We love working on all sorts of projects and have lots of jobs, big and small for volunteers to work on. Consider joining our little band of merry folks and have a hand in history.  

Take the exit off of Pioneer Trail (NW corner of Flying Cloud Airport ) into the sports field just west of the airport. The gate H is a couple of hundred feet down on the left. Push the “WOTN Hangar” call button from the gate, we will buzz you in. The hangar is the first one when you drive in, 72D at the end of Sierra Lane. Park on the north end of the hangar.

(Optional Breakfast begins at 7am)

On Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 6:30PM, local Eden Prairie Navy veteran Tim Beutell will speak about his aviation career starting as an Ensign flying single seat jet fighters and eventually becoming the Chief Pilot for Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis-St. Paul.  This event is part of the Wings of the North Air Museum’s Speaker Series that offers a free presentation on the first Thursday of each month.

Background:  Tim Beutell was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy in June 1972 and went through his initial pilot training in Pensacola, Florida.  He completed his aircraft carrier qualifications and received his wings as a Naval Aviator in1974 followed by an assignment as an A-7E pilot on tours in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Caribbean areas until late 1977. He completed almost 200 arrested carrier landings with one third of them at night! 

 In 1979 Tim transferred to the naval reserves and started his career as an airline pilot with North Central Airlines in Minneapolis-St. Paul which soon became Republic Airlines and then, in 1986,became part of Northwest Airlines. During this time, Tim transferred to the inactive Naval Reserves and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Tim also advanced within Northwest Airlines and, in June 2001, he accepted the position of Chief Pilot in Minneapolis.  He retired from Northwest but was recruited by Endeavor Air, a subsidiary of Delta Airline, in 2014.  He retired from Endeavor in 2023.  Today Tim is one of the Senior Docents at the Wings of the North Air Museum.

Want to find out what is happening at Wings of the North? Then join us the 3rd Thursday of every month as we meet to discuss WOTN activities, future plans and volunteer needs. The meetings are open to anyone interested in learning about WOTN as well as to our many fabulous volunteers!