Have you noticed more airplanes flying above Decorah?

If you think you've noticed an increase in the volume of air traffic flying above Decorah recently, you're not imagining it. Decorah Airport Manager Mike Connell says there has been a significant increase of air traffic in the sky recently.

Connell says there are several reasons for the increase -- Luther starting back up again, the growth of the local breweries, an increase in aviation students, and more Decorah businesses utilizing the airport. "Decorah is in a good spot," says Connell. "People have been flying into Decorah to hunt and fly fish for quite some time, but with all the improvements going on in Decorah, the airport is busier than ever."

Connell notes the addition of the Gundersen MedLink AIR helicopter has also added to the increase in airtraffic above Decorah. "The helicopter is very active. It was up 6 or 7 times in a recent week."

The Gundersen MedLink AIR helicopter