1. Mankato Regional Airport Sohler Field John Enter Eric Criswell

2. History 1910-1920s aviation slowly developed in southern Minnesota 1910-1920s aviation slowly developed in southern Minnesota Early aviators used cow pastures for runways Early aviators used cow pastures for runways 1927 Lawrence Joseph Sohler advocated for investment in Airport 1927 Lawrence Joseph Sohler advocated for investment in Airport

3. History Charles Lindbergh occasionally flew into Mankato as airmail pilot Charles Lindbergh occasionally flew into Mankato as airmail pilot 1920s Air mail was utilized to connect southern Minnesota with the Twin Cities 1920s Air mail was utilized to connect southern Minnesota with the Twin Cities

4. Located south of city on top of hill near MSU campus Located south of city on top of hill near MSU campus Student housing sits on ground previously used by airport Student housing sits on ground previously used by airport

5. 1970 airport moved to current location 1970 airport moved to current location

6. 1991 Runways expanded to current size and approach navigation systems were added 1991 Runways expanded to current size and approach navigation systems were added

7. 1997 Airport terminal expanded 1997 Airport terminal expanded

8. 2002 - New hangers just completed 2002 - New hangers just completed

9. Airport influence on Mankato Has hosted air shows including Has hosted air shows including –Navy Blue Angels –Air force Thunderbirds –Canadian Snowbirds

10. Airport influence on Mankato More than 100 different companies travel to Mankato via airplanes More than 100 different companies travel to Mankato via airplanes More than 1000 FAA Pilot licenses have been issued to local Mankato pilots More than 1000 FAA Pilot licenses have been issued to local Mankato pilots Over 85 people depend on the Mankato Regional airport for jobs Over 85 people depend on the Mankato Regional airport for jobs

11. Present day Over 50 aircraft base at the Mankato airport Over 50 aircraft base at the Mankato airport

12. Airport is 920 acres Airport is 920 acres 2 runways 2 runways –(15/33 – 5,400x100) – (4/22 – 4,000x75)

13. Present day

15. MSU Influence Over 300 students in MSU aviation program Over 300 students in MSU aviation program MSU Students are largest contributors to the economy of the airport MSU Students are largest contributors to the economy of the airport

16. MSU Influence Over 10 aircraft are based at the Mankato airport for student use Over 10 aircraft are based at the Mankato airport for student use

17. MSU Influence MSU Houses 4 Instrument training simulators at the airport MSU Houses 4 Instrument training simulators at the airport

18. Conclusion The Mankato Regional Airport plays a vital role in the city of Mankato The Mankato Regional Airport plays a vital role in the city of Mankato It influences the economic well-being of our businesses It influences the economic well-being of our businesses Enables many MSU students to train for future careers in aviation Enables many MSU students to train for future careers in aviation Connects people of Mankato to the Midwest and beyond Connects people of Mankato to the Midwest and beyond

19. Flying tour of Mankato

23. Questions?

24. The end