Our Mission
Flight Expo’s Mission is to educate and engage individuals about the different facets of Aviation.
Flight Expo, Inc.
Flight Expo, Inc., was founded by a small group of enthusiasts interested in aircraft education and aircraft preservation. It was created due to the interest generated by participation in educational seminars at the Sport Aviation Conferences held at the Minneapolis Convention Center from 1994 – 2000. These seminars included presentations on experimental aircraft, aviation history, model planes, hot air balloons, aerobatics, warbirds, air racing, antique aircraft, seaplanes, modern composite construction techniques, and avionics technology.
Flight Expo, Inc. is an entirely volunteer lead and ran organization!
That means your donations go into our student scholarships, hangar/new educational building, current building overhead costs, and Build-A-Plane aircraft restoration costs not someone's paycheck. We are located in Princeton, MN, roughly an hour north of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
2003 - Flight Expo Inc. was responsible for the construction of a 1903 Wright Flyer replica as part of the United States Centennial (the 100 year anniversary) of Flight. This full size reproduction has been on display in the Twin Cities area since it's completion in 2003. It is currently on display at the Pine County Historical Society, in Askov, MN. https://pinecountyhistoricalsociety.org/museum.html
2013 - Flight Expo, Inc. was the recipient of a part of Aviation History when it received the Tsunami Race Aircraft in October of of that year. Tsunami is a one of a kind race plane designed to become the fastest propeller driven aircraft ever built. Volunteers are currently rebuilding the Tsunami.
2014 -Flight Expo, Inc. kicked off our first youth Build -A-Plane Program with 6 youth in October of 20114. 8 years later we have over 20 youth in our session and more on a waiting list. Flight Expo Inc. has out grown our current space and we are in need of a larger facility.
2016 -Flight Expo, Inc. added a Flying Club portion for those youth that want to reach a higher plateau knowledge in obtaining their FAA private pilot’s license.
2021 - Flight Expo, Inc increased the hands on portion of the Build- A-Plane program challenging students to learn more by working towards an Aircraft and Power Plant Mechanic License.
2022 - Flight Expo, Inc offered it's first Ground School Training using the Sporty's Pilot Ground School Training Course and The Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, in the spring of 2022.
Tsunami Aircraft at the Reno Air Races 1991.
YOUR DONATION TODAY, HELPS THE NEXT GENERATION
Your Donation helps to provide for the education of youth interested in the aviation industry.
To make a specific donation to our Hangar Fund, Build-A-Plane Program, or one of our scholarship programs, please follow the link and scroll down.
https://flightexpo.org/shop/ols/products/making-dreams-become-a-reality-donations
Our Programs
Build-A-Plane Program
Build-A-Plane Program
Build-A-Plane Program
Our goal is to create an opportunity for youth to get involved in and explore aviation careers by allowing them to get hands on experience with real aircraft.
All work on aircraft is done under the supervision of a Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic.
Build-A-Plane students in good standing will have the monthly membership fee waved and receive a reduced hourly rate in Flight Expo's Flying Club.
The Flying Club
Build-A-Plane Program
Build-A-Plane Program
Join the Flying Club to learn and experience flying through our flight school program. Students will be responsible for working on their own using Sporty's Learn to Fly Course as a portion of their ground school.
Students learn to fly with one of our instructors in the flying club's Cessna 150.
Flight Expo's Flying Club is open to adults as well our Build-A-Plane students.
Please contact Sharon Sandberg for more info on the monthly membership fee and hourly rate.
763-568-3360
Flight Expo's open house makes the local newspaper
Flight Expo, Inc. held it's first ever open house at our current on-site facility on April 23rd. We had a great turn out of many of our supporters!
A special thank you to Frank Huber, EAA 237's Scholarship Coordinator, Lisa Fobbe of the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners, and Cloe Smith covered our event in the Princeton Union Times Newspaper.
Students gave tours and answered questions, families brought treats , Sharon made chili, and God blessed us with beautiful weather! Our Piper Colt and Cessna 172 that are nearing completion were on display along with our recently acquired Wag Aero Cubby.
Flight Expo, Inc. appreciates all who took time out their busy schedules to stop in and see what our Build-A-Plane students have been up to this year!
Build-a-plane student's year end celebration!
Flight Expo, Inc. held it's annual Build-A-Plane year end celebration at the Princeton Municipal Airport (KPNM) on May 7th. EAA Chapter 237 was on hand along with John Schmidt and his J-3 Cub for Young Eagles Flights for our students and their siblings. Students, families, and volunteers had a potluck, and were able to get a tour the Fire Boss airplanes and North Memorial's Air Care helicopter. They were also able to watch these incredible aircraft take off and land. This was great insight into some options for aviation related careers for our youth to consider.
Photo credit to Matthew Phillippi Photography. Click the picture for great shot of the days events!