Brian D. Addis

A native of St. Paul, Brian took his first airplane ride in a Cessna 140 at Flying Cloud airport. He soloed in a Cessna 172 and received his Private Pilot Certificate in 1965. Addis purchased Wings, Inc. in 1971. He flew King Airs, Mitsubishis, and 400 series Cessnas for three different operators in Hartford, CT from 1973-1980. Wings, Inc. was a large and successful flight school, employing over 450 Certified Flight Instructors since its inception. Addis worked to provide airline training, using Northwest Airlines simulators. Addis started the aviation program at Inver Hills Community College in 1980 and managed it until its closure in 2010. Brian has flown Gulfstream 1, 2, 3 and 5 aircraft for Hubbard Broadcasting. As a pilot examiner, he has given over 14,000 check rides. He works for Wipaire, conducting insurance-mandated training and initial ratings. He has also established seaplane training at Madden’s Resort in Brainerd, MN. He has worked his entire career with the Federal Aviation Administration conducting safety clinics and seminars. He has dedicated his life to the aviation industry. His ability as a flight/.ground instructor and his thoughtful mentoring and counseling to students reflects his love of aviation. He qualified for the FAA Master Pilot Award – for 50 years of accident-free flying.