MCOA was formed to provide airport owners and operators with a forum for information exchange to improve airports and aviation in the state. Early in 1982, representatives of 18 Minnesota airports met to form an organization for that purpose. MCOA is a non-profit organization that was formed with bylaws adopted on April 27, 1983, at MCOA’s first annual meeting.
MCOA's Mission
Ensure the safe operation and adequate funding of all Minnesota airports using the members' collective voices and the exchange of best practices.
MCOA's Objectives
- To promote safety, economic value, and public benefit at all of the airports in the State of Minnesota.
- To collect, compile and distribute information about airports and the management of airport affairs.
- To support airport management and owners to achieve efficient, safe operations and build value for their airports in their communities.
- To develop and perpetuate the Minnesota Council of Airports as an agency enabling the exchange of information among airport managers, owners, vendors, MnDOT Aeronautics, the FAA and legislators.
- To investigate, study, discuss, recommend, and promote improvement in the aviation system to airport managers, owners, MnDOT Aeronautics, the FAA and legislators.
- To insure funds collected from aviation users are used to support airports, and the aviation system, in the State of Minnesota.
- To do any and all things necessary and proper to assist airports in the management and administration of their affairs.
MCOA works closely with and provides an opportunity for members to work in close cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Transportation--Office of Aeronautics (MnDOT Aero), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through meetings, conferences and correspondence. The MCOA board and special committees within MCOA work jointly with MnDOT Aero and the FAA to identify and solve problems and fulfill needs. We provide a unified voice on critical aviation legislation in both the state and national arena pushing for legislation that is beneficial to airports.
We provide information to all Minnesota airports, with special consideration for the smaller airports. It is important to us that access to and education about state-of-the-art technology in airport maintenance and operation be available to all. We work closely with the University of Minnesota, FAA and MnDOT to develop training opportunities for both airport sponsors and associates to identify pertinent topics.
Minnesota airports are among the best in the nation. MCOA recognizes this achievement with annual awards. We encourage managers and employees to continually strive toward quality and innovative improvements. MCOA also offers annual scholarships to college students enrolled in aviation and aviation management programs.
Membership in MCOA is open to Minnesota airports which are open to the public. Each member airport designates one voting member. Non-voting membership is available to aviation-oriented businesses, associations or individuals dealing principally with aviation. The MCOA Board of Directors are elected by the voting membership at each annual meeting.
