Scholarships

Funded by numerous generous and anonymous Hall of Fame donors, the MAHOF scholarship is awarded to encourage individuals to pursue their personal dreams of flight, and to explore aviation in its many and varied forms.

The Hinz Family sponsors this scholarship in commemoration and remembrance of Donald E. Hinz, 2007 Hall of Fame Inductee, who lost his life as a re-enactor of the Tuskegee Airmen missions in WWII. Don was piloting a P-51C Mustang painted in the Tuskegee squadron colors with the heralded red tail, at the Red Wing, Minnesota Airshow in 2004. The aircraft suffered an engine failure, which resulted in a crash landing from which Don did not survive. The Don Hinz family has granted this scholarship to honor Don’s life as a naval aviator, airline pilot and businessman, and as a way to encourage young persons entering the aviation field to learn, not only about airplanes, but about aviation history as well.

A 2017 Hall of Fame Inductee, Brig. General Schulstad holds a master’s degree from The George Washington University. General Schulstad enlisted in the Air Force in 1952 and spent 23 years in service to his country, logging over 6200 hours flying numerous USAF aircraft, everything from an AT-6, to an F-104. George also flew the F-8 Crusader during combat operations in Vietnam through an exchange program with the U.S. Navy. George was a commander of two Fighter Squadrons and two Fighter Wings. The General is proud to have a scholarship offered in his name and one of his favorite sayings is “the youth are our future.”

For those pursuing an aviation career success means setting concrete goals and completing what you set out to do. Achieving success requires perseverance, persistence and a firm commitment to doing your best in everything you do. It means not giving up, and in believing that you can, and will, achieve your goals. And ultimately, success means giving back in service and with gratitude for all that life has given you along your journey"

2023 Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame inductee Randall “Randy” Lee Sohn had a gift for bringing people together. Whether discussing airplanes, tractors or antique cars, what was most important to Randy was enjoying the fellowship of friends, old and new. Along with a well-earned reputation as a “Pilot’s Pilot” Randy was outgoing and generous, and freely shared his extensive knowledge of airplanes and aviation in its many and varied forms with others in the spirit of fellowship.

Established to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Duluth Minnesota native Stevan R. Petrich. A 2024 Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame inductee, Steve’s life-long passion for aviation serves as an inspiration to countless others to follow their own personal dreams of flight in its many and varied forms. From an early age Steve’s dedication to aviation led him to a distinguished career as a commercial airline pilot and successful entrepreneur. Known for his generosity and mentorship, Steve left a lasting and significant impact on the Minnesota aviation community, and it is through this scholarship that Steve’s mission continues in support of aspiring students of aviation in their educational pursuits. Preference given, but not limited to, applicants from St. Louis County, Minnesota

Funded by AirCorps Aviation, in Bemidji, MN. AirCorps Aviation is an award-winning WWII aircraft restoration shop that also supports the aerospace industry through part manufacturing, part sales, and historic document preservation. This scholarship is awarded to individuals pursuing programs in aviation manufacturing, restoration, maintenance or flight with special consideration for someone intending to pursue a career that involves legacy aircraft.

A 2013 inductee, David R. "Dave" Konshok worked tirelessly as an advocate for aviation particularly in outstate and rural Minnesota. A Navy veteran of World War II, he obtained his flying license on a grass strip in 1956. For over 60 years he served on the Park Rapids Airport Commission, including several years as Chairman. He helped found the Minnesota Council of Airports and served many years on the board of directors including as Chairman. He shared his love of flying with countless youth by founding the Mantrap Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron, serving as Commander as well as cadet advisor and also as the state logistics officer. Preference given, but not limited to, applicants from rural or outstate Minnesota counties.

Sponsored by the Voit family and supports a pilot pursuing an advanced flight rating with the goal of becoming a professional aviator. This scholarship recognizes candidates who demonstrate strong academic achievement, a commitment to volunteerism, and a clear dedication to a career in professional aviation.