A large crowd of aviation enthusiasts turned out at Minnesota’s Anoka County-Blaine Airport for two days of camaraderie and information during the second annual Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering on April 10 and 11.
AOPA was a platinum sponsor and an exhibitor at the event, where AOPA President Mark Baker presented the president of the Minnesota Pilots Association with a citation for leadership and service. Baker also gave an update on AOPA’s state and federal advocacy initiatives, and heard from pilots about local issues of importance to general aviation.
Bryan Budds, AOPA Great Lakes regional manager, briefed those in attendance on the AOPA Regional Fly-in to be held at the airport on Aug. 22, one of five regional fly-ins scheduled in 2015.
Baker presented the AOPA Presidential Citation to Randle Corfman, president and a founding member of the Minnesota Pilots Association, “in recognition of your extraordinary commitment to general aviation in Minnesota and your exceptional effort in promoting and protecting an increasingly vibrant aviation community across the State.”
GA helps Corfman, a physician, conduct his medical practice across seven states. He is an aviation medical examiner, and often speaks to groups about his special interest in wilderness and survival medicine, according to his biography on the Minnesota Pilots Association’s website.
A 4,500-hour land and seaplane pilot, Corfman flies a Cessna T210 on business travel, and a Piper Super Cub for recreational aviation.
“On behalf of the nation’s pilots, we commend you as an outstanding friend of aviation,” the citation says.
Budds noted that Corfman and the entire leadership of the Minnesota Pilots Association “have done incredible work not only on the Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering but also in growing the Association.”
“We look forward to supporting the Minnesota Pilots Association as the event and organization continue to grow,” he said, emphasizing the importance of strong local aviation organizations to the nationwide effort to advocate for GA.
