Exhibit 99

PRESS RELEASE
December 17, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Classic Aviation Products

PRESS RELEASE	December 17, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Butler National Corporation (OTCBB - BUKS) - REPORTS PROFIT
FIRST HALF FY 2002 OF $1,115,000 ON INCREASED REVENUES OF
$3,615,000, UP 256.4%.

[OLATHE, KANSAS], December 17, 2001 - On December 17th,
Butler National Corporation filed its Quarterly Report
for the quarter ending October 31, 2001, on Form 10-Q
pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.

Historical selected financial data related to all
operations:


				Quarter Ended October 31
			(In thousands except per share date)
				2001	2000	1999
Net Sales		$   2,666 $    1,324 $ 1,172

Operating Income	      635 	(361)	(236)
Net Income		      593 	(412)	(225)
Per Share Net Income	      .02 	(.02)	(.02)
Total Assets		    9,901 	9,170  9,622
Long-term Obligations	    2,843 	3,525  2,728
Shareholders' Equity	    5,445 	3,805  5,142
New Product Research
and Development Cost	      150	  238	   0


				Six Months Ended October 31
			(In thousands except per share date)
			     2001	2000	 1999
Net Sales		$   5,921 $    2,306  $ 2,652
Operating Income	    1,211 	(701)	  (14)
Net Income		    1,115 	(797)	   10
Per Share Net Income	      .03 	(.03)	  .01
Total Assets		    9,901      9,170 	9,622
Long-term Obligations	    2,843      3,525 	2,728
Shareholders' Equity	    5,445      3,805 	5,142
New Product Research
and Development Cost	      358	 513	    0

	nr = not reported


Highlights of the report include:

Sales for the first six months fiscal year 2002 increased
$3,615,000, primarily from increased business from the
previous year in Avionics, $2,135,000; Aircraft Modifications,
$1,227,000, Gaming Management fees, $158,000 and Services
$95,000.

Operating income for the first six months fiscal year 2002
increased $1,902,000 after deducting a research and
development charge of $358,000, primarily from improvements
in Avionics, Aircraft Modifications, Gaming Management fees
and Services.

Backlog at April 30, 2001, was $3,324,000, and at October 31,
2001, was $2,747,000.

Management Comments:

"Fiscal year 2001 was a great year for Butler National.  We
experienced a significant growth in revenues and profitability.
Fortunately, we have managed to continue this growth even with
adverse economic conditions worldwide.  We just completed our
fourth profitable quarter, October 31, 2001.  We are pleased
to see the growth in operating income from Classic Aviation
Products.  Significant accomplishments were made by all of
our operating segments and in Indian gaming.

Our determination to focus Butler National Corporation on
'Classic' Aviation Products, consistent with our long and
significant heritage as a manufacturer of airline avionics
equipment and a modification facility of aircraft in service
is continuing to make a positive showing on the financial
statements.  It is our intent to provide products that will
support and promote continued safe commercial and general
aviation.

I am pleased with our progress and proud of the determination
of all of our people as we continue to build our niche in the
Classic Aviation Products market.  Many programs and projects
are being established to continue this progress into the future.
We are looking forward to a good year in fiscal 2002," commented
Clark D. Stewart, President of the Company.

Our Business:

Butler National Corporation operates in the Aerospace and
Services business segments.  The Aerospace segment focuses
on the manufacture and support of systems for "Classic"
aircraft including the Butler TSD for the Boeing 747 Honeywell
FQIS, switching equipment for Boeing/Douglas Aircraft, weapon
control systems for Boeing Helicopter and performance enhancement
structural modifications for Learjet, Cessna, Dassault and
Raytheon business aircraft.  Services include electronic
monitoring of water pumping stations, temporary employee
services, Indian gaming services and administrative management
services.

Forward-Looking Information:

The information set forth above may include "forward-looking"
information as outlined in the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995.  The Cautionary Statements, filed by the
Company as Exhibit 99 to the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K, are incorporated herein by reference and investors are
specifically referred to such Cautionary Statements for a
discussion of factors which could affect the Company's operations
and forward-looking statements contained herein.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

William A. Griffith, Investor Relations
Ph   (913) 780-9595	Fax (913) 780-5088
Butler National Corporation
19920 W. 161st Street
Olathe, KS 66062