Updates from Tri-States

by Terry Stieren MAAA terrystieren29@gmail.com

We have a couple of important news updates we would like to share with you.

2021 Convention—The Tri-State Convention committee (following the recommendation of this year’s host state, North Dakota) has voted to postpone the 2021 Convention that was scheduled for February 2021 in Grand Forks, ND. The postponement WAS NOT a political decision, but rather a logistical one. With rules regarding public gatherings and social distancing changing on a daily basis, the committee recognized that while we could move forward and plan on the convention, it could be cancelled at the last minute (without any input from the planners or attendees), leaving many applicators without any recertification/licensing options. In addition, we had a percentage of exhibitors and attendees who had already indicated their reluctance to attend because of family medical issues.

The 2021 convention has been re-scheduled to February 21-23, 2022 in Grand Forks, ND.

The MAAA will be moving forward with the MN Dept of Ag and the University of Minnesota to plan a webinar (likely in February or March) that will allow operators and pilots to recertify by attending a one-day webinar conference. Details and dates will be announced at a later date.

Met towers will now require marking and lighting!—The MAAA is very proud to announce that in accordance with the MAAA-sponsored legislation passed by the 2020 legislature, Met towers will now be required to be marked and lit! Notice of proposed tower erection must be given to the Commissioner of Transportation 30 days in advance of installation, and 30 days after removal. The towers’ locations will be searchable and downloadable (for GPS mapping) at this website:www.dot.state.mn.us/aero/ meteorological-towers/index.html