2023 Minnesota Airports Conference Presentations

FAA leaders introduced new staff, provided organizational updates, highlighted new initiatives, and shared their perspectives on the future direction of aviation in Minnesota.

• Conference presentation by Sue Mowert-Schalk and Lindsey Terry, FAA (PDF)

MnDOT’s Office of Aeronautics leaders discussed funding, policy, staffing, and other news relevant to Minnesota’s aviation community.

• Conference presentation by Ryan Gaug, MnDOT Aeronautics (PDF)

MnDOT completed its state aviation system plan in late 2022. As part of this effort, numerous follow-on studies were identified to help MnDOT achieve identified goals. One primary goal was to develop an updated project selection and prioritization model for state funding of airport projects. This session provided an overview of this process and discussed future application within the overall MnSASP hub.

• Conference presentation by Rylan Juran, MnDOT Aeronautics (PDF)

Attendees learned everything they ever wanted to know about the installation, preventive maintenance, and aiming requirements for Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) systems.

• Conference presentation by Casey Carlson, MnDOT Aeronautics and Ben Melin, Neo Electrical Solutions (PDF)

Hangar, ground, and T-hangar leases are all important documents for helping manage an airport. This session provided helpful language to include in your airport leases to get bad tenants out, create clear processes for addressing tenant issues and concerns, and foster an increase in new tenants—maximizing the financial benefit to your airport.

• Conference presentation by Amanda Johnson, LeVander, Gillen & Miller, P.A. (PDF)

This session focused on the need for, and the FAA’s requirements and components of, an airport wildlife hazard management plan. Discussion included recommended practices, lessons learned, and local and national training opportunities.

• Conference presentation by Alan K. Schumacher, USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services and John Ostrom, Metropolitan Airports Commission (PDF)

Experts from the construction industry presented on new rehabilitation and reconstruction techniques for runway pavement. Attendees heard about the new techniques available, how to properly apply them, and the cost for each. The speakers also discussed various bituminous, concrete, and cement-based strategies that can be applied to extend the life of a pavement, whether concrete or asphalt.

• Conference presentation by Matt Zeller, Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota and John Cunningham, Aggregate and Ready Mix Association of Minnesota (PDF)

This session explained how to prepare your airport for upgrading your navaids, including how to start the process and what funding you will need to set aside for the project.

• Conference presentation by Michael Hartell, MnDOT Aeronautics (PDF)

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) executive director/CEO shared what’s happening at the MAC and in Minnesota’s aviation scene in this engaging session.

• Presentation by Brian Ryks, MAC (PDF)