The University of North Dakota's John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is managing a significant increase in student enrollment, with its freshman pilot class expanding by 50% over its target. This growth coincides with the university strengthening key partnerships and preparing for two major aerospace summits focused on unmanned systems and space operations.
Key Takeaways
- The aerospace school accepted nearly 600 new pilots, far exceeding its usual target of 400, leading to capacity challenges.
- A new agreement with the FAA will place a research medical officer at UND to advance aeromedical research, particularly in pilot mental health.
- UND is set to play a significant role in the upcoming UAS Summit and Expo and will host its second Space Operations Summit.
- New partnerships are being explored with companies like Voyager Space and international groups from South Korea.
Record Pilot Enrollment Creates Challenges
The University of North Dakota is navigating an unprecedented surge in demand for its pilot training program. According to Robert Kraus, Dean of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, the school is accommodating a freshman class of nearly 600 new pilots this year.
This figure represents a 50% increase over the program's typical target of 400 students per class. While the high demand highlights the program's reputation, it also strains its resources.
"We’re doing our best to get everybody through and to get everybody started," Kraus said. "This freshman class was a little too big — not to say that’s a bad thing. We’re going to still accommodate everyone that’s here, but we do need to come down a little bit."
As a result of the current capacity, the university has begun turning away qualified applicants for future classes. "It’s unfortunate that we can’t accommodate everybody, but it is what it is," Kraus added, indicating that the school will aim for a smaller intake next year to ensure quality training for all enrolled students.
Air Traffic Control Program Also Expands
In addition to pilot training, UND has seen a notable increase in students enrolling in its air traffic control program. This growth is attributed to the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI).
About the AT-CTI Program
The AT-CTI program is a partnership between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and select universities. It creates a more direct pathway for students into the workforce. Graduates who achieve a high score on their final assessment can be hired directly by the FAA, bypassing the traditional requirement of attending the FAA's Air Traffic Controller Academy.
The University of North Dakota was the fourth educational institution in the country to receive qualification for this streamlined initiative, making its program a more attractive option for aspiring air traffic controllers.
New FAA Partnership to Focus on Pilot Mental Health
UND has formalized a new five-year agreement with the FAA to enhance aeromedical research. A key component of this partnership involves assigning an FAA research medical officer directly to the UND campus.
This collaboration will focus on critical areas of aviation health, with a specific emphasis on pilot mental health. According to Kraus, this initiative builds upon the university's existing efforts in this field. During the last legislative session, state lawmakers approved the establishment of the North Dakota Center for Aerospace Medicine at UND.
The new center is designed to provide mental health support and resources for pilots across the state. The long-term vision for the center includes expanding its focus from aviation medicine to space medicine.
The partnership with the FAA and its Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) is expected to significantly advance research and practical applications for maintaining the well-being of aviation professionals.
Strategic Summits to Foster Collaboration
The university is preparing for two significant industry events in the coming months, which will serve as platforms for networking, sharing expertise, and forging new alliances in the aerospace sector.
19th UAS Summit and Expo
On October 14 and 15, the 19th annual UAS Summit and Expo will take place at the Alerus Center. While not a university-run event, UND plays a substantial role. High-profile government officials are expected to attend, including North Dakota Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer.
"Both senators every year have been bringing outstanding other government leaders," Kraus noted. "It’s great to have these senior federal leaders in Grand Forks to see what’s going on here."
UND President Andrew Armacost is scheduled to deliver a presentation on the university's work in counter-UAS technology. Other faculty members will address topics such as:
- Advanced air mobility and flying taxis
- Policy changes for drone operators
- Partnerships with military and search-and-rescue agencies
Following the summit, UND will meet with a delegation from South Korea to discuss potential collaborations in the unmanned aerial systems field.
Second Annual Space Operations Summit
On November 5 and 6, UND will host its second Space Operations Summit. This event will bring together industry leaders from companies like Blue Origin, Iridium, and Voyager Space.
The university is actively seeking a partnership with Voyager Space, one of the companies competing to develop a commercial space station that NASA will utilize after the International Space Station is decommissioned.
The summit's agenda will cover a wide range of topics, including NASA's Artemis moon program, satellite technology, asteroid detection, and hypersonics. It will also feature a keynote "fireside chat" between President Armacost and Ben Davies, the Corporate Vice President and President of Northrop Grumman Defense Systems sector. Davies is also scheduled to hold a private session with aerospace students.