AirFair 2025 brings flight to life at Flying Cloud Airport

AirFair 2025 landed at Flying Cloud Airport on Saturday, July 12, a reimagined version of the former AirExpo put on by Wings of the North.

The Eden Prairie nonprofit aimed to create a family-friendly experience that gave aviation enthusiasts of all ages access to pilots, aircraft and aviation history.

A hands-on event

While the AirExpo featured multiple air shows, AirFair 2025 brought flying down to earth. Aircraft were open for tours, and volunteers, pilots and World War II veterans engaged in lively conversations with attendees. For-profit and nonprofit organizations offered information on aviation careers, flying lessons and aviation history.

Most of the action took place in and around a spotless Jet Linx hangar on the south side of Flying Cloud Airport. Inside, a 1950 Aeronca 7EC Champion single-engine airplane served as the centerpiece. Attendees could buy one of 2,500 $50 raffle tickets for a chance to win the plane – or a $30,000 cash prize.

The 2025 sweepstakes is a fundraiser for a permanent aviation museum at the airport. Tickets may be purchased on the Wings of the North website until they are sold out. The grand prize will be awarded Sept. 27.

Thrills on the ground and in the air

Although not billed as an AirExpo, cellphones and faces lit up when the T-6 Thunder, a Minnesota-based flight team, took to the skies and flew in formation.

The Thunder fly the T-6 Texan, a military trainer aircraft widely used since World War II to prepare pilots for combat.

The action in the skies, however, was no match for the excitement on the tarmac.

“I’ve been coming to air shows for decades,” said U.S. Army veteran Jeff Drake. “I’ve had a love of aviation since grade school. When I was a boy, there was an air show in Watertown, Wis. In the ’60s, you could pay a penny and get a ride in an airplane. I loved it – the cars looked like little Matchbox toys.”

As a veteran who served 27 years combined in the Army and Air Force Reserve, Drake has a keen interest in military aircraft. “One year I saw both a Hurricane and a Spitfire,” British fighters from World War II, he said with a smile.

“We’ve been planning this for a couple of weeks,” said Elizabeth Wendt. “I got into history with my dad, and we went to many air shows.”

“I’m here to help support the organization (Wings of the North) and also to bring my son,” said attendee Dave Moore before he began to explore one of the parked aircraft. “We wouldn’t miss it.”

C-130 Hercules attracted young and old

There was a long line to get into the cockpit of a C-130 Hercules. Personnel from the Minnesota National Guard answered questions and explained how the cargo plane is used.

Senior Airman Jacob Muniz explained the plane’s versatility. “It can carry almost any kind of cargo,” he said, pointing to the cables and locks designed to secure everything from medical supplies to mission-critical gear for troops in the field.

Flight nurse Lauren Bachman explained that the C-130 is often used like a mobile hospital, but without an operating room. Teams of five – including two nurses and three medical technicians – fly with each plane.

“We’re part of CCATT – the Critical Care Air Transport Team,” said Col. John Zimmerman. “The C-130 contributes to the lethality of the Air Force by providing just-in-time personnel. It gives reassurance to warfighters that we have their backs if they’re injured.”

Promoting careers in aviation

There was plenty to inspire the next generation of aviators.

Nine-year-old Katie Kendrick is considering becoming a pilot. She climbed into the pilot’s seat of a helicopter to see what it might be like. The “cool” things in the cockpit included an unusually challenging safety harness and a camera “so they can look at stuff down below,” she said.

Inside the hangar, the Minnesota chapter of Women in Aviation International – the Stars of the North – shared information about opportunities for women. “We promote careers, networking and mentoring related to aviation,” said local membership director Jennifer Bondy.

She noted that besides the well-known careers of pilot and flight attendant, aviation careers also include mechanics, engineers, dispatchers, managers, air traffic controllers, jet brokers and insurance agents.

Bondy noted that despite the organization’s name, men and boys are welcome. “We also have a robust scholarship program,” she said. According to the organization’s brochure, it has awarded more than $15.4 million in scholarships since 1995.

Learning about flying – today and yesterday

For those interested in learning to fly – either as a career or a hobby – AirFair 2025 included area flight schools. Others simply curious about the cockpit experience could try hands-on sessions, where riders briefly took the controls.

Proceeds from AirFair 2025 go toward operation of Wings of the North Museum at Flying Cloud Airport. The museum features aircraft from several eras, not just World War II. Personalized tours are available with volunteer docents, and the space can be reserved for veteran gatherings and birthday parties.

For more information, visit the Wings of the North website.