Aviation Helps Fergus Falls Soar

by Steve Heriot

There’s plenty of buzz about airplanes, air traffic and community events at the Fergus Falls Municipal Airport. Access to air transportation can help communities retain and attract businesses and provide jobs. It is also a major factor in the relocation decisions of many businesses.

The U.S. aviation industry creates economic growth, supports 62 million jobs, and creates nearly three trillion dollars of economic impact. In addition, thousands of businesses in our nation rely on general aviation aircraft and airports to reach and compete in the global market.

Fergus Falls Municipal Airport (Einar Mickelson Field) is one of over 5,000 general aviation airports in the U.S. It handles personal and business transportation, agricultural operations, support for medical transport, transportation of freight, law enforcement, firefighting activities, and recreational flying.

The primary runway is 100 feet by 5,640 feet and the crosswind runway measures 75 feet by 3,300 feet. The airport has a variety of instrument approaches and offers fuel service for Jet-A and 100LL, A&PIA Maintenance Service, and aircraft storage.

The airport serves the community in a variety of ways, according to Andrew Yaggie, an airport board member. “Our airport is the gateway to the lakes. People use the airport for different purposes such as tourism, business, and cargo. On an average summer weekend, you might see a variety of aircraft, from a Super Cub to a Cessna Citation 12-seat business jet. Early last December Santa even flew in to our airport as part of the Over-the-River Holiday Festival!”

Yaggie says that he and others in the community enjoy introducing people to aviation. One such organization that accomplishes just that is the Fergus Falls Area EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter, a group of local aviation enthusiasts who fly, build, restore or simply enjoy airplanes and aviation. Their main project is the Young Eagles Program which brings volunteers into the schools. Each year over 500 local students get to enjoy flying, many for their first time. The chapter also hosts the Annual Fly In, which is held in conjunction with the Fergus Falls Summerfest. Yaggie invites visitors to join them for the 2020 Fly In on June 14 and enjoy the Belgium Waffle Breakfast during the event. More information can be found on their website: 1174.EAAChapter.org.