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Office of Aeronautics is responsible for collecting aircraft registration, sales and use taxes…
New Minnesota airport, seaplane base and travel guides now available as ForeFlight Content Packs
by James McCanney Aviation Representative & Pilot for Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine April/May 2022 online issue. MnDOT Aeronautics added a new feature to the Minnesota Airport Directory and…
Sharing the VFR traffic pattern: VFR and IFR aircraft at the “Uncontrolled Airport”
by Eric Peltier Pilot for Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine April/May 2022 online issue. We tend to use the term Uncontrolled Airport to describe airports without control towers or…
Phase Two of the Minnesota State Aviation System Plan Update Is Underway
Junior Lindsay Planning Program Coordinator MnDOT Aeronautics Published In The Midwest Flyer Magazine February/March 2022 Online Issue The Minnesota Department of Transportation is updating the Minnesota State Aviation System Plan….
AWOS: THE WIND OF CHANGE
by John B. Dalton MnDOT Statewide Navigation Systems Engineer Published In Midwest Flyer Magazine February/March 2022 Online Issue It’s 5 AM, and you’re beginning to hear the birds calling in…
Flight Risk Assessment Tools and You
by Joe Anderson Pilot, MnDOT Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine – December 2021/January 2022 Online Issue As aviators, we know flying can be a highly rewarding activity. The sense…
Click, Click, Click – Nothing! Pilot-Controlled Lighting Tips & Reporting
by Casey Carlson Airport Lighting Coordinator MnDOT Aeronautics – NavAids Group Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine – December 2021/January 2022 Online Issue Most folks who are not involved with aviation…
MnDOT Weather Computers At Airports Get An Update… Printers Are Being Phased Out!
by Mike Hartell Airport Operations Director MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published In Midwest Flyer Magazine Online October/November 2021 Issue Over the past 30 years, we have seen a lot of…
Hangar Loan Program Provides Funding For Aircraft Storage
by Luke Bourassa South Region Development Engineer MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published In Midwest Flyer Magazine Online October/November 2021 Issue Funding for airport projects in Minnesota comes from a variety…
Improved Internet Services Coming To Many Minnesota Airports
by Kris Christenson MnDOT Navigations Systems Radio Engineer Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine August/September 2021 online issue MnDOT’s Office of Aeronautics has been working on several programs to improve communication…
MnDOT Air Mobility Strategic Plan Looks To The Future
by Michael Johnson Business Process Manager MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine August/September 2021 online issue The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Office of Aeronautics is developing an…
Bringing Clearance Delivery Into The 21st Century
by Kyle Sullivan Airport Coordinator MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine – June/July 2021 Online Issue For pilots – whether seasoned or novice – receiving an Instrument…
Bringing Clearance Delivery Into The 21st Century
by Kyle Sullivan Airport Coordinator MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine June/July 2021 Online Issue For pilots – whether seasoned or novice – receiving an Instrument Flight…
Airport Maintenance From A Pilot’s Perspective
by Chris Meyer MnDOT-Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine June/July 2021 Online Issue As pilots, we have a lot to think about when preparing for a flight. In fact, we’re…
COVID-19 Cleaning & Disinfecting Protocols For Aircraft
by Chris Meyer MnDOT Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine – April/May 2021 issue To say COVID-19 has changed our way of life is an understatement. Wearing face masks has…
Happy Spring Minnesota Aviators!
by Josh Root Assistant Director, MnDOT Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine – April/May 2021 issue As I write this article, temperatures are far below zero and the decidedly non-gopher…
Statewide Automated Weather Observation Systems: Weather Services Available To Pilots & Non-Pilots Alike
by Michael Hartell Navigation Systems Supervisor MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published online Midwest Flyer Magazine – February/March 2021 I started learning how to fly back in 1981–82. One of the…
What’s a hangar for, anyway?
by Tim Jarvis MnDOT – Aeronautics Published online Midwest Flyer Magazine – February/March 2021 When asked recently to write about hangar usage, I immediately thought back to my manager days…
2021 Virtual Minnesota & Wisconsin Aviation Maintenance Technician and IA Renewal Conference
MARK YOUR CALENDARS Based off conversations between MnDOT Aeronautics and the Minneapolis FSDO, we have determined the best course of action is to not conduct a MN Aircraft Maintenance Technician…
New Law Begins To Make Meteorological Evaluation Towers More Visible In Minnesota
by Julie Carr Minnesota Department of Transportation Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine (online) – December 2020/January 2021 Meteorological towers (Met towers) are being built in Minnesota. The towers are used…
Go-Around. Ready or Not?
by Joe Anderson Pilot, Minnesota Department of Transportation Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine (online) – December 2020/January 2021 issue Do you recall the last time you performed a go-around? Are…
Know the Rules for Safe Ground Vehicle Operations at Airports Information from FAA Advisory Circular 150/5210-20A
by Joe Anderson Minnesota Aeronautics Bulletin – Department of Transportation www.dot.state.mn.us/aero Published in Midwest Flyer – October/November 2020 issue According to FAA Advisory Circular 150/5210-20A, “Each year, accidents, incidents, and…
Your Fly Minnesota Airports Passport Adventure Awaits You!
by Darlene Dahlseide Published Midwest Flyer – October/November 2020 issue Flying is fun for aviators. The freedom experienced when you fly is little short of absolutely marvelous. And now and…
Minnesota Airport Construction Projects 2020
Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – August/September 2020 issue For public-use airports in Minnesota, the 2020 construction season is going to be busy, with numerous projects…
Pilot Culture Modifies A Procedure, Leading To A Mishap
by Tony Fernando Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – August/September 2020 issue At 10:45 am on April 13, 2018, a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor started…
What are PFAS? And is your community prepared?
by Ryan Gaug Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – August/September 2020 issue This past January, just before COVID-19 became widely known and the world would change…
How Pilots Can Keep Airport Workers (and Themselves) Safe!
by Kelly Akhund MnDOT Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – June/July 2020 issue Have you ever flown into an airport and found workers on the airfield? Do you ever wonder…
City clerks, public works quietly keep pilots flying
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – June/July 2020 issue Do you ever think about the people who work in aviation? I don’t…
Fond Farewell
From Kathy Vesely Assistant Director, MnDOT Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – April/May 2020 issue In the year 2000, already 22 years into my MnDOT career, I applied for a…
Minnesota Airport Directory in ForeFlight
by Jim McCanney Aviation Representative MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – April/May 2020 issue MnDOT creates a “Minnesota Airport Directory and Travel Guide” every year. Our goal…
Where are you based?
by Rick Braunig Manager of Aviation Safety & Enforcement MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – April/May 2020 issue A few years back the FAA started a new…
A Discussion of Take Off
by Rick Braunig Manager of Aviation Safety & Enforcement MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – April/May 2020 issue I hire pilots for our office and one of…
The Importance of Accurate Runway Condition Reporting To Winter Flying!
by Rick Braunig Manager, Aviation Safety & Enforcement MnDOT Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – February/March 2020 As I’m writing this article, the first snowfalls of the season are coming…
Minnesota Airports – Contributing To The State’s Economy The Minnesota Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study
by Julie Carr Aviation Planner MNDOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – February/March 2020 issue In 2019, the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Office of Aeronautics conducted a study…
UAVs, Today & Tomorrow
by Dan McDowell with Tony Fernando Published in Midwest Flyer – December 2019/January 2020 issue We live in an age where technological advances happen very quickly. Looking at the obvious,…
Robert W. Anderson
Mayor & Airport Commission Chair, International Falls, Minnesota July 16, 1942 – Sept. 20, 2019 by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – December…
It’s Not That Far Away
Published in Midwest Flyer – October/November 2019 Issue With winter nearly upon us, it’s the time of the year when those who continue to fly begin to wonder how they…
Changes At Aeronautics
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – October/November 2019 Issue Every day I learn more about aviation, and the impact our MnDOT Aeronautics…
Avoiding Loss of Control
Published in Midwest Flyer – August/September 2019 issue The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), your Minnesota Office of Aeronautics, and numerous General Aviation organizations work constantly to help pilots fly safely….
Minnesota To Host NASAO & AAAE Conferences
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – August/September 2019 issue September is almost here and we are excited to host the annual national…
Lightning… Take It Seriously!
Published in Midwest Flyer – June/July 2019 issue Lightning is a phenomenon that occurs in nature at nearly any time of the year, even in Minnesota. We can expect to…
See Us At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh or Your Local Airport
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – June/July 2019 issue We are just weeks away from the opening of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in…
No NOTAM does not mean no hazard!
by Kelly Akhund Aviation Representative/Pilot, MnDOT Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – April/May 2019 issue Pilots Rely On NOTAMs Runway closures, navaid outages, contaminated surfaces, poor braking action; these are…
The Minnesota Airports Conference, AirVenture & NOTAMS
by Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – April/May 2019 issue Spring is here and we are working hard to prepare to participate in a number…
What’s the Risk?
by Rachel Obermoller MnDOT Pilot Published in Midwest Flyer – April/May 2019 issue What do Swiss cheese, bowties, and trapping have in common? When it comes to aviation, there’s a…
In Our Perfect Sky
Published in Midwest Flyer – February/March 2019 issue For many centuries, humankind has longed to touch the sky and fly free and fast like the birds do. It wasn’t until…
Cassette Players, Pay Phones & NDBs
by Rick Braunig Manager, Aviation Safety & Enforcement MnDOT Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – Febraury/March 2019 issue It’s been a while since I’ve ridden in a car with a…
Listen! Are you using the right words correctly?
Published in Midwest Flyer – February/March 2019 issue When you fly, do you listen to the aircraft radio when you are approaching or passing over airports? Do you really listen?…
2019 – Another Year of Exciting Aviation Events & Opportunities In Minnesota
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – February/March 2019 issue With the new year well underway, we are looking forward to another year…
Plan To Be An ACE
Published in Midwest Flyer – December 2018/January 2019 issue Students in the 10th through 12th grades have an opportunity to experience more aviation than they probably thought exists. They can…
Return of the Frosty Days
Published in Midwest Flyer – December 2018/January 2019 issue Fall, winter and spring are all beautiful seasons in their own unique way. Many people look forward to one or more…
Why do you fly?
Published in Midwest Flyer – December 2018/January 2019 issue What if someone walked up to you today as you completed your preflight inspection and asked, “Why do you fly?” What…
Minimum Standards Are Important!
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – December 2018/January 2019 issue In my previous column, I addressed “Grant Assurances,” what they are, what…
MNDOT Office of Aeronautics Promotes Flying In Minnesota At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018
Published in Midwest Flyer – October/November 2018 issue OSHKOSH, WIS. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation Office of Aeronautics staff met with pilots, aircraft owners, airport managers, aviation business owners…
Proper Use of CHECKLISTS = Safety & Professionalism
Published in Midwest Flyer – October/November 2018 The results of a study by K. M. Megha, and E.E. Bowen of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, found that approximately “…70% of all…
The Lowdown On Flying Down Low
Published in Midwest Flyer – October/November 2018 General Aviation (GA) flying is so much fun that people will fly hundreds of miles just to have lunch and enjoy the freedom…
Understanding Grant Assurances
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – October/November 2018 issue The value of an airport is appreciated by and impacted by its users,…
How To Avoid ADS-B Call Sign Mismatch
Published in Midwest Flyer – August/September 2018 issue This is a detail packed article that every aircraft owner and every pilot should read. This article is one of a number…
Did you know…
Published in Midwest Flyer – August/September 2018 issue *The Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) system uses National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellites in low-earth and geostationary orbits,…
Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations
Published in Midwest Flyer – August/September 2018 Pilots! Are you aware of a relatively new advisory circular (AC) that applies to aircraft operators operating at or in the vicinity of…
Multi Modal MnDOT
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – August/September 2018 Do you know that the Minnesota Office of Aeronautics is just one part of…
Aviation: The Competitive Advantage
BA + GA = WIN for the City Published in Midwest Flyer – June/July 2018 issue Business Aviation (BA) is an extremely important part of the General Aviation (GA) industry….
Celebrating The 50th Anniversary of The Minnesota Aviation Maintenance Technician Conference
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – June/July 2018 issue As you have read in recent Aeronautics Technical Bulletins, we in the Minnesota…
It’s a new season!
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – April/May 2018 Spring is here and summer isn’t far away. This is a happy time of…
Sometimes The Best Information Can’t Be Found On The Internet
by Rachel Obermoller Pilot, MnDOT Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – April/May 2018 issue Ever show up at an event at the wrong time or with the wrong details? One…
Innovation For Aviation Safety
by Dan McDowell Public Affairs, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – February/March 2018 We often hear the word “innovation” in relation to aviation, but have you…
Airport Security Without TSA
by Rick Braunig Manager of Aviation Safety & Enforcement Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – February/March 2018 If you do a search on airport security, you…
75 Years of State/Airport Partnership In 2018
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – February/March 2018 We are happy to share the fact that 2018 marks the beginning of our…
121.500 MHz… FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY!
Published in Midwest Flyer – December 2017/January 2018 issue Every pilot, and likely most people who have anything to do with the flying side of aviation, know that frequency 121.500…
Being Winter-Wise
Published in Midwest Flyer – December 2017/January 2018 issue EDITOR’S NOTE: Here are a few tips taken directly from the FAA’s General Aviation Accident Prevention Program guide: TIPS ON WINTER…
Fatal GA Accident Rates… Better, But Not Quite There Yet
Published in Midwest Flyer – December 2017/January 2018 issue In late August 2017, the 26th Joseph T. Nall Report was released. This report is a review of general aviation (GA)…
Your Needs / Your Airport Needs
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – December 2017/Janaury 2018 issue Have you ever attended a “Needs Meeting” for your airport? Nearly two-thirds…
WANTED: “Your Best Minnesota Aviation Photos”
Published in Midwest Flyer – October/November 2017 issue ST. PAUL, MINN. – The MnDOT Office of Aeronautics invites you to submit your best photos, which highlight aviation in Minnesota, for…
More Than 637,000 New Opportunities!
by Dan McDowell Published in Flyer – October/November 2017 issue Updated Forecasts On July 24th, 2017, the Boeing Aircraft Company released their updated forecast for 2017-2036, predicting the needs for…
When Life Imitates Art, Sort Of
by Dan McDowell Miunnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – October/November 2017 issue It is almost a standard part of nearly every comedy program on TV these…
What do airport managers do?
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – October/November 2017 issue Minnesotans are fortunate to have 135 wonderful public-use airports and 15 seaplane bases…
Airshow Thoughts
by Jeff Flynn Published in Midwest Flyer – August/September 2017 issue Most pilots would give their left aileron to fly in a Blue Angels jet. However, we all realize that…
The Value of Aviation In Minnesota
Published in Midwest Flyer – August/September 2017 issue * General Aviation has a $12.2 billion impact on the State of Minnesota through its network of 135 public airports. * General…
General Aviation Accidents
Published in Midwest Flyer – August/September 2017 issue According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in 2016 “While airline accidents have become relatively rare in the United States, pilots…
We can’t wait…
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – August/September 2017 Your Office of Aeronautics is a strong supporter of four specific disciplines – science,…
When The Violent Winds Come
Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – June/July 2017 Every spring brings about changes in the landscape, the weather, and even in people. The warmth of the…
Don’t leave the ground without it!
Thinking Again About Situational Awareness Basics Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – June/July 2017 issue After a long, cold winter, the urge to fly is nearly…
Customer Centered Culture
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – June/July 2017 Issue Are you my customer? Do you know the products MnDOT Aeronautics provides? If…
Where Do Your Floats Come From?
by Rachel Obermoller Pilot, MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – April/May 2017 There are several ways, which floats, or really any additional equipment, can be certified for…
Many Aviation Opportunities
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – April/May 2017 Spring arrived early this year with many events attracting attention. As aviators, we flock…
Aviation In Minnesota
Published in Midwest Flyer – February/March 2017 The Minnesota Department of Transportation, Office of Aeronautics collects taxes, safeguards the long-term viability of the state airports fund, plans and promotes a…
Fly Minnesota Airports… A Program For Minnesota Pilots
Published in Midwest Flyer – February/March 2017 Fly Minnesota Airports is a program sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Office of Aeronautics and the Minnesota Council of Airports…
Let’s Commit To Toward Zero Deaths In Aviation
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – February/March 2017 While Flying Minnesota Airports, please add one word to your flight plan in honor…
An Insidious Threat
by Dan McDowell Published in Midwest Flyer – Dec 2016/Jan 2017 Ask any aviator what he/she likes to do most, and 9 out of 10 times they will say, with…
TZD Initiative – Airside
by Rick Braunig Manager, Aviation Safety & Enforcement Published in Midwest Flyer – Dec 2016/Jan 2017 Idon’t know how many people are still flying that remember seeing Ken Patz and…
Your Advice & Involvement Is Important!
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – Dec 2016/Jan 2017 This has been a very busy year for us at your Minnesota Office…
Clear Communications… A Key To Safe Flight
by Dan McDowell Published in Midwest Flyer – Oct/Nov 2016 Flying solo is like dancing. It requires some specific movements, but also allows a certain amount of freedom of expression….
Using A Drone For Business? Here’s What You Need To Know Under FAA’s New Drone Regulations
by Tara Kalar – Associate Legal Counsel – MnDOT Office of Chief Counsel and Jonathan Estes – Aviation Policy Analyst – MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer –…
Participation At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Reaps Many Rewards
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer – Oct/Nov 2016 We are looking toward the end of another great year of safe flying, airport…
Safety Is Your Choice!
Published in Midwest Flyer – Aug/Sept 2016 issue Have you ever watched the start of a summer rain shower? First there are one or two drops, then one or two…
Solar Power Your Airport Safely Through Planning
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine – Aug/Sept 2016 We are fortunate to have many long sunny days throughout the spring-summer-early fall…
Think About Your General Aviation Airport!
The value that General Aviation (GA) brings to your community, state and this nation is tremendous. Every community with a GA airport has an asset that brings significant value to…
Summers In Minnesota ARE Spectacular!
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Summers in Minnesota ARE spectacular! It is a great time for flying as the days are long and sunshine abounds. With…
A Seaplane Pilot At Work: Combining Conservation With Seaplane Flying
by Rachel Obermoller Aviation Representative – MnDOT Aeronautics Photos by Walt Rhodes, USFWS How many different jobs can you name for a seaplane pilot? Most pilots could probably call up…
Upcoming Spring Events & Opportunities
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Spring is almost here and we are excited about the beginning of another “season” of great aviation events and programs, and…
Is It A Bird? Is It A Plane? No, It’s An Aircraft!
by Tara Kalar Associate Legal Counsel MnDOT Office of Chief Counsel With an anticipated million unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sold over the holiday season, aviation is experiencing an unprecedented boost…
Going Green Is A Win-Win!
It is now commonplace for businesses and industries to seek out new and different technologies that provide or produce greater efficiencies and lower costs. This saves the company money, while…
The Start of A Great New Year!
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Days are getting longer; I even saw the sun for a moment on my way to work this morning. We don’t…
CARB ICE!
CARB ICE! It is time to think about CARB ICE! Actually any time is time to think about carb ice. So here is a simple reminder: According to FAA Advisory…
Holiday Gifts That Fly
by Rick Braunig & Tara Kalar, with Dan McDowell The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is concerned about the estimated 1,000,000 “drones” that are expected to be purchased and potentially flown…
Education Is Key
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Education at its most basic level is the key to the success of any individual. What ultimately sets us apart from…
Prepare Now For The Grasp of Winter
The rapidly lengthening shadows grow all around as the sun quickly seeks solace from the cold while sliding below the horizon. Its fading pale hues of pink and orange quickly…
Heads Up For Migrating Waterfowl & Drones
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Summer is over! As thoughts turn to installing winter fronts and changing floats for skis, we here at MnDOT Aeronautics are…
The Airport Paradox
by Dan McDowell When aviation is discussed in many communities and even on social media, it is the airlines that become the greater part of the conversations. General aviation (GA),…
Drones/Unmanned Aircraft (UAS)/Model Aircraft
by Rick Braunig, AvRep Every pilot should know that drones are being flown in the United States. LeSueur County is flying them at 600 feet, Excel Energy has a Certificate…
Safe Operating Practices A Must For Drone Operators
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Drones are everywhere today! Many of you know someone who has one, or have heard of an interesting way in which…
MINNESOTA AIRCRAFT OWNERS
For more information www.mndot.gov/aero/aircraftregistration
Think Before You Fly!
The joy and excitement of flying is something that once felt, never leaves you. Even if you rarely fly or never flew again after that first joyous experience, you remember…
Your Airport’s CIP
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Do you know what your airport’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is? What it does for your airport, your community, and you?…
The Peaceful Illusion of Glassy Water
by Rachel Obermoller AvRep, MnDOT Aeronautics Imagine perfectly smooth water, without a ripple and reflecting a mirror-like image, the slightest bit of steam rising from the warm water into the…
Aircraft Servicing, Maintenance and Repair
by Rick Braunig AvRep, MnDOT Aeronautics While an FAA licensed mechanic can sign your logbook for the maintenance they perform and the FAA is fine with it, the State of…
Together, We Can Grow Aviation In Minnesota!
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics In my column in the Feb/March 2015 issue of the Midwest Flyer Magazine, I stated: “Please invite me to come to…
The Changing Winds
As winter’s grip weakens, spring in all its beauty and anticipation starts to bring about many changes. We may hear the excited chirping of a variety of birds returning from…
Safety Complacency
by Dan McDowell In the 1970s, we were happy if our automobile engines went 60,000 miles before needing overhaul or replacement. Today, the average auto engine can easily last (with…
It is important that you know…
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics You, as an aviator, aviation administrator or manager, or aviation supporter, need to know how your aviation tax dollars are put…
Tanis Aircraft Products Partners With Bruce’s Custom Covers For AOG Protection
GLENWOOD, MINN. – Tanis Aircraft Products has entered into a business partnership with Bruce’s Custom Covers to fabricate Tanis brand of insulated aircraft covers for protection of aircraft in harsh…
Flying Single Pilot – What can we learn from fun and games?
by Rachel Obermoller Aviation Representative, MnDOT Aeronautics I asked a few fellow pilots over the last couple weeks if they had any good single pilot flying stories to tell –…
The Promise of Unmanned Aerial Systems (plus updates)
by Richard Braunig AvRep, MnDOT Aeronautics UAS, UAV, Drones: it seems everywhere you turn you hear about some new application for these vehicles and how the FAA is stifling this…
As The Holidays Arrive
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics As the holiday season arrives, many people will take vacation to spend time with family and friends. It is our hope…
New Aeronautics Planning & Finance Director
ST. PAUL, MINN. – Ryan Gaug is the new MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Planning and Finance Director, effective July 30, 2014. Gaug began his career at MnDOT as a planner…
The Continually Growing Buffer Paradox
by Daniel McDowell One of the more significant problems in aviation today is that of incompatible development around airports. Three primary issues stand out when there is development around airports,…
CIP Season Is Starting Soon!
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics The Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will host meetings at regional locations from late August…
Share The News About Minnesota’s Airports!
America’s airports continue to be a key factor in the sustained growth and success of thousands of businesses and cities, and also the nation. Airports strengthen the economy of this…
Calling All Airport Board Members!
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics Yes, that’s right; we want to meet you! We’d love to be invited to your meetings. Mom always told me I…
An Aviation Treasure With Opportunities, In Our Backyard!
It is always exciting to discover something unique; something special that is a true treasure. When it is learned that the treasure has a deep history and ties to the…
Involved & In Touch With Minnesota Aviation
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics The warmth of spring has finally arrived after what seemed to be a very long winter. But your Minnesota DOT Office…
Ditching Isn’t Just For Trans-Oceanic Pilots
by Rachel Obermoller Aviation Representative MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Every pilot has pondered whether it’s better to go over or around a body of water. Whether it’s a relatively small…
Become An ACE…
Every summer for the past 22 years, students from around the state of Minnesota have had an opportunity to attend a fabulous summer program called ACE (Aviation Career Education) Camp….
Travel Safety Is No Accident!
by Cassandra Isackson Spring is within sight and I am confident most of us can hardly wait for its arrival. The best part about spring is the renewal of so…
As this new year begins…
December was filled with ice and snow, and we had extremely cold temperatures until mid-January. And now we are well into January and the temperatures seem…well, normal. It truly is…
Looking At The Year Ahead
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota Office of Aeronautics I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season. Even though we have a number of cold weather weeks ahead, we can now…
A Pilot’s Winter Checklist
Most pilots who have flown for a year or more have likely experienced flying in cold weather. Many may actually prefer to fly in the winter months because there are…
Minnesota Names New Aeronautics Assistant Office Director
ST. PAUL, MINN. – Minnesota Office of Aeronautics Director Cassandra Isackson has named Kathy Vesely from her staff Assistant Office Director effective November 6, 2013. In addition to having a…
Winterscape
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota Office of Aeronautics As we approach the periods of winter where wind-blown snow modifies the landscape almost daily, we must also think about the other…
The Dangers of “Black Ice”
Fall is well known in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest for its beautiful colors, many comfortable days and crisp nights. Some years the colors seem so vibrant and plentiful, yet…
Yell “Clear Prop” & Wait!
Nearly every pilot has had the experience of that first night flight alone after getting the coveted Private Pilot Certificate. The excitement tinged with small flecks of nervousness that are…
Minnesota Revamps Taxes On Aviation… Changes Expected To Be More Fair & Vitalize Aviation In State
ST. PAUL, MINN. – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed a 2013 Omnibus Tax Bill into law May 23, 2013, which includes several provisions that are intended to boost aviation activity…
The Colors of The Season
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota Office of Aeronautics We have had a fabulous summer overall, the kind we brag about to people in other locales. Warm, sunny days, brilliantly colored…
The Continuing Challenge of Leadership
Picking your landing spot In a world where we are bombarded with information at every turn, we tend to lose site of meanings. Our vision and memories are often clouded…
The Adventure Begins With Aviation
by Cassandra Isackson Director, Minnesota Office of Aeronautics The past couple of months have been a whirlwind for me as I continue to get my aviation legs under me. It…
Rain, Floods & Thunderstorms… The potential is there…
Flooding can occur in almost every part of the U.S. and during any month. In 2012, 39 percent of flood fatalities occurred from driving into flood water and 18 percent…
The Value of Aviation In Minnesota
General Aviation is defined as all flights other than military and scheduled airlines. • General Aviation contributes more than $150 billion to the U.S. economy annually and employs more than…
Cassandra Isackson Named New Director of Minnesota Aeronautics
ST. PAUL, MINN. – Tim Henkel, Assistant Commissioner of Modal Planning and Program Management for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), announced recently that Cassandra Isackson, a 15-year veteran with…
Preparation For Summer Flying Activities
by Jay Hietpas Assistant Director of Aeronautics With summer finally here, we can all look forward to the beautiful days that are the validation for why many people live here….
Put A Little Elbow Grease Into Invasive Species Prevention
by Rachel Obermoller Aviation Representative Did you know that over 80 percent of invasive species that transfer between bodies of water do so via ducks, geese, and Minnesota’s own common…
The Days Are Getting Longer
by Jay Hietpas Assistant Director of Aeronautics The bitter cold and snowy conditions of the winter months have given way to longer, warmer days and the promise of spring. We…
Black Ice – Nearly Invisible!
One of the preparations for winter flying should be the heightened knowledge and awareness of rapidly changing weather patterns and their effect on area surface conditions. Aviators and drivers have…
The Beauty In The Skies Sun Dogs, Halos, and Sun Columns
Those who spend time in the skies are privileged to see some of the unique and fleeting atmospheric events that occur throughout the seasons. One of these unusual and beautiful…
New Assistant Aeronautics Director Named
ST. PAUL, MINN. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Office of Aeronautics is undergoing a leadership transition. Director Chris Roy has returned to the highway side of MnDOT, as…
Minnesota Names New Transportation Commissioner
ST. PAUL, MINN. – Charlie Zelle, president and CEO of the Jefferson Lines bus company, was named by Gov. Mark Dayton to lead the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Zelle succeeds…
Airport Licensing vs Owner’s Liability
by Rick Braunig Aviation Representative MnDOT Office of Aeronautics This year there was a change to the Minnesota State Statutes concerning owner’s liability for the use of land for recreational…
Resolution – Solution
by Chris Roy Director, Mn/DOT Office of Aeronautics The holiday season is here again! All the potential for excitement and joy that the season brings leads into the long, quiet…
Some Cross-Country Basics
by Dan McDowell Imagine the beauty to be seen as the fall colors stretch for miles before you. The beauty of flight enhanced by the beauty of the season provides…
Go With The Flow!
by Lt. Col. Nick Modders Safety Officer 130th Composite Squadron USAF Auxiliary/CAP Supplemental Thoughts On Checklists & Their Use Checklists have been a popular aid in aviation since the Army…
Step Out This Fall
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…
They Do Understand!
by Dan McDowell Mn/DOT Office of Aeronautics Did you know that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does understand the value of General Aviation airports? They clearly demonstrate that fact in…
Understand Your Options For Online Weather Information
by Rachel Obermoller MnDOT Aeronautics is transitioning to a new type of Minnesota Weather Access System (MnWAS) computer at airports across Minnesota. These new computers provide pilots with access to…
Airports – Vitally Important To Our Communities!
The Economic Impact of Commercial Aviation by Dan McDowell In a recent economic impact study produced for ACI-International-North America, its president Greg Principato stated, “Airports play an important but often…
Check Out The Reports!
by Chris Roy Director, Mn/DOT Office of Aeronautics There is an exciting new document on the Internet about General Aviation. It is the latest Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) report on…
Erickson Promoted To Chief Pilot At MnDOT
Barry Erickson, a veteran of the Minnesota Department of Transportation with more than 25 years of state service, was recently promoted to Chief Pilot for the Office of Aeronautics. He…
One To Get Ready, Two To Start, Three To Go!
ONE The 2012 Aviation Maintenance Technicians Conference was held at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, March 19 and 20th. It was an excellent opportunity for more…
Sweet Summer!
by Chris Roy, Director Mn/DOT Office of Aeronautics Someone once said flying resembles a box of candy. Until you really taste it, you never know how sweet it will be….
Passport – Fly Minnesota Airports
Minnesota’s “Fly Minnesota Airports” Passport program is sponsored by the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics and Minnesota Council of Airports (MCOA) to promote flying in Minnesota. The program rewards pilots who…
It’s About Spring!
by Chris Roy, Director Mn/DOT Office of Aeronautics Well, spring is on the horizon and I know that pilots who haven’t flown since the beginning of winter are getting excited…
Stay Aware!
General Aviation (GA) is a vital component of the aviation sector and the national economy that accounts for some 77 percent of all flights in the United States. It encompasses…
It’s Just The Beginning
by Chris Roy, Director Mn/DOT Office of Aeronautics It is always exciting to be at the start of a new year with all the promise of new opportunities and greater…
Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Expands… Pilots Beware!
One important and rapidly growing facet of the aviation industry today is Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). In the past 10 years, UAVs and their associated systems have proliferated throughout the…
Kit Up For Winter Flying
Winter flying can be visually spectacular with its brilliant blue skies dotted with puffy white clouds and sparkling, snow-covered fields as far as the eye can see! It can be…
YOU Are The Key!
by Christopher Roy Director MnDOT Office of Aeronautics The holidays are here and we are firmly in winter’s grasp. Ice and snow are the norm, and temperatures that are never…
Have you heard…?
We are very fortunate to live in a country where we have the freedom to fully access the treasures that are available via the Internet. Just think for a moment…
From Start To Finish
One of the first things taught to student pilots is basic radio use and of course, the Phonetic Alphabet. The Phonetic Alphabet is, quite simply, words substituted for letters that…
The First Vestiges of Fall
by Christopher Roy, Director Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics The first vestiges of fall are showing up in many places. Though this may herald the end of summer, it also…
Your Freedom To Fly
Pilots must remember to be thorough and responsible from preflight planning to tie-down for the day. MTRs * VFR pilots must take particular notice of where they are flying when…
Why Not Adopt Your Airport??
by Christopher Roy, Director Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics The Mn/DOT Office of Aeronautics has a program for airports and their communities called “Adopt-An-Airport.” Any public-use airport in Minnesota is…
From The Editor of the Mn/DOT Aeronautics Technical Bulletin
The Mn/DOT Aeronautics Technical Bulletin is published in the interest of aviation safety and to actively promote aeronautical progress in the state and nation. It is our continuing goal to…
A Quiet Genius Ferdinand Rohe Ohnsorg
Few aviators are likely to know the name of Ferdinand Rohe Ohnsorg; but fewer still have not used a piece of aviation electronics equipment that wasn’t based on the invention…
Charting Your Course
Map reading can be defined as the action of a person matching man made or natural features with their corresponding symbols on a chart. Successful use of a map is…
Summer At Last!
With summer here, what better time is there to learn about flying, aircraft maintenance, airport operations and the vast array of aviation industry career fields? What better time is there…
Summer ACE Camp
The Minnesota Aviation Career Education (ACE) Camp is specifically designed to introduce high school students to a variety of careers in aviation via a full immersion, seven-day camp. The Federal…
Interesting Facts About T-Storms
Spring will arrive (hopefully) in just a few weeks. That arrival brings with it thoughts about the returning birds, the first sweet scents of early spring flowers and new grass,…
Funding Airports & Aeronautics In Minnesota
by Christopher Roy – Director In my column in the last issue, I spoke about various airport projects in Minnesota and how the funding comes about, but it is equally…
Getting Checked Out To Rent A Seaplane
by Jeffrey Flynn Aviation Representative Mn/DOT, Office of Aeronautics Most of my time flying seaplanes has been spent at latitudes north of Lake Superior. Sure there has been the occasional…
2050, WAAS Approaches & Airport Security Topics At Minnesota Airports Conference
GRAND RAPIDS, MINN. – The Minnesota Council of Airports and the Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics will hold their annual Airports Conference, April 13-15, at the Sugar Lake Lodge in…
Airport Projects & How They Are Funded
by Christopher Roy, Director Though winter still has a grip on the upper Midwest, the days continue to get longer and that fact alone makes many of us dream of…
Preparing For Winter’s Grasp!
It appears at times that Minnesota and Wisconsin have inordinately long winters. But most inhabitants of this region either love it or fly south for the cold season. Those who…
A New Way To Fly
by Dan McDowell The holidays and winter travel season are in full swing, and once again there are changes to procedures at the airline ticket counter and security clearing points…
A New Year’s Resolution To Benefit Aviation
by Christopher Roy – Director – Minnesota DOT Office of Aeronautics The year has just about ended and we are in the middle of winter’s grasp. With the New Year…
The Office of Aeronautics Today
The Minnesota Office of Aeronautics is a vitally important part of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT), and serves 135 publicly-owned airports around the state. It also serves more than…
Check It Out!
Minnesota Aeronautics Bulletin – by Christopher Roy, Director One very important part of the mission of the Mn/DOT Office of Aeronautics is “aviation education” and “outreach.” To demonstrate the importance of…
Good News For General Aviation
On May 27, 2010, the United States Air Force successfully launched the first of 12 new generation GPS satellites. At 11 p.m. EDST, a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket…
Hyperbolic Positioning: The Way of the Future
Hyperbolic Positioning is also known as “Multilateration.” It is the triangulation process designed to locate an object by accurately computing the time difference of arrival (TDOA) of a signal emitted…
Alan Hoffert Joins FAA Safety Team (FAAST) In Minnesota
We have a new force for “aviation safety” here in Minnesota. Alan Hoffert has joined the FAA Safety Team (FAAST) as the Operations Safety Program Manager for Minnesota. Alan comes…