Warren Pietsch to be Inducted into North Dakota's Aviation Hall of Fame

Inductee Information:

Warren's story began under the wings of his family's business, Pietsch Flying Service, where aviation was not simply a profession-it was a family tradition. By age ten he had painted a P-51 Mustang on his bedroom wall, and by sixteen he had completed his first solo flight. That early passion grew into a remarkable career that has helped shape North Dakota aviation for more than four decades.

In the 1990s, Warren took ownership of the family business and guided its evolution into the Minot Aero Center, which today provides FBO services, aircraft maintenance, flight training, testing services, and pilot support. He also spent nearly two decades flying for ATA Airlines, serving as captain on the L-1011, Boeing 727, and Boeing 737.

As co-founder and Chief Pilot of the Dakota Territory Air Museum, Warren has played a central role in developing one of the world's premier collections of airworthy World War II aircraft. Through Pietsch Aircraft Restoration & Repair-now the Minot Aero Center-he has returned countless vintage airplanes to flight, preserving not only their mechanical histories but also the legacies of the pilots who flew them. Among his most notable restorations is the celebrated P-51C Mustang Thunderbird, once owned by actor Jimmy Stewart and aviation icon Jackie Cochran. Pietsch recovered the aircraft from a crash site and brought it back to the airshow circuit, flying it at national venues including Oshkosh and Reno.

His logbook is a testament to extraordinary experience, including warbirds such as the Supermarine Spitfire, P-40 Warhawk, F4U Corsair, FM-2 Wildcat, Mitsubishi Zero, and multiple P-51 Mustangs. Yet beyond his flying skill, Warren is admired for the humility, kindness, and authenticity he brings to every flight and every interaction.

Warren's lifelong dedication to cultivating future aviators is evident across the state. He has mentored countless pilots, spoken in classrooms, supported school aviation curriculum, and welcomed students, visitors, and dignitaries into the hangars and restoration shops of Minot. For many from across the country and around the world, a stop in Minot to visit Warren-whether for guidance, conversation, or inspiration-has become an essential waypoint.

His service to the State of North Dakota includes over a decade of service as a Commissioner for the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, including time as Commission Chair. During his tenure, the commission supported record airline passenger growth, advanced aviation education, secured critical infrastructure funding, and contributed to North Dakota becoming one of the nation's congressionally authorized Unmanned Aircraft Systems test sites.

On the national and international stage, Pietsch has contributed extensively through the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS), serving on the Aerobatic Competency Evaluation (ACE) Committee and helping shape industry-wide safety and training standards. His accomplishments have earned worldwide recognition, including the prestigious Bill Barber Showmanship Award in 2005. He has also participated in major national commemorations such as the Arsenal of Democracy flyovers over Washington, D.C. and holds the distinction of Honorary Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbird.

Beyond the aviation realm, Warren has served his community through St. Leo's Catholic Church, Northern Neighbors Day, and decades of support for Minot Air Force Base personnel and families.

Warren is widely regarded as a guardian of aviation heritage-a pilot, mentor, restorer, teacher, and ambassador whose influence reaches far beyond North Dakota's borders. Whether flying a P-40E War Hawk in formation over the nation's capital or showing a young student how an aileron works, he approaches each moment with the humility and joy that first drew him to flight as a child.

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission and the North Dakota Aviation Association's Hall of Fame Committee congratulate Warren Pietsch on this well-deserved honor.

Induction Ceremony Information:

Warren will be formally inducted during the annual Hall of Fame Banquet at the upcoming Fly North Dakota Conference on Tuesday, March 10^th, 2025, at the Clarion Hotel in Minot. The event will begin with a social at 6:00 p.m., followed by the banquet at 7:00 p.m.

For more information about the state aviation conference or to purchase tickets for the Hall of Fame banquet, visit the Fly ND website. Tickets are $75 through February 23^rd and will increase to $125 thereafter. Questions may be directed to the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission at 701-328-9650.