Wisconsin Aviation Hall Of Fame: Dan Knutson Introduction

Daniel T. “Dan” Knutson has devoted a lifetime to preserving the craftsmanship, authenticity, and traditions of vintage aviation. Growing up near Lodi Lakeland Airport in Wisconsin, Dan began helping his father restore airplanes at age 10, developing an extraordinary attention to detail that would make him a nationally recognized authority on aircraft restoration and judging. He soloed a Piper J-3 Cub at 16, earned his private pilot certificate at 18, and went on to restore dozens of aircraft while meticulously researching everything from original paint schemes and upholstery to the correct nuts, bolts, and hardware. His expertise led to leadership roles judging vintage aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the Sentimental Journey Fly-In. One of his most memorable moments came in 2012, during the 75th anniversary celebration of the J-3 Cub, when Dan’s beautifully restored 1940 Piper J-3 Cub was selected to lead a formation of 175 Cubs into Oshkosh and was featured in Piper Aircraft’s AirVenture display. A lifelong champion of grassroots aviation and the preservation of aviation history, Dan Knutson was inducted into the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame in 2021, recognizing a lifetime spent not simply restoring airplanes but preserving the stories, craftsmanship, and spirit of an earlier era of flight.