by Dave Weiman
This issue of Midwest Flyer Magazine is dedicated to state aviation conferences in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa, and “floatplane flying!” While the conferences by in large are about airport development and businesses on airports, floatplane flying is about flying on lakes and rivers and the businesses that serve them. We encourage your participation in both events! (See articles beginning on page 22.) Iowa Minnesota Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association Annual Safety Seminar & Fly-In
This issue is also dedicated to two people who had a connection to this magazine and the aviation industry in different ways.
Henry Ogrodzinski, the president and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) passed away January 22, 2014, following a two-year battle with cancer. Because of his work and his many connections, Henry knew all the “Who’s Who In Aviation,” and the “Who’s Who” knew him. (See article beginning on page 48).
Dee Price, vice president of sales administration at Des Moines Flying Service and HondaJet Midwest, passed away unexpectedly, March 3, 2014, at her home in Des Moines, Iowa. If you ever purchased a new Piper aircraft or HondaJet in the Midwest, chances are Dee was helping you behind the scenes preparing the paperwork. She was an asset to both her company and its customers, and will be missed. (See article on page 48.)
And last, I wish to congratulate Gordon Hoff, executive director of the Minnesota Business Aviation Association (MBAA), for recognition he received at the “Minnesota Aviation Trades Conference,” March 21 in Bloomington. Gordon worked tirelessly to pass legislation in Minnesota to reduce aircraft registration fees and adjust the aviation tax on jet fuel, so that aircraft owners are taxed according to how much fuel they consume, and not solely on the value of their airplane. Gordon is also responsible for organizing “Minnesota Aviation Day At The Capitol” because he realizes the benefits of an active and engaged aviation community.