Alright, to get you started, here is a look at Aircorps Aviation's new hangar!  They performed an engine change to the P-51 Red Tail and this includes the test flight footage at the end!  Outstanding work!

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State of the MN Wing

The goal of this meeting was to gather as many members as possible, have everyone get to know each other, and define the goals and struggles facing the MN Wing. The staff felt that the idea was received warmly, and that members want to have more of this type of meeting. If you attended and would like to comment, please let a staff member know!
(Photos Thanks to Keith Struck and Matt Myklebust)

(The meeting took place on a very beautiful day, which was wonderful for members who had a chance to look over and fly in the PT-22, BT-13 and B-25)


(But first we got down to business. Members had a chance to hear the staff's goals, and ask questions about anything they wished)


(The staff took turns discussing their areas, goals and needs. Here it looks very serious...)


(... but we had opportunities to have some fun. Joel Ludwigson [Finance Officer] took some time to poke fun of Wing Leader Amy Lauria)


(Now that the boring stuff is over... Time to eat!)


(New and old members mingle together, have some good food, and enjoy a common goal.)


(We were even surprised with the loan of this 4wheeler. Member Brent Darling contacted a friend with Cannon Valley Sports, who graciously loaned this to us for a year!)


(On to the rides! The B-25 had some issues, but the BT-13 and PT-22 picked up the slack)

Around the Hangar

Work around the hangar has been punctuated by a couple of parties the last few weeks. The Wing received the Llyod P. Nolen Unit Achievement award for 2010. This is the highest award given by HQ to a Wing or Squadron. We have accomplished a lot in the last year, and it was wonderful to be recognized for it! The Wing hosted pizza, cake and coffee for members for their achievement! Roxie Legg celebrated a birthday last Saturday at the hangar, and that brought sloppy joes and cake for the members, hosted by Ron Legg. Two weeks in a row of food and cake! Work didn't slow down much however, as you can see!
(Photos Thanks to Brian Strom and Keith Struck)

(Matt Myklebust attaches the P-51 gear door to the gear)


(Carol Lovaas imagines the next display for the museum)


(Mark Strausser and Brandan Penaz repair the PT-22's cowling)


(Andrew Salih, Randy Hendrickson and Matt Stone disassemble the 1943 Willys Jeep)


(... While George Colaizy tears down the engine)


(Tim Gunter preps panels for paint, say that 5 times fast)


(John Schmidt helps reassemble the L-5)


(Earl Teporten finds the issue with the nav lamp on the P-51)


(About as torn down as a jeep gets! The 1943 Willys tub is ready to be repaired)


(Al Morphew adds dope and fabric to the B-25's rudders)


(Bill Atchison paints the 1941 Willys gas tanks)


(The Wing celebrates the Llyod P Nolen Unit Award with pizza and cake)


(Congratulations and great work!)


(The award from HQ)


(One party leads to another... this time to celebrate Roxie Legg's birthday)


(Again, cake was served... though Amy Lauria got to it first)


(A view of the Hangar, just as spring is about to break)

Geneseo Airshow

I've heard more than once that the Geneseo Airshow is one of the best in the country. Certainly it pales in size compared to Oshkosh, but it brings a variety of interesting aircraft together for a unique venue... a grass strip! Alan Miller rode, rather cramped I assume, in the back seat of the P-51C to Geneseo, joining pilot Doug Rozendaal on an adventure to the East.
(Photos Thanks to Alan Miller)

(Speakers at the show included Tuskegee Airmen, WASPs, and other combat veterans)

(A lot of rare civilian and warbird aircraft made an appearance as well. Enjoy!)

Around the Hangar

As per usual, things progressed around the hangar. Our major successes and events may be important, but they are supported by the hard work and dedication of the members who are at the hangar every Wednesday and Saturday making the machine run smoothly. Helping with Maintenance, cleanup, PX, Museum, they are all equally important, and vital to the Wing's success. Keep up the good work guys!
(Photos Thanks to Brian Strom, Tom Bies, and Jeff Henningsgaard)

(The Hangar is a great place to tell stories with friends [Bert Schauer and Emil Quassabart])


(To occasionally have a BBQ together [Ron Legg cooks food brought by Carol Lovaas])


(And to meet some great people [Earl Teporten and Doug Olson converse with a WWII P-51 Pilot])


(It's a great place to get hands on with history [Jim Nelson works in the Motorpool])


(And really feel like you've accomplished something [Stan Novey works on the M-37])


(Doug Olson, Joel Ludwigson and Mike Schoen work on the Kinner Engine)


(Bob Wright, Andy Schmidt and Ken Fudge work on replacing the L-5 tail wheel assembly)


(The jobs aren't always comfortable. Mark Strausser and Earl Teporten help Rudy Nassif out of the PT-22 cockpit.)


(Though the rewards can be great [Prepping the PT-22 to give members rides])


(Alan Miller flew a number of riders that day, including Tim Gunter [front seat])


(Some of the jobs are off site. Bill Atchison brings a load of scrap metal to the recycle facility. The money earned helps support the Motorpool)


(With that funding, guys like Jerry Piazza and John Blaylock can continue to restore the '48 Chevy Flatbed)


(Soon it will be able to join the rest of the vehicles on the road)


(And create displays such as this, bringing people back to another era)


(Carol Lovaas has been working very hard to clean, paint and modify our displays)


(Carol repainted, and then accented and hand-painted the lettering for the Tuskegee Airmen case)


(She then added some photos and info. The completed product [this is not done all the way] looks fantastic!)


(Another great feat is having the East wall doors painted to match the museum. Glenn Franke spent a lot of time to make it look this nice!)


(The CAF is a great place to participate, so stop down soon!)