May 17 and 18, 2024
Buffalo Municipal Airport (KCFE), Buffalo, MN
Sponsored by the Minnesota Pilots Association
PHOTOS BY DAVE WEIMAN
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine June/July 2024 Digital Issue
The 2024 Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering (GMAG), May 17-18, 2024, is now history! The annual event had a record turnout and perfect weather, despite competing with the Duluth Air Show, with 64 airplanes flying into Buffalo Municipal Airport (KCFE), located on the western edge of the Minneapolis Terminal Control Area. Many pilots from the Twin Cities drove in to hear the stellar lineup of speakers. Among the speakers were historians Jim Johns, David Schall MD, and Brian Utley, who provided amazing insights into the “Doolittle Raiders” and the “Jump From Space.” Kyle Lewis of the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, Doug Evink of Tanis Aircraft, and many other exhibitors and sponsors, were featured as well.
The awards ceremony was particularly impactful. The Minnesota Pilots Association (MPA), which sponsors GMAG, recognized the recipients of the FAA’s Master Pilot and Mechanic Awards; scholarship recipients; and Chris Fredrick, the manager of Buffalo Municipal Airport.
Hosting GMAG involved the cooperation of the airport, Mike Wiskus and West Metro Aviation, and local pilots and members of the Civil Air Patrol who parked cars, marshalled in aircraft, and assisted pilots in fueling their aircraft. Members of EAA Chapter 878 helped keep guests well fed throughout the event.
The Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering was created by Minnesota Pilots Association President Randy Corfman, his wife, Julie, and the MPA Board of Directors.
