The Minnesota Pilots Association
Please join us in our mission of promoting and protecting aviation in the North Star State.
Become a Member — $35/yearFeatured Video of the Week
William Dubois: Creating A Flight Proficiency Workout Routine
The mission of the Minnesota Pilots Association is to promote and protect aviation in our State through advocacy, education, outreach and social activities.
Aviation may not be the first thing outsiders think of when they think about Minnesota. It’s not quite up there with cold winters, astonishingly good manners, and our charming accents. But there IS a thriving aviation community in our state — our floatplane pilots know there are far more than 10,000 lakes! The MNPA is your advocate and watchdog for our unique state and local concerns.
We support the future of aviation in Minnesota
None of us can defend the aviation community and way of life alone. Our organization works with regulatory agencies to leverage the knowledge and passion of the 14,638 FAA certificate holders in our great State. No other organization brings together the complete array of ‘aviation people’ in Minnesota — airline professionals, airpark residents, first responders, forestry and fire-bomber professionals, floatplane pilots, charter pilots, homebuilt enthusiasts, warbird aficionados, backcountry pilots, flying club members, and student pilots.
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We support aviation education
Minnesota is home to 4,296 student pilots. Engaging and supporting these students is critical to our mission. We award annual scholarships to outstanding students — there is nothing more rewarding than helping someone further their career or realize a dream. The MNPA currently offers three scholarships for aspiring aviators and maintenance technicians.
MNPA ScholarshipsThe Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering
GMAG is our flagship annual event — two days of hangar-flying sessions, exhibitors, speakers, and community. Join us May 15–16, 2026 at Buffalo Municipal Airport (KCFE). Any organization is only as strong as the relationships between its members, and there is no substitute for meeting people (and their planes) in person.
See the GMAG schedule
Aviation in Minnesota — the facts
Minnesota was the birthplace of Charles Lindbergh, the founding base of two major US airlines (Northwest and North Central), and is currently home to the largest General Aviation manufacturer, Cirrus Aircraft. MSP is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and the home airport for Sun Country Airlines.
Airports & bases
- 9 International Airports
- 139 Public Airports
- 180 Private Airports
- 86 Heliports
- 64 Seaplane Bases
- 1 Ultralight Base
Residential airparks
- Country Haven, Thomson Township
- Field of Dreams, Hinckley
- Isle Private Airpark, Isle
- Leaders Clear Lake, Clear Lake
- Lino Air Park, Lino Lakes
- Sky Harbor Residential Airpark, Webster
- Sky Manor Aero Estates, Arago
- Sky Park, Jordan
Aviation museums
- Minnesota Air National Guard Museum, St. Paul
- Duluth Armed Forces Museum, Duluth
- Fillmore County History Center, Fillmore
- Minnesota Wing Commemorative Air Force, South St. Paul
- Fagen Fighters WWII Museum, Granite Falls
- Wings of the North, Eden Prairie
There’s more to Minnesota aviation than meets the eye
We hope you will join us, and bring YOUR talents, interests and energy to the group. Membership is just $35 per year and directly funds scholarships, advocacy, and community events. We’re looking forward to meeting you!
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