MAC Facts: Get to Know General Aviation Pilots

General aviation pilots often are a part of the communities where they fly. The following pilots represent just a few who live, work, and volunteer in communities around the twin cities metro area.

Laura, pictured above with Airport Manager Blaine Peterson, has been flying for over 20 years after completing her pilot training at Flying Cloud Airport. She is the FAASTeam lead representative for the area and was named the 2022 National FAA Safety Team Representative. She is an active member of numerous aviation groups around the metro and adjunct faculty in aviation at Minnesota State University - Mankato. Recently she was selected as the 2021 Flying Cloud Airport Aircraft Operator of the Year. She is active in animal rescue flying, having flown a myriad of dogs, one cat and two goats.  Her animal rescue work is featured in the new general aviation video linked below.

Mike, an active long-time user of the Lake Elmo Airport has lived in Lake Elmo for 38 years and has been pilot since 1975. He spent his career with Northwest/Delta as an aircraft mechanic.

What does he love most about Lake Elmo Airport? “Close by, easy access with great services including fast snow removal which is especially important these days! I also appreciate the crosswind runway available for use all year and the uncomplicated traffic and approaches to the airport.”

Molly is a local flight instructor at Lake Elmo Aero and a former student. She has been teaching at Lake Elmo Aero for two years and typically is training 7-10 future pilots at any one time.

What does she love most of Lake Elmo Airport?  “The community is what I love most about the Lake Elmo Airport. And I may be biased but I truly think we have the best Fixed Base Operation (FBO) around. Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming since the first day I walked in asking about flight training. I couldn’t imagine doing my training or instructing anywhere else.” 

To learn more about the MAC’s general aviation airports, please check out this new video that provides an overview of how general aviation airports function and the people they serve.