MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – Minot’s Warren Pietsch has spent a lifetime lifting North Dakota Aviation to new heights.

That dedication now earns him one of the organization’s highest honors: induction to the Hall of Fame.

“Right out of high school, I started flying charter,” said Pietsch.

Raised in the aviation business, he grew up at Pietsch Flying Service, where his pilot parents pioneered the industry in the Magic City. You know it today as the Minot Aero Center.

“This is my touchstone,” said Pietsch.

Throughout his career, he flew commercial planes, air ambulances and had some fun at airshows all across North America and beyond.

“Did a lot of stuff in the Middle East during the Gulf conflicts,” said Pietsch.

He has flown for more than four decades.

“I’ve been around and seen a lot of stuff, but North Dakota hasn’t changed as much as the world has,” said Pietsch.

Even at just four years old, he already knew this was his life’s calling.

“I was given a wonderful opportunity, and I took it,” said Pietsch.

The trailblazer has traveled the world, but he and his wife, Jolene, never left Minot for a new home.

“It’s a good place to be from and to come back to,” said Pietsch.

He also plays a role in one of the world’s premier collections of World War II aircraft, helping recover and rebuild its pieces together.

“I found that airplane was originally owned by the actor Jimmy Stewart. That was a 24-year project for me,” said Pietsch.

He also brought some of these vintage aircraft to the Dakota Territory Air Museum, that draw thousands of visitors each year.

His family started the museum in the late 80s.

“I just enjoy experiencing what other generations and other pilots have done in the past. And be able to see how far we’ve come by comparing those airplanes to what we’re flying now,” said Pietsch.

Now he will be the 51st inductee to the North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame.

“It’s a huge honor, and I’m humbled by it,” said Pietsch.

For this industry pioneer, it’s more than just an award.

“The awards are neat, but the friendships? That’s the best thing,” said Pietsch.

He said he’ll continue to rebuild airplanes for the years to come.

The Hall of Fame will induct Pietsch during its annual banquet in Minot on March 10.

His ceremony will be a part of this year’s Fly North Dakota Conference.

The Bismarck Municipal Airport has an exhibit honoring all inductees in the lower level of the terminal building.

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