UND’s Hardware Keeps Aviation Students Flying High

University of North Dakota’s Aviation Program is bigger than you think.

Friday, February 03, 2023 at 11:43 AM ET

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The three main airframes that UND uses for student training are the Piper Archer, Piper Seminole, and Robinson R44 Cadet helicopter. [Credit: Shawna Schill/ UND]

Key Takeaways:

The University of North Dakota (UND) operates one of the nation's largest and busiest collegiate aviation programs, conducting over 125,000 hours of flight training in FY 2022, making its home airport (KGFK) the busiest Class D airspace nationally.
UND boasts a substantial and modern training fleet, including 68 Piper Archers, 15 Piper Seminoles, and 5 Robinson R44 Cadets, all featuring standardized Garmin G1000 NXi avionics for consistent and advanced pilot preparation.
The program heavily integrates advanced simulation, utilizing VR devices, Frasca AATDs, and a new ALSIM Airliner Training system, to provide students with cutting-edge training for future airline and corporate roles.
UND's highly competitive aviation degree programs aim to develop well-rounded professionals, focusing on leadership, teamwork, and community involvement beyond just flight skills.

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When most people think of the state of North Dakota, images of vast open prairies and acres of farmland stretching to the horizon come to mind.

They might know that the state is home to the National Buffalo Museum or have even visited Theodore Roosevelt National Park. What might not come to mind—unless you are knowledgeable about university aviation programs—is the huge fleet of airplanes and rotorcraft operating under University of North Dakota (UND) livery from Grand Forks International Airport (KGFK).