MAGIC Fund Considers Extension Request

A company planning to build what's called an "air trailer" is asking for more time to produce pro...  More »

A company planning to build what's called an "air trailer" is asking for more time to produce proof that its product works. Heliplane has been OKd to get a $500,000 loan from Minot's job-creating MAGIC Fund. But a letter from the company to the city indicates it may not hit a November 21st deadline to send a letter verifying that the Heliplane's take off, load capacity, and landing capabilities live up to company promises. Heliplane is trying to build and market an air cargo trailer that can be towed behind private, commercial, or military aircraft. Heliplane officials say they have five full-time employees in Minot working on their project. The company's letter to the city says setbacks in receiving critical components - and bad weather during test flights in Kansas - have caused the delay. The MAGIC Fund Committee meets Friday to consider Heliplane's request to extend the deadline to the end of the year.  « Less