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Mankato Regional Airport Sohler Field. John Enter Eric Criswell. History. 1910-1920s aviation slowly developed in southern Minnesota Early aviators used cow pastures for runways 1927 Lawrence Joseph Sohler advocated for investment in Airport. History.
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Mankato Regional AirportSohler Field John Enter Eric Criswell
History • 1910-1920s aviation slowly developed in southern Minnesota • Early aviators used cow pastures for runways • 1927 Lawrence Joseph Sohler advocated for investment in Airport
History • Charles Lindbergh occasionally flew into Mankato as airmail pilot • 1920s Air mail was utilized to connect southern Minnesota with the Twin Cities
Located south of city on top of hill near MSU campus • Student housing sits on ground previously used by airport
1991 Runways expanded to current size and approach navigation systems were added
Airport influence on Mankato • Has hosted air shows including • Navy Blue Angels • Air force Thunderbirds • Canadian Snowbirds
Airport influence on Mankato • More than 100 different companies travel to Mankato via airplanes • More than 1000 FAA Pilot licenses have been issued to local Mankato pilots • Over 85 people depend on the Mankato Regional airport for jobs
Present day • Over 50 aircraft base at the Mankato airport
Airport is 920 acres • 2 runways • (15/33 – 5,400’x100’) – (4/22 – 4,000’x75’)
MSU Influence • Over 300 students in MSU aviation program • MSU Students are largest contributors to the economy of the airport
MSU Influence • Over 10 aircraft are based at the Mankato airport for student use
MSU Influence • MSU Houses 4 Instrument training simulators at the airport
Conclusion • The Mankato Regional Airport plays a vital role in the city of Mankato • It influences the economic well-being of our businesses • Enables many MSU students to train for future careers in aviation • Connects people of Mankato to the Midwest and beyond