Joe and Laura LaRue  strive for the highest standard in service and safety. Our goal is to develop long term relationships based on trust and integrity. Joe has 13 years of diverse experience in aviation as an A/P mechanic, IA, and as a pilot. Joe grew up in Wendell, MN. He is excited to have the opportunity to serve the local aviation community that he grew up in.

Joe LaRue, founder of Prairie Air Inc. and airport manager of Pride of the Prairie Airport is originally from Wendell, MN. Joe acquired his A/P mechanic license in 2000, and he later achieved his Inspector Authorization Certificate in 2005. Joe grew up around airplanes most his life, thanks to his dad being a private pilot. Joe first soloed in a Piper Archer at the age of 16. He received his Private Pilot’s License in 1995. He began working for Columbia Helicopters based out of Portland, Oregon in 2000 as an A/P mechanic, and he held the position of a crew chief on a Vertol 107. Joe traveled all over the country with Columbia, but after his daughter was born he and his wife decided to come back to MN in 2005. Although loving his job, Joe wanted to be home with his family. Elbow Lake was expanding their airport, so Joe took advantage of the opportunity to be back in his hometown, enjoy his family, and do what he loves, working on aircraft. Joe with the help of his family and the city opened Prairie Air Inc. in 2006. Joe recognized the need for a FBO in the area, and Prairie Air Inc has brought high quality work to the general aviation population.

Laura LaRue originally from Salmon, Idaho moved to Elbow Lake, MN with her husband Joe. Laura takes care of all the scheduling and manages all the accounts.  Laura new to the aviation field is catching on fast, and she loves to hear about all the pilot’s travels. Give Laura a call to schedule your maintenance or if you have any billing questions.