Aeronautics and Aviation in Minnesota
Latest news and learning opportunities
BlackCat training opportunity
- July 21, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Training: Deeper dive on payments
- Register for the July 21 session
- The BlackCat invoicing process.
Free heliport safety course
Sept. 15 to 17, 2026
MnROAD Facility at 9011 77th St. NE, Otsego, MN 55362
Hosted by MnDOT Aeronautics, this heliport safety course will be led by Larry Satterfield, an Aviation Safety Inspector from the FAA Office of Safety Standards. The course will be of good value to those involved in creating safety zones or managing landing zones, pilots, dispatchers, attorneys, engineers, planners, and consultants, etc. Registration is limited: first come, first served. Register by Sept. 1, 2026.
The first two days will be classroom-based and the third day will be applying those learnings during a field experience at a local heliport. Participants are responsible for their own lodging and transportation. Light breakfast provided.
Contact Mina Carlson at mina.carlson@state.mn.us to register.
Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association safety seminar
Sept. 18 to 19, 2026
Madden's Resort on Gull Lake | 11266 Pine Beach Peninsula, Brainerd, MN 56401
This annual event brings together seaplane enthusiasts from across the region for a weekend of education, connection, and fun. Each year features a spectacular seaplane fly-in, engaging safety and educational seminars, more than 20 aviation-related vendors, and networking opportunities with fellow pilots and aviation professionals.
This year's event will include:
- Keynote speaker Bruno Brasileiro Ferreira, known by his social media handle @FlyWithBruno, who showcases adventures and challenges in his 1978 Grumman AA5B Tiger on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok
- Friday afternoon Seaplane Ground School with Mark Cook
- Saturday accuracy landing contest and banquet dinner
Learn more about and register for the seaplane safety seminar.
Minnesota aviation photo contest
The MnDOT Office of Aeronautics is excited to invite the public to submit your best photos showcasing the spirit of Minnesota aviation. Think breathtaking aerial views, special moments at an airport, or the incredible airplanes in our state! The winner is selected internally and may be featured on publications, including the 2027 Minnesota Airport Directory and Travel Guide.
By submitting your photo(s), you agree to allow the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics to use your photos without additional compensation, and your submission indicates that you are the photographer and that the photo was taken in Minnesota. Photo credit will be provided when possible.
Preferred minimum size is 6 megapixels for portrait and 12 megapixels for landscape. Please submit your photos to aeroinfo@state.mn.us by Sept. 30, 2026.
Recording available for Navigating the Change AirTAP webinar
Hosted on July 14, 2026, the Navigating the Change - St. Cloud Sky Central Airport's Rebrand webinar recording is now available. Bill Towle, St. Cloud Sky Central Airport Director, and Carrie Karki, CEO and Founder of White Box Marketing, discussed the benefits of and process for renaming and rebranding the airport.
Recorded advanced air mobility webinar series explores the future of aviation in Minnesota
Minnesota is preparing for a future where advanced aircraft move passengers and cargo. Access recordings from a free nine-webinar series featuring the experience, insights, and expertise of advanced air mobility (AAM) experts from across the nation.
Check out the Aeronautics Automated Weather Observing System NavAIDS Weather Location App
We created an AWOS NavAIDS Weather Location App.
Aviation trip planning and in-flight tools
Our Minnesota Airport Directory and Travel Guide is now digital with both a ForeFlight Content Pack download and an interactive web map.
FAA safety video
FAA's From the Flight Deck video (YouTube) will help you clearly identify hot spots, runway and taxiway configurations, and local traffic procedures at the Flying Cloud Airport (FCM) in Minnesota.
- View the map for From the Flight Deck videos and links to location-specific safety information.
- Learn more at faa.gov/go/FromTheFlightDeck.
Attention aircraft owners and registrants
We strongly encourage you to pay your bill by credit card or E-check online using our Aircraft Registration website. To pay online you will need your aircraft N-number and the Owner Access Code which you will find on the upper right hand corner of your bill. You may also send payment by mail, however no payments will be accepted in-person at the Aeronautics building. Find additional information regarding aircraft registration in Minnesota.