Local Man Inducted Into Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame

Thursday, November 30th, 2023 -- 5:01 PM

A local man has been inducted into the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame.

Harold 'Duffy' Gaier began his aviation career on the sod runways of Central Wisconsin near his hometown of Colby in 1966. He settled at Neillsville in 1973, where he helped develop the airport, conducted ground school, gave flight instruction and served as FBO.

In 1977, he incorporated Neillsville Aviation as a full-service aviation business, including single and multi-engine charters and aircraft leasing. In 1986, Gaier was named FBO and manager at the Marshfield Airport, doing business as Duffy's Aircraft Sales and Leasing.

He continued to work for improvements at both Neillsville and Marshfield airports including: improved lighting, runway extensions, taxiways and ramps. By 2003, Duffy's Aircraft operation included aircraft rental, aircraft leasing, aircraft maintenance and ownership of twenty-nine aircraft.

Along the way, Duffy Gaier acquired his Commercial Pilot certificate with ASMEL and Instrument ratings, Flight Instructor certificate with all fixed wing ratings and was designated as an Airman Examiner by the Federal Aviation Administration.

He has flown as a pilot for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the United States Farm Service. In 1998, he received the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics Lifetime Achievement Award.

Duffy has conducted over 3,500 FAA flight checks, logged over 13,000 hours and has made almost as many friends in and out of aviation. In 2004, Harold 'Duffy" Gaier continues to be aviation's best friend in central Wisconsin.

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