--- title: "From Field to Flight: Building Northeast Wisconsin’s Next-Generation Aviation Economy" description: A bold plan to make Northeast Wisconsin a national leader in aviation—connecting biofuels, aircraft manufacturing, and workforce training to create jobs and drive energy innovation. image: https://www.mark4wi.info/hubfs/ATW-Aug-23-5am-min-scaled-1.jpg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/from-field-to-flight#main-content) [![Congressional4CRetina-1](https://www.mark4wi.info/hs-fs/hubfs/Congressional4CRetina-1.png?width=1152&height=432&name=Congressional4CRetina-1.png "Congressional4CRetina-1")](https://mark4wi.info) [![Congressional4CRetina-1](https://www.mark4wi.info/hs-fs/hubfs/Congressional4CRetina-1.png?width=600&height=225&name=Congressional4CRetina-1.png "Congressional4CRetina-1")](https://mark4wi.info) - [Dashboard](https://www.mark4wi.info/dashboard) - About Mark - [Get to Know Mark](https://www.mark4wi.info/meet-mark) - [Come to An Event](https://www.mark4wi.info/events) - About the Campaign - [Our Winning Campaign](https://www.mark4wi.info/about-the-campaign) - [Endorsements](https://www.mark4wi.info/endorsements) - Sustainable Policies - [Economy](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/a-sustainable-economy-for-a-lasting-prosperity-1a) - [Society](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/a-sustainable-society-strengthens-our-republic-1) - [Environment](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/a-sustainable-environment-is-our-birthright-1a) - [Blog](https://www.mark4wi.info/post) - [Media & Press Releases](https://www.mark4wi.info/media) - [Contact](https://www.mark4wi.info/contact) [Donate](https://www.mark4wi.info/funding) [Volunteer](https://www.mark4wi.info/contact) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu [Donate](https://www.mark4wi.info/funding) [Volunteer](https://www.mark4wi.info/contact) - [Dashboard](https://www.mark4wi.info/dashboard) - About Mark - [Get to Know Mark](https://www.mark4wi.info/meet-mark) - [Come to An Event](https://www.mark4wi.info/events) - About the Campaign - [Our Winning Campaign](https://www.mark4wi.info/about-the-campaign) - [Endorsements](https://www.mark4wi.info/endorsements) - Sustainable Policies - [Economy](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/a-sustainable-economy-for-a-lasting-prosperity-1a) - [Society](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/a-sustainable-society-strengthens-our-republic-1) - [Environment](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/a-sustainable-environment-is-our-birthright-1a) - [Blog](https://www.mark4wi.info/post) - [Media & Press Releases](https://www.mark4wi.info/media) - [Contact](https://www.mark4wi.info/contact) [![50x4FundFront](https://www.mark4wi.info/hs-fs/hubfs/50x4FundFront.png?width=600&height=375&name=50x4FundFront.png)](https://www.mark4wi.info/50x4)   [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/markscheffler4congress/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mark4congress2026/) [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-scheffler-1433008/) [X](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/from-field-to-flight#0) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@Mark4Congress2026) [Medium](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/from-field-to-flight#0) [Tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@markscheffler4congress) [BlueSky](https://bsky.app/profile/mark4congress.bsky.social) 3 min read # From Field to Flight: Building Northeast Wisconsin’s Next-Generation Aviation Economy [![Picture of Mark Scheffler](https://www.mark4wi.info/hubfs/MarkPark800x960.png) Mark Scheffler](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/author/mark-scheffler) : May 13, 2026 [Economy](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/economy) [Environment](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/environment) [Farmers](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/farmers) ![From Field to Flight: Building Northeast Wisconsin’s Next-Generation Aviation Economy](https://www.mark4wi.info/hubfs/ATW-Aug-23-5am-min-scaled-1.jpg) What if Northeast Wisconsin became the place where aviation’s future is built, fueled, and flown? We already have the pieces: - **A strong agricultural base** - **A deep manufacturing tradition** - **A growing aviation ecosystem** - **World-class technical education** Now it’s time to connect them. By aligning **bio-based fuels, light aircraft manufacturing, and workforce development**, we can create a fully integrated **“Field to Flight” economy**—one that drives jobs, innovation, and long-term prosperity across our region. ---   ## **Fueling Flight from Our Fields**   Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is no longer a distant idea—it’s a rapidly growing global market. Using crops like soybeans and camelina, along with agricultural byproducts, we can produce **drop-in jet fuel** that works in today’s aircraft while cutting lifecycle emissions by up to 80%. ![SAF](https://www.mark4wi.info/hubfs/SAF.jpg)   Here’s what that means for Northeast Wisconsin: - **New markets for farmers** growing energy crops - **Local processing facilities** creating high-quality jobs - **Energy dollars staying local** instead of leaving the region With local and regional companies already experienced in large-scale fuel logistics and distribution, we have an array of natural partners to help scale delivery across the Midwest. This is how we turn agriculture into energy—and energy into opportunity. ---   ### **Manufacturing the Next Generation of Aircraft**   **![sahrkAERO](https://www.mark4wi.info/hs-fs/hubfs/sahrkAERO.webp?width=573&height=301&name=sahrkAERO.webp)** At the same time, aviation itself is changing. The rise of **light sport aircraft (LSA)**, experimental aircraft, and next-generation composite designs is opening the door to **smaller, more efficient, and more affordable airplanes**. And there is no better place to lead that movement than Northeast Wisconsin. ### The Oshkosh Advantage: With Experimental Aircraft Association headquartered in Oshkosh and hosting the world’s largest aviation gathering each year, we already sit at the center of **experimental and recreational aviation innovation**. This gives us: - **A global network of builders, designers, and innovators** - **A culture of hands-on aircraft construction** - **Immediate visibility for anything we build here** We can leverage this to: - Attract **light aircraft manufacturers** to set up operations locally - Support **kit aircraft assembly and customization shops** - Develop **composite manufacturing expertise** tied to aviation ---     ## **Training the Workforce to Build It All**   None of this works without people—and Northeast Wisconsin has a major advantage here too.   ![smiling-engineer-with-aircraft-propeller-in-hangar-2026-01-09-10-54-42-utc](https://www.mark4wi.info/hs-fs/hubfs/smiling-engineer-with-aircraft-propeller-in-hangar-2026-01-09-10-54-42-utc.jpg?height=2000&name=smiling-engineer-with-aircraft-propeller-in-hangar-2026-01-09-10-54-42-utc.jpg)   Our **technical college system** is one of the best in the country. By aligning programs with aviation and energy, we can create a direct pipeline from classroom to career. Imagine programs that train students in: - Aircraft assembly and maintenance - Composite materials and advanced manufacturing - Biofuel processing and energy systems - Avionics and next-gen flight technology Students wouldn’t just learn—they’d step directly into **high-demand, high-skill careers right here at home**. ---   ### Appleton as a Regional Aviation Hub   ![ATW-Aug-23-5am-min-scaled-1](https://www.mark4wi.info/hs-fs/hubfs/ATW-Aug-23-5am-min-scaled-1.jpg?width=2560&height=1238&name=ATW-Aug-23-5am-min-scaled-1.jpg) Appleton International Airport is already positioning itself as more than just a regional airport. With connections to aviation leaders like Gulfstream Aerospace and Allegiant Air, we have the foundation for a **full-service aviation ecosystem**: - Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations - Corporate and commercial aviation partnerships - Training and workforce development hubs Now imagine pairing that with: - Locally produced **sustainable aviation fuel** - Regionally manufactured **light sport aircraft** That’s not just an airport—that’s an **aviation cluster**. ---     ## **Connecting It All: A Regional Aviation Strategy**   This is where it all comes together.   ![smiling-woman-wearing-headset-inside-airplane-cock-2026-03-20-04-12-18-utc](https://www.mark4wi.info/hs-fs/hubfs/smiling-woman-wearing-headset-inside-airplane-cock-2026-03-20-04-12-18-utc.jpg?height=2000&name=smiling-woman-wearing-headset-inside-airplane-cock-2026-03-20-04-12-18-utc.jpg)   We can build a coordinated strategy that links: **Agriculture → Energy → Manufacturing → Aviation → Workforce** Here’s what that looks like in action: 1. **Farmers grow energy crops** used for biofuel production 2. **Processing facilities convert feedstocks into SAF** 3. **Distributors deliver fuel** through existing infrastructure 4. **Aircraft manufacturers build next-gen planes locally** 5. **Airports deploy and service those aircraft** 6. **Technical colleges train the workforce at every step** Each piece reinforces the others. This is how you build a **self-sustaining regional economy**. ---   ## **Why This Matters** This isn’t just about aviation—it’s about the future of Northeast Wisconsin. It means: - **Good-paying jobs** that can’t be outsourced - **Long-term high-skilled careers** for younger workers - **New income streams for farmers** - **Energy independence** rooted in local production - **Leadership in a fast-growing global industry** And importantly, it brings together people across political and economic lines: - Farmers - Engineers - Manufacturers - Small business owners - Students and educators This is a **big-tent economic strategy**. --- ![MarkPlane960x1060](https://www.mark4wi.info/hubfs/MarkPlane960x1060.png) ![MarkPilot960x1060](https://www.mark4wi.info/hubfs/MarkPilot960x1060.png) ### **Leadership to Bring It Home**   This kind of transformation doesn’t happen by accident—it requires leadership that understands how to connect local strengths with federal opportunity. As a licensed private pilot and aircraft owner, Mark's focus is simple: bring resources home to Northeast Wisconsin and make sure our region is first in line for emerging industries like sustainable aviation fuel and next-generation aircraft manufacturing. That means securing federal investment for SAF production, expanding workforce training grants for our technical colleges, supporting airport innovation at Appleton International Airport, and cutting through red tape so local businesses can grow. ### We have the foundation—what we need now is a voice in Washington who will fight to turn this vision into reality.   [![Farmers fueled the past. They can power the future with NextGen Ag](https://www.mark4wi.info/hubfs/BiomassPlant.png)](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/farmers-fueled-the-past.-they-can-power-the-future) 1 min read #### [Farmers fueled the past. They can power the future with NextGen Ag](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/farmers-fueled-the-past.-they-can-power-the-future) [![Picture of Mark Scheffler](https://www.mark4wi.info/hs-fs/hubfs/MarkPark800x960.png?width=30&name=MarkPark800x960.png) Mark Scheffler](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/author/mark-scheffler) : 3/14/26, 7:30 AM For more than a century, American farmers have fed the world. In the decades ahead, they can do something just as transformative: power the world’s... [Economy](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/economy) [Environment](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/environment) [Rural America](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/rural-america) [Energy](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/energy) [Farmers](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/farmers) [Read More](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/farmers-fueled-the-past.-they-can-power-the-future) [![Restoring Order, Fairness, and Opportunity: A Framework for Comprehensive Immigration Reform](https://www.mark4wi.info/hubfs/ImmigrationOath-1.png)](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/immigration-reform) 1 min read #### [Restoring Order, Fairness, and Opportunity: A Framework for Comprehensive Immigration Reform](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/immigration-reform) [![Picture of Mark Scheffler](https://www.mark4wi.info/hs-fs/hubfs/MarkPark800x960.png?width=30&name=MarkPark800x960.png) Mark Scheffler](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/author/mark-scheffler) : 7/7/26, 1:52 PM Immigration has become one of America's most divisive issues. For decades, Congress has struggled to produce lasting reform while border security,... [Economy](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/economy) [Society](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/society) [Farmers](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/farmers) [immigration](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/immigration) [Read More](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/immigration-reform) [![CitizenCare CORE: A Healthy Foundation for Every American](https://www.mark4wi.info/hubfs/ChildDr-1.png)](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/citizencare-core-a-healthy-foundation-for-every-american) 1 min read #### [CitizenCare CORE: A Healthy Foundation for Every American](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/citizencare-core-a-healthy-foundation-for-every-american) [![Picture of Mark Scheffler](https://www.mark4wi.info/hs-fs/hubfs/MarkPark800x960.png?width=30&name=MarkPark800x960.png) Mark Scheffler](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/author/mark-scheffler) : 3/15/26, 1:28 PM America has the most advanced medical technology in the world and at the same time we also have the most expensive healthcare system. Too many... [Economy](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/economy) [Society](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/society) [#TinyTax](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/tinytax) [Healthcare](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/healthcare) [Affordability](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/tag/affordability) [Read More](https://www.mark4wi.info/post/citizencare-core-a-healthy-foundation-for-every-american) Contact the Campaign **Mark Scheffler for Congress** **P.O. Box 1022** **Appleton, WI 54912-1022** [**info@mark4wi.info**](mailto:info@mark4wi.info) We ALL Win, Together ![IMG_3807](https://www.mark4wi.info/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_3807.jpeg?width=312&height=175&name=IMG_3807.jpeg)   [![CongressLogo576X2164C2](https://www.mark4wi.info/hubfs/CongressLogo576X2164C2.png)](https://www.mark4wi.info) - Privacy Policy © 2026 Mark Scheffler for Congress [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/markscheffler4congress/)[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mark4congress2026/)[Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-scheffler-1433008/)[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@Mark4Congress2026) [BlueSky](https://bsky.app/profile/mark4congress.bsky.social) Return to top ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Mark Scheffler", "url" : "https://www.mark4wi.info/post/author/mark-scheffler" }, "dateModified" : "2026-05-13T21:38:01.127Z", "datePublished" : "2026-05-13T21:38:01.000Z", "headline" : "From Field to Flight: Building Northeast Wisconsin’s Next-Generation Aviation Economy", "image" : [ "https://www.mark4wi.info/hubfs/ATW-Aug-23-5am-min-scaled-1.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.mark4wi.info/post/from-field-to-flight", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.mark4wi.info/hubfs/Congressional4CRetina-1.png" } } } ```