Discovery Flights - Ready to Learn to Fly?
Your aviation journey can start right here at Flight Expo! Whether your goal is to become a private pilot, pursue an aviation career, or simply experience flying for yourself, the first step is a Discovery Flight.
Meet one of our flight instructors, learn about our upcoming flight training opportunities, see what training is really like, and take the controls during your introductory flight.
Your next step? Schedule your Discovery Flight and see where aviation can take you!
Preserving the Past... Building the Future.
Build A Plane is Back this Fall!
Registration is now open for Flight Expo’s
Fall 2026 Build A Plane Program!
Students ages 12–18 will get hands-on experience while learning aviation skills, working with tools, and discovering what it takes to build and maintain aircraft.
Visit Build A Plane link at: https://flightexpo.org/on-line-store/ols/products/fall-2026-bap-program
Preserving the Past. Building the Future.
One Wing. One Dream. One Student at a Time.
Space is Limited, so if your student has been waiting to join Build A Plane, now is the time to sign up!
Fall Session: October 6 - November 21, 2026
Tuesday Evenings: 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Select Saturdays: 9:00 am - Noon
Cessna 172 Restoration Project Nearing Completiton
Flight Expo's donated 1961 Cessna 172 Fastback (N8180X) continues to make tremendous progress toward returning to the skies. The aircraft has now been officially registered, assigned its N-number, and has reached the final stages of restoration under the direction of Kruse Aviation.
Over the past year, extensive work has been completed throughout the aircraft. The fuselage has been refinished, trim lines have been painted, avionics have been installed, and both wings have been thoroughly inspected and refurbished. The aircraft is now largely assembled and awaiting final wing installation once space becomes available in our new hangar facility.
The Cessna 172 remains one of the most respected and widely used training aircraft in aviation history. Known for its stability, reliability, and forgiving flight characteristics, it has introduced generations of pilots to the freedom of flight while continuing to serve as a trusted platform for advanced training and proficiency flying.
The need for additional training aircraft has never been greater. Flight Expo's current Cessna 172 is flying nearly 100 hours every two months, providing valuable flight training opportunities for students and Flying Club members throughout central Minnesota. During the spring of 2026 alone, Flight Expo celebrated three students earning their Private Pilot Certificates and four student pilots completing their first solo flights; milestones that mark the beginning of a lifetime in aviation.
For Flight Expo, N8180X represents far more than an aircraft restoration project. Once completed, it will provide students and Flying Club members with increased access to safe, affordable flight training while supporting the continued growth of aviation education throughout our region. This aircraft will play an important role in helping future pilots earn certificates, build experience, and pursue aviation careers. The addition of a second Cessna 172 will increase training capacity, improve aircraft availability, and help more students pursue their aviation goals. This aircraft will play an important role in helping future pilots earn certificates, build experience, and pursue aviation careers.
With the majority of restoration work now complete, we look forward to the day N8180X once again takes flight and becomes an active part of Flight Expo's mission to promote aviation through education and aircraft preservation.
Thank you supporters!
One Wall. One Wing. One Dream at a Time.
Help us inspire the next generation through aviation education, flight training, and aircraft preservation.
Scan the QR code to support Flight Expo.
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