MNPA Scholarships

The Minnesota Pilots Association offers three flying scholarships and a maintenance / avionics technician scholarship. In 2027 we plan to award five scholarships of $3,000 each: three for pilots and two for maintenance technicians.

Captain Edward L. Erickson Aviation Scholarship

Captain Edward Erickson was the consummate professional pilot. His love of aviation and his professionalism set an example for those who followed in his footsteps.

His lifelong interest in aviation started when he soloed in a J-3 Cub on his 16th birthday. It continued past his retirement from a B-757 after a 34-year career as an airline Captain. During his airline career, Erickson flew more than 30,000 hours combined in a career with North Central, Republic and Northwest Airlines.

Erickson enjoyed flying nearly any piston-driven aircraft, including many warbirds. He was honored with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in 2013. He became the very first candidate of the Minnesota Pilots Association to be inducted into the MN Aviation Hall of Fame, in 2016.

Janette Strathy Aviation Scholarship

Jan Strathy married into an aviation family and embraced the joy of flying. Jan’s wonderfully positive approach to all things endeared her to all who knew her.

She said she got her instrument rating so she could “intelligently critique” her husband. Those that knew her best knew she was simply making herself a better and safer pilot. Just a few days before she passed away in 2018, she was able to look out the window and see her son, in the left seat of a 737-800, fly by. She was so proud of him.

She was, and remains, an inspiration to many. The Janette Strathy Scholarship recognizes Jan’s contribution to the Minnesota flying community and supports the education of someone who embodies her spirit.

John Mohr Aviation Scholarship

New for 2027.

John Mohr started life in the small northern Minnesota town of Crane Lake. His dad and grandpa ran a flying service with a J-3 Cub and a C-180 float plane. John started flying on his dad’s lap at the age of 3, and his dad soloed him at 14 on a secluded lake on the Canadian border.

After Orr High School he attended Mesabi Junior College and then A&P school in the Twin Cities. In 1974 he moved to International Falls to fly charter, instruct and wrench for Einarson Bros. Flying Service. He bought a Stearman and started giving aerobatic rides, which soon grew into airshows across Minnesota and then the Midwest.

North Central Airlines hired him in 1977 to fly the Convair 580, and he went through the mergers with Republic, Northwest and Delta Air Lines. He retired in 2017 flying the 757/767, with 41,000 flying hours. John was inducted into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame in 2011 and is recognized as one of the most accomplished airshow performers in the nation. He retired from the airshow business in 2013.

Note: one application covers all three flying scholarships.

MNPA Aviation Maintenance / Avionics Technician Scholarship

The Minnesota Pilots Association recognizes the critical need for aviation and avionics technicians. Skilled techs are a foundation for a thriving and safe aviation community.

This scholarship is granted in the sum of $3,000 and is available to exceptional individuals currently enrolled in a recognized aviation maintenance technology or aviation avionics technology program. It is awarded to applicants that demonstrate knowledge and skills which will contribute to exemplary and successful completion of their training program.

Eligibility — Pilot Scholarships

Scholarship applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• MN resident.
• Hold at least an FAA Private Pilot Certificate.
• Use the scholarship funds to add an advanced rating or certificate — i.e. Instrument, Commercial, CFI, CFII, MEI.
• Not have completed the FAA practical test/checkride for the desired additional rating at the time of application.
• Attach at least one letter of recommendation, preferably from a flight instructor, pilot mentor, or teacher.

In 500 words or less, tell us why you deserve this scholarship and what you would do with the money.

Eligibility — Maintenance Scholarship

Scholarship applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Enrolled in (or having applied for) a recognized aviation maintenance technology program or aviation avionics technology program.
• Attach at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor.

In 500 words or less, tell us why you deserve this scholarship and what you would do with the money.

Scholarship Recipients

Since 2019, the Minnesota Pilots Association has awarded a $2,000 scholarship to aspiring Minnesota aviators and maintenance technicians each year. Beginning in 2027, all scholarships (flying and maintenance) will be $3,000.

Other scholarships are also available through the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame.