That's Minnesota, ice flying and ice fishing... on the same lake on the same day
(I wrote this up for submision to Sport Aviation Magazine – hope they print it)
The ice was three feet thick on Centerville Lake in Minnesota for Chapter 745 Young Eagles ski Rally. The February 20th event was in conjunction with The Centerville Lions Club annual ice fishing contest.
Benson Chapter #745, in White Bear Lake, Minn., had 50 children signed up in advance, but the beautiful day and the sight of aircraft on the lake attracted many walk-ups from the fishing contest. At the end of the day 8 pilots flew 98 kids and some parents. Young Eagles Coordinator, Dan Hammons, said the Chapter has sponsored Young Eagles on skis at Benson airport in the past, but this is the first time for this event.
“I’ve never been up in the sky,” said Riley Carlson with the fearlessness and enthusiasm of a typical Young Eagle flier. Riley took his first ride with Paul Neutkens in his Cessna 170 along with Kim Wood and her daughter, Morgan.
Along with seven local airplanes, Chuck Mosbeck, bush pilot, from Emo, Ontario, brought his Turbo Beaver DHC-2MK3, to help with rides.
Left to right: William Lemire, Dan Lemire, Laniee Lemire, Evelyn Louismet, Mindy Lemire, Cathy Cameron, Beaver pilot Chuck Mosbeck, Chuck Rundquist, Les Stordalen.
Chuck Rundquist, flight operations and Bob Pike, prop clear safety guy
This Mom was more scared than her daughter. She touched the ground when she got out.
Pilot Paul Neutkens with Kim and Morgan Wood and Riley Carlson.
Dan Hammons, Benson Airport, White Bear Lake EAA Chapter 745 Young Eagles Coordinator and Lori Bambeck, Centerville Lions, survey the successful combined event.
Sandy Lemire escorts Young Eagles across the runway.
Turbo Beaver - ice fishermen parking in the background
Reporter/photographer