Each spring since 1989, the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame has hosted an induction banquet, which has been attended by members of the Minnesota aviation community along with the inductees' families and friends.
Save the Date
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Social Hour starting at 4:45 pm
Dinner served at 6:00 pm, presentation to follow
The Mystic Lake Center, Minnetonka Ballroom,
2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake, MN 55372.
Note The Mystic Lake Center is west of the Casino/Resort and adjacent to the Mystic Lake Hotel.
Banquet Details
YOU'RE INVITED!
Mark your calendars for the 36th Annual Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame Inductee Banquet!
Saturday, April 11, 2026
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Time
Social Hour – 4:45 pm
Dinner – 6:00pm -
Place
The Mystic Lake Center, Minnetonka Ballroom,
2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake, MN 55372. -
Menu
Choice of Applewood Brown Sugar Smoked Pork Loin or Lemon Rosemary Chicken Breast, House Salad, Rosemary Lyonnaise Potatoes, Sweet Baby Carrots and French Haricot Verts with a dessert of Strawberry Chantilly.
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Induction Ceremony
Following Dinner
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Dress
Coat and Tie for Men/Cocktail attire for Ladies.
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Ticket Cost Per Person
$95 per person and includes free parking. Tickets may be purchased online through Eventbrite or by U.S Mail
Tickets sales start January 1, 2026. Check back after January 1, 2026 on this website for a link to download banquet information and purchase tickets.
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Reservation By Mail
Reservations may be made with a check payable to MAHOF or with a credit card via Eventbrite. If you’re paying with a check, use the form below and SEND YOUR BANQUET RESERVATION TO: MAHOF, 6281 Mallory Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55346. (Do not send your banquet reservations to the hotel). Payment is required with your order – we do not take phone reservations.
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Parking & Directions
The Mystic Lake complex is located southwest of the Twin Cities area and is easy to find. Our banquet is being held in the Minnetonka Ballroom at the Mystic Lake CENTER, (not in the casino). The Mystic Lake Center is a dedicated convention space with its own parking lot and entrance and is just south of the Little Six Casino. The address is 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd in Prior Lake, MN 55372. The phone number is (866) 832-6402. Upon arrival at the Mystic Lake complex, carefully follow the signs to parking for the Mystic Lake CENTER and from the parking lot it’s a very short walk to the ballroom.
2026 Inductees
Eugene “Gene” DePalma
A Navy veteran and aviation executive with over 10,000 flight hours in 33 aircraft types. After a distinguished 30-year career at Van Dusen Air, where he rose to President and CEO, he continued to serve the aviation community through leadership roles in several organizations.
Robert J. Pond
A decorated naval aviator, entrepreneur, and aviation enthusiast who amassed a notable collection of vintage aircraft and automobiles. He founded the Planes of Fame Museum at Flying Cloud Airport and later the Palm Springs Air Museum, where he educated the public about aviation history. Over his lifetime, Pond flew more than 20,000 accident-free hours and played a vital role in preserving warbird aviation heritage.
John R. Sandberg
A skilled mechanic and aviation enthusiast who transitioned from drag racing to rebuilding and flying warbirds, notably contributing to the Commemorative Air Force and the national air racing community. He co-developed the racing aircraft Tsunami, which competed at Reno and was part of the fastest unlimited race in history.
Cora May Fuller
Minnesota’s first licensed female pilot in 1931 after soloing in a Stinson SM-8A and earning a perfect score on her written exam. She logged over 8,000 miles in her first year and was a pioneer in aviation at a time when few women flew.
Conrad “Butch” Maxwell
A veteran of the Air Force Reserve, He is a certified FAA mechanic with over 66 years of experience, he operates the family business, Maxwell Aircraft Service, earning national recognition for his expertise in propeller overhaul. In 2015, he was honored with the FAA Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award for more than 50 years of safe aviation maintenance.
James A. Olsen
Founder of Sun Country Airlines. He turned a vision for affordable leisure travel into one of Minnesota’s most successful aviation ventures. Under his leadership, the airline grew from a startup into a nationally recognized carrier serving millions of passengers. Make a large impact on Minnesota’s aviation industry and economy.
Charles “Chuck” Doyle Jr.
A lifelong aviator whose career spans airline service, vintage aircraft restoration, and passionate mentorship within Minnesota’s aviation community. A former Sun Country Airlines captain, he is renowned for flying and maintaining antique airplanes, inspiring countless young pilots, and generously sharing his time and expertise.
Additional Awards
In addition to the Class of 2026 Inductees, MAHOF will acknowledge Dick Phillips, John Dienst, and Mark Phillips for the book, The Last of the Wild Horses, North American P-51 type Aircraft on the Civil Registries of the World, 1946 to 2023, and acknowledging Corban Lundborg, a Minnesota native who is an artist, storyteller, and USAF combat photographer.
Premier Sponsor
Sponsors
Wings Of The North
Airport Foundation
Wipaire
Signature
Wings Insurance
KJB Leasing
