Fly In Draws A Crowd
It was a busy afternoon and evening at the Stanley Airport as they hosted their annual Fly In and Drive In on Saturday, Aug. 2. The skies around the Stanley were full of planes coming and going as pilots stopped in throughout the event. Area residents were invited to come enjoy the evening celebrating the airport’s being named 2024 General Aviation Airport of the Year.
Pilots that call Stanley home rolled their planes out of the hangars to give visitors a chance to see the different types of planes that are housed at the Stanley Airport. Pilots were also flying in from around the area, getting a chance to visit the airport and enjoy a free supper of burgers, hot dogs and salads. They were treated to music by Ty Taylor and Jerilyn Wiseman of Mendenhall Crossing.
While the morning may have started out cool, cloudy and even hazy, by the time the fly in got underway at 5:00 p.m., the skies had cleared some and the weather was beautiful. There were special guests on hand, including Sanford’s medical jet and Trinity’s air helicopter. Guests were able to get a close look inside of these aircraft that provide necessary medical services for patients throughout the area. Members of the Civil Air Patrol also had a booth set up.
Stanley Municipal Airport was recognized as North Dakota’s “2024 General Aviation Airport of the Year” earlier this year. Airports receive this award for excellence in community outreach, facility management, construction and beautification projects, and participation and hosting of special events. This award is sponsored annually by the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission in partnership with the Airport Association of North Dakota.
The Stanley Municipal Airport made significant strides in aviation growth and development which is highlighted by the recent completion of a new turf crosswind runway. This critical safety enhancement allows pilots to land more safely in challenging wind conditions, improving overall airport operations.
The project was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, and the City of Stanley. Together, they ensured all land acquisition, environmental, and planning requirements were met. To fully fund the construction, the airport also successfully secured a grant from their County Job Development Authority which covered the full costs of construction.
Beyond infrastructure improvements, the Stanley Municipal Airport remains deeply committed to fostering community engagement. The airport proudly hosts an annual fly-in and pancake breakfast, bringing together aviation enthusiasts from across the region. It has also provided valuable career exploration opportunities for local high school students through job shadowing experiences, which has helped to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.
With a strong focus on both safety and community involvement, the Stanley Municipal Airport continues to enhance its role as a vital asset for the region, supporting pilots, travelers, and the future of aviation in North Dakota.