After large turnout, committee agrees to hold next fly‑in in 2027; fuel sales steady

Committee members recapped the Sept. 6, 2025 fly‑in — held during the city's sesquicentennial and the airport's 30th anniversary — and agreed to plan the next fly‑in in 2027 to avoid likely runway work tied to PAPI replacements.

Christie said the event was "very, very well attended" and estimated the crowd at "probably somewhere up in the range of a 500 or more." Committee members recounted a pancake feed that ran out of mix, a successful car show and displays including a Sanford aircraft and helicopter; Roger Olson provided airport histories during the event.

Ryan argued the fly‑in should be scheduled less frequently to preserve enthusiasm, suggesting it be held every other year; Christie and others said delaying this fall's event would reduce the risk of cancelling due to construction. Heather moved to plan the next fly‑in in 2027 and to consider an every‑other‑year cadence; Jerry seconded the motion and the committee approved it by voice vote.

On fuel, Ryan told the committee the airport sold about 31,500 gallons of avgas and just under 16,000 gallons of jet fuel last year, figures that have been steady since about 2021. He said 2023 was an anomaly because North Memorial helicopters used large quantities of jet fuel for a period; Ryan expects jet fuel sales to increase once the new Jet A tanks and faster pumps are installed at Moorhead airport.

Staff also announced that the FAA requires a five‑year solicitation for engineering services; Mead & Hunt has been the provider and the city will run an RFP this year, inviting committee members to serve on a review panel (estimated 10 hours total) with schedule planning to begin around mid‑March. The meeting adjourned after those items.