Register

A Ski Fly-In Helps in Finding Happiness in the Suffering

When it comes to flying in the winter, Minnesotans are resilient and adaptable.

You know that you will be with people who love flying when their airplanes are on skis, and this fly-in is proof of that. [Credit: Leonardo Correa Luna]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author, new to Minnesota winters, highlights the locals' remarkable resilience and adaptability, noting their continued outdoor activities and year-round flying despite freezing temperatures.
  • Minnesotan pilots adapt their aircraft from floats in summer to skis in winter, allowing them to utilize the state's thousands of frozen lakes for aviation.
  • Retired pilot Paul Jackson's annual Ski Fly-In on Horseshoe Lake exemplifies this spirit, growing into a significant event that attracts dozens of aircraft for winter flying and community.
  • The article portrays ski flying as a challenging but deeply rewarding "bucket list" experience, reflecting the Minnesotan ethos of finding joy and community amidst harsh winter conditions.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes. I landed in Minnesota for the first time nine years ago. The reason? I was going to do my first air-to-air photo shoot, and there are few places better than Minnesota if you are going to shoot an amphibious aircraft like the Grumman Albatross. There are literally thousands of lakes upon which you can land.

I immediately fell in love with the place, its warm summer temperatures, sunny blue skies, and—the best—its people. Friendly, welcoming, happy people! I made many new friends and kept returning every summer, always mentioning to those I visited that I wanted to move here someday. And my friends—being good friends, kept telling me—”you better visit in winter first.” Temperatures in Minnesota range from the 80s (Fahrenheit) in summer to the low 10s during the winter, and in the north can go even lower.

Leonardo Correa Luna

Professional pilot and photographer Leonardo Correa Luna was born in Uruguay in 1974, and since he can remember all he wanted to be was a pilot. Forward in time to 2016 and at the age of 42 Leonardo has accumulated more than 12,000 flight hours, he has been captain and instructor for 7 different airlines in 6 countries and for the last 8 years has been based in China flying an Airbus A320 for a local airline. www.leonardocorrealuna.com

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE