A historic homebuilt aircraft, modeled after the 1933 Henderson Longster, was installed at the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport on November 4, 2025. This remarkable plane, constructed by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1610 in Brainerd, serves as a tribute to early aviation innovation.
The journey of this plane began when Paul Noskowiak, a member of the EAA, discovered its remnants a few years prior. The aircraft had been donated to the Stearns County Pioneer Club after languishing in a barn for nearly a decade. Initially dismissing it due to its eclectic mix of components—including parts from a Volkswagen and lawnmower wheels—Noskowiak’s curiosity led him to research its history. He eventually identified it as a Henderson Longster, a one-passenger monoplane first introduced in 1931.
Aviation Heritage Revived
The Henderson Longster is named after Leslie Long, a significant figure in early aviation history. According to Mike Bearss, Treasurer of the Brainerd EAA chapter, the early 1930s represented a golden age of aviation, characterized by experimentation and innovation. “The Henderson Longster was pivotal in establishing what we now consider experimental aircraft,” Bearss noted.
A key aspect of the Henderson Longster’s legacy is its construction. Early aviation enthusiasts utilized various available materials to build their aircraft, often publishing instructions in magazines. This spirit of ingenuity is captured in the restoration of the Brainerd Longster, which was made possible through the efforts of local businesses, including SIGNSpot and Crosslake Sheet Metal Heating and Air Conditioning, that provided decals and wheel covers.
The completed aircraft now hangs prominently in the airport’s entrance, embodying the spirit of aviation innovation. A mannequin dressed in pilot gear occupies the cockpit, representing Edna Gardner Whyte, a pioneering aviator from Minnesota. Whyte earned her pilot’s license in 1931 and participated in over 100 air races, later training military pilots during World War II. Her contributions to aviation are recognized in the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame.
Bearss explained the rationale behind the mannequin’s name: “Since she’s in the aviation hall of fame and she’s from Minnesota, we thought Edna G would be a good name for her.” While the aircraft itself does not have direct ties to Minnesota, it serves as a fitting homage to the legacy of aviation in the region.
Community Engagement and Future Aspirations
The installation of the Henderson Longster at the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport is more than just a display; it represents a community’s dedication to preserving aviation history. The EAA chapter’s commitment to restoration and education highlights the importance of fostering interest in aviation among future generations.
As the aircraft hangs in its new home, it not only showcases the craftsmanship of local enthusiasts but also ignites curiosity about aviation’s rich past. The EAA Chapter 1610 aims to inspire a new wave of aviators and innovators, ensuring that the legacy of figures like Edna Gardner Whyte continues to be celebrated.
With this installation, the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport has become a focal point for aviation history, inviting travelers and locals alike to learn more about the transformative era of flight and the community’s role in it.
