Submitted Photo The Stanley Municipal Airport receives the 2024 General Aviation Airport of the Year award during the North Dakota Aviation Association’s FLY-ND Conference awards banquet on March 4. From left to right are Ryan Riesinger, president of the North Dakota Airport Association; Greg Johnson, Stanley Airport Board chair; Jon Walters,Stanley Airport Board member; and Kyle Wanner, executive director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.

FARGO – The Stanley Municipal Airport received the General Aviation Airport of the Year award during the North Dakota Aviation Association’s FLY-ND Conference March 4 in Fargo, according to the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.

The Stanley airport has made significant strides in aviation growth and development, which is highlighted by the recent completion of a new turf crosswind runway, the commission reported. This critical safety enhancement allows pilots to land more safely in challenging wind conditions, improving overall airport operations.

The project was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission and the City of Stanley. Together, they ensured all land acquisition, environmental and planning requirements were met. To fully fund the construction, the airport also successfully secured a grant from its County Job Development Authority, which covered the full costs of construction.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, the Stanley Municipal Airport remains deeply committed to fostering community engagement. The airport proudly hosts an annual fly-in and pancake breakfast, bringing together aviation enthusiasts from across the region. It has also provided valuable career exploration opportunities for local high school students through job shadowing experiences, which has helped to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.