Flight Expo's History
Our Mission
Flight Expo, Inc., was founded by a small group of enthusiasts interested in aircraft education and aircraft preservation. (December 23, 1996). The organization 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.
Driven by volunteers, Flight Expo, Inc. is led and operated by a dedicated team passionate about aviation.
This means your contributions go directly toward student scholarships, our new educational facility, hangar and operational costs, and aircraft restoration through the Build-A-Plane program—not toward salaries.
We are located in Princeton, MN, roughly an hour north of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
The Minnesota Wright Flyer 2003
Flight Expo, Inc. proudly constructed a full-scale replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer to commemorate the United States Centennial of Flight—the 100th anniversary of powered flight.
Completed in 2003, this impressive reproduction has been displayed throughout the Twin Cities area and is currently housed at the Pine County Historical Society in Askov, Minnesota.
As the aircraft that launched the age of aviation, the Wright Flyer represents the spirit of innovation, exploration, and perseverance—values that continue to inspire Flight Expo’s mission to educate, preserve, and promote aviation for future generations.
Tsunami - Flight Expo's First Aircraft Donation!
In 2013, Flight Expo, Inc. became the proud recipient of a remarkable piece of aviation history: the Tsunami Race Aircraft.
Tsunami is a one-of-a-kind, purpose-built race plane designed to become the fastest propeller-driven aircraft ever constructed. Sleek, powerful, and ambitious, it represents the cutting edge of engineering and performance in air racing.
Today, Flight Expo volunteers are passionately working to restore Tsunami to its former glory—preserving this legendary aircraft for future generations to admire and be inspired by.
Build A Plane
In 2014, Flight Expo, Inc. launched its very first youth Build A Plane program with just six students.
What began as a small initiative has grown into a thriving program that now supports over 20 students per session—with even more on a waiting list. The hands-on experience of building and restoring aircraft offers students invaluable skills and insight into the world of aviation, fueling their passion and opening doors to future careers.
This inspiring program was sparked by Duane Kruse of Kruse Aviation, who discovered the National Build-A-Plane initiative at EAA AirVenture. He saw it as a perfect extension of the Young Eagles events Flight Expo was already involved in—and a powerful way to take youth aviation engagement to the next level.
Thanks to the program’s success and continued growth, Flight Expo has outgrown its current facility and is actively working toward building a larger space to better serve the next generation of aviators and aircraft technicians.
You can help make that future possible.
Whether through donations, sponsorships, volunteering, or spreading the word, your support helps us equip young people with the tools, confidence, and experience to soar.
Flying Club/Flight School
In 2016, Flight Expo, Inc. expanded its programs by launching a Youth Flying Club—created for students eager to take their aviation journey even higher by working toward their FAA Private Pilot’s License.
This club offers young aviators advanced learning opportunities, including ground school, flight training, and mentorship from experienced pilots and instructors. Students gain hands-on flight experience and the knowledge necessary to achieve their goal of becoming a licensed pilot, all while building the confidence to pursue their dreams in the sky.
A&P Mechanic License
In 2021, Flight Expo, Inc. expanded the hands-on experience of the Build A Plane program, giving students the opportunity to take their learning further by working toward an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic License.
Ground School Training
In the spring of 2022, Flight Expo, Inc. launched its first Ground School training program, using Sporty’s Pilot Ground School Course alongside The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge to provide a strong foundation for aspiring aviators.
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!