[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 52 (Thursday, April 15, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO NEW INDUCTEES TO MINNESOTA AVIATION HALL OF FAME

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                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 1999

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two 
pioneers in general aviation in the State of Minnesota: Francis 
Einarson of International Falls and Rudy Billberg of Roseau. These two 
gentleman will be inducted into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame on 
Saturday, April 17, 1999.
  Francis Einarson serves as an operator of the International Falls 
Airport, and he has long been a leader in aviation in Northern 
Minnesota. His induction to the Aviation Hall of Fame is an honor that 
it richly deserved--if not overdue. Francis' brother Jim taught him to 
fly in 1948, and the two men began operating the airport in 
International Falls the same year. Over the years, Francis Einarson 
took tourists for scenic rides, taught students how to fly, provided 
air ambulance service and conducted search and rescue missions. Francis 
also oversaw several expansions of the International Falls Airport, 
which today acts as a gateway to Northern Minnesota communities and 
attractions like Voyageurs National Park.
  Rudy Billberg is also part of aviation history in Minnesota. In the 
early days of aviation, Rudy made his start by barnstorming to 
festivals in Duluth and the Iron Range and putting on acrobatic shows. 
He provided valuable service to the United States by training flyers in 
Duluth and flying troops and supplies during World War II. He also 
trained junior college students in flying through the Civilian Pilot 
Training program and was appointed one of Minnesota's first flight 
examiners.
  These men were adventures when aviation was a new mode of 
transportation, and they made a valuable contribution to the 
development of the aviation field. I know my colleagues join me in 
congratulating Francis Einarson and Rudy Billberg on their induction 
into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame.

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