Chapter 1397 Hosts Successful Fly-In at Moberg Airbase

September 2017 - EAA Chapter 1397 held its seventh annual Moberg Fly-In on August 18-19, 2017, one mile south of the Bemidji Regional Airport. Good weather and advanced publicity resulted in 30 landplanes and six floatplanes participating.

The event started Friday afternoon with the arrival of a seaplane from Duluth, Minnesota, and three landplanes that all camped at Moberg. The festivities Friday night included a brat and bean cookout, movies in the hangar, bonfire, and lots of “plane talk.” Saturday saw the remainder of planes and pilots arrive. Early birds enjoyed gourmet coffee and pastries from a local bakery. Lunch featured pulled-pork sandwiches along with homemade baked beans, corn on the cob, drinks, and funnel cakes. A raffle was held for pilots, with a grand prize of a David Clark headset. An independent pancake breakfast was served by the local FBO, Bemidji Aviation, which was a draw for pilots considering Moberg. Bemidji Aviation has been a great supporter of Chapter 1397.

This year’s event saw many new attendees. Publicity included posters that were sent to all Minnesota FBOs, as well as internet sites such as SocialFlight, Seaplane Pilots Association, and the Minnesota DOT. In addition, EAA Headquarters sent a ChapterBlast to all EAA members in the northern Minnesota area. Several pilots mentioned the ChapterBlast played a part in their decision to attend. Three new chapter members were signed up during the event, which is a first. Planes flew in from Kansas, Wisconsin, and North and South Dakota, including a 2017 ELA AVN 10 Eclipse rotorcraft, 2015 JA30 SuperSTOL, 1964 Maule M-4, 2011 Aviat Husky 180, 1946 Swift, and a variety of Cessna and Piper aircraft.

The Moberg Land/Sea Base (MN13/96M) is a northern Minnesota gem located in the lake country. The base, named for early Bemidji aviation pioneer Ralph Moberg, is privately owned and is occupied during the summer by EAA Chapter 1397. Monthly meetings are held there from May through September, with a focus on food, flying, and camaraderie.

Chapter member David Quam served as videographer for the fly-in. Dave founded the national Seaplane Pilots Association and brings a wealth of information and talent to the chapter. You can watch his highlight video of the 2017 event by clicking here!

The event next year is planned for August 17-18. Join us then for the eighth annual Moberg Fly-In!