NORTH DAKOTA AVIATION ASSOCIATION
www.FLY-ND.com
VOL. VOL. 34 38 •• ISSUE ISSUE 44
FALL FALL 2022 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
• Fly-ND Career Expo Page 8
• Military Aviator Spotlight Page 22 North Dakota Aviation Association
March 7-9, 2027 • Fargo
FIND ALL THE 2027 CONFERENCE DETAILS AT WWW.FLY-ND.COM
NORTH DAKOTA AVIATION ASSOCIATION
From the Editor
www.FLY-ND.com www. FLY-ND.com
The official publication of the North Dakota Aviation Association Fly-ND Quarterly Editorial Committee
Nicolette Russell, Editor and Chair (editor@fly-nd.com) Leisha Lunnie, Mitch Lutze-Morris, Mike McHugh, Maria Romanick, Stacey Mesteth Send mailing address changes to: admin@fly-nd.com Fly-ND Quarterly, P.O. Box 5020, Bismarck, ND 58502-5020
The Quarterly is published four times a year: winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Advertising Inquiries: editor@fly-nd.com Advertising deadline is the first of the preceding month. Cover Photo credit: U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Autumn Blair conducts hoist training. Read more on page 22.
N O R T H D A K O TA AV I AT I O N A S S O C I AT I O N
2026-2027 BOARD MEMBERS
Devin Cole – Chairman
Tanner Overland – Past Chairman
Ryan O’Rear – Vice Chairman
Renée Murrish - Manager
Mitch Lutze-Morris – Board Member
Kyle Wanner - NDAC Director
Shae Helling – Board Member
Mike McHugh - NDAC Aviation
Zoe Graham – Board Member
Education Coordinator
Ron Lundquist – Board Member
Welcome to the fall issue of the Fly-ND Quarterly! After a very eventful summer of fly-ins and fundraisers, as well as conventions, summits, and expos, it’s safe to say aviation in North Dakota is alive and thriving. I was lucky enough to attend many of these local events, and it was wonderful to witness so many folks come together to learn about and support aviation and aviators in our great state. In this issue, you will find recaps from recent events, as well a variety of spotlights on our local aviation professionals. Looking ahead to the future, we have exciting projects happening at North Dakota airports, and new FAA maintenance guidance. Even though we are heading into the winter months, don’t forget to save the date for the annual Fly-ND Conference. It will be held March 7-9, 2027, in Fargo, ND. More info will be available soon at www.fly-nd.com. We hope to see you there!
Wishing you clear skies and unlimited visibility, Nicolette
Statements of fact and opinion are the responsibility of authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of officers and members of the NDAA or Fly-ND Quarterly staff. If you’ve received more than one copy of this newsletter, please share it with a friend. Email admin@fly-nd.com to update your address.
2
North Dakota Aviation Association
CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS
Devin Cole, Chairman North Dakota Aviation Association chairman@fly-nd.com
Greetings, readers! The North Dakota Aviation Association (NDAA) has been busy with several events and even some advocacy. In August, the Fly-ND Summit was held in Devils Lake, ND. Like usual, it was a great event, aside from my putting. Thank you to those that sponsored and attended. The NDAA sponsored the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) Conference in Grand Forks, ND, in September. It was great to show off North Dakota to the rest of the U.S. The only other time this conference was held in North Dakota was in 1994. Just last week, the Fly-ND Career Expo was held in Bismarck, ND. We awarded $23,000 in scholarships at the event, which is our highest amount to date. Since the first Career Expo, well over $100,000 has been given away in scholarship dollars that stays in the state for aviation training. We had a great turnout of students, volunteers, sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, and static displays. Thank
SOLUTIONS
From concept and quality design to full-service installation and follow-up support, we’ll partner with you for the best bi-fold and hydraulic doors to meet your needs. We offer customized solutions for new and existing buildings and unmatched customer service,
so you’ll find the door is always open.
you to all who were involved. You have likely seen the letter I sent out to members, and posted on social media, regarding the potential closure of some GPS approach procedures throughout the state. I received a huge amount of feedback, and I appreciate that. I submitted a letter on behalf of the NDAA and did my best to include all the feedback I received. I am happy to share that we received this statement from the office of Senator Hoeven and Senator Cramer: “After carefully evaluating stakeholder feedback and operational needs, the FAA has chosen to keep these procedures in place.” This is great news for the safety and efficiency of aviation in our state! Thank you to everyone who shared their comments with me and/or responded directly to the FAA. The 2027 Fly-ND Conference is in Fargo, ND, March 7-9. I look forward to seeing everyone there!
Soaring above and beyond expectations!
Our knowledgeable team of industry professionals can handle all your aviation insurance needs, including Aircraft insurance (Private & Corporate), Aerial Applicators, Airport Property & Liability, Renters Insurance, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Repair & Avionics Facilities, Fixed Base Operators and more. Our aviation insurance specialists will provide you with superior customer service and the best available insurance quotes.
FOR ALL YOUR AVIATION INSURANCE NEEDS, CONTACT US TODAY! Local: (701) 235-2041 | Toll Free: (877) 301-2041 agency@northstaraviationins.com
1021 7th St. N.E. - West Fargo, ND 58078 // 701.277.8836 // www.MidlandDoorSolutions.com
FLY-ND.com • Quarterly
www.northstaraviationins.com 3
Reneé Murrish, Manager North Dakota Aviation Association 701-226-1640 | manager@fly-nd.com
FROM THE
Manager
The Power of Connection: Aviation Moves Forward When We Work Together Progress begins when people make connections, recognize a need, and refuse to let a good idea die. I recently returned from the 20th Annual UAS Summit & Expo in Grand Forks, ND, with one message that continues to stand out: the importance of making connections. In aviation, we often talk about innovation in terms of technology, equipment, and the next great advancement. But behind every breakthrough are people willing to share ideas, work together, and find solutions that no single person or organization can achieve alone. Examples are happening across our industry Partnerships involving the Department of War, NASA, and our Armed Forces demonstrate how collaboration can advance unmanned aircraft and ground vehicle capabilities. Initiatives
such as Project Atlas and Joint Interagency Task Force 401’s partnership with the University of North Dakota on counterdrone defense highlight the value of bringing together different expertise, resources, and perspectives to solve complex challenges. But this principle reaches far beyond UAS and national initiatives. It applies to every corner of aviation. Consider the aircraft mechanic who identifies a better way to perform a task, the pilot who recognizes a safety concern, or the airport administrator who sees an opportunity to improve operations through a new partnership. Each has the potential to spark meaningful change. An idea does not have to begin in a research laboratory or a boardroom. Sometimes it starts with a conversation in a hangar, a question during a meeting,
LOCAL PILOTS | LOCAL LENDING AIRLOAN.COM 218-456-2231
4
North Dakota Aviation Association
or someone simply saying, “There has to be a better way.” What happens next matters. Too often, good ideas fade because the obstacles seem too big, the timing isn’t right, or people assume someone else will take the lead. Yet meaningful progress often begins when one person decides a need is important enough to pursue. Make the connection. Start the conversation. Find your partners. And if the idea has merit, fight to keep it alive. Aviation depends on people whose responsibilities may look different but whose work is interconnected. Pilots depend on mechanics. Airports depend on skilled personnel and strong community relationships. Businesses depend on a capable workforce. Emerging technologies depend on researchers, operators, educators, and industry leaders working together. When those connections are strong, opportunities grow. A conversation between two organizations may uncover a solution neither could independently develop. A partnership between an airport and a school may inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. A single safety observation may lead to improvements that benefit an entire industry. As aviation continues to evolve, our challenges will not always fit neatly within one department or organization. Meeting them will require more than advanced technology. It will require people willing to think differently, share
knowledge, and work together for the greater good. My biggest takeaway from the UAS Summit was a reminder that the future of aviation is shaped not only by technology, but also by the people who connect ideas, build partnerships, and turn recognized needs into meaningful action. You may not have all the answers or all the resources. You may not even know where to begin. Start by making a connection. One conversation can lead to a partnership. One partnership can lead to a solution. And one person who refuses to let a good idea go can help move an entire industry forward. Make connections. Work together. Recognize the need. And fight to keep the right ideas alive. That is how we strengthen aviation—not just for today, but for generations to come.
Tailwheel Endorsements | Seaplane Ratings
MOVING AIRPORTS FORWARD
From runway expansions to terminal improvements, our aviation team has helped communities thrive for half a century. Scan the QR code to learn more about our sevices.
www.interstate.engineering FLY-ND.com • Quarterly
5
Kyle Wanner, Director North Dakota Aeronautics Commission 701-328-9650 | kcwanner@nd.gov
DIRECTOR’S
Chair
50 States, One Sky: North Dakota Celebrates a Successful NASAO Convention For the first time in 32 years, North Dakota had the honor of hosting the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) Annual Convention and Trade Show. From September 13–16, 2026, more than 340 attendees representing 37 states gathered in Grand Forks for the association’s 95th annual convention, providing an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our state’s aviation industry and strengthen partnerships with aviation leaders from across the country. Under the theme “50 States, One Sky,” the convention brought together state aviation officials, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) leadership, airport representatives, and industry partners for four days of education, collaboration, and networking. Although each state faces its own aviation challenges, we share a common responsibility to maintain a safe, efficient, and accessible national aviation system. For North Dakota, hosting this national gathering was an opportunity to highlight our continued investments in aviation infrastructure, workforce development, and emerging technologies while celebrating the accomplishments of the people and organizations who make our aviation community so special.
Showcasing North Dakota Aviation The convention featured educational sessions, panel discussions, and trade show exhibits highlighting the latest developments in airport infrastructure, aviation policy, workforce development, and emerging technologies. Keynote presentations from leadership coach Stephanie Goetz and Simon Newitt of BETA Technologies provided additional perspectives on leadership and the future of aviation. One of the most rewarding aspects of hosting the convention in Grand Forks was the opportunity to showcase the remarkable aviation and aerospace ecosystem that has developed in northeastern North Dakota. Attendees visited the University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, where they toured aviation training facilities, experienced aircraft and air traffic control simulators, and tested their piloting skills by navigating unmanned aircraft through an obstacle course. On the final day of the convention, attendees witnessed flight demonstrations conducted by CVS at UND’s Gorman Field, including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations that provided a firsthand look at how emerging 6
technologies are expanding the capabilities and future applications of unmanned aviation. Participants also enjoyed a tour of Grand Sky, where they learned more about North Dakota’s growing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry and the innovative work being advanced by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site.
Keeping a North Dakota Tradition Alive The last time North Dakota hosted the NASAO convention was in 1994, when former North Dakota Aeronautics Commission Director Gary Ness made a memorable entrance by riding into the conference on horseback in Bismarck. Thirty-two years later, I felt it was only appropriate to keep that tradition alive. This time, however, we traded the horse for a different kind of horsepower! During an evening networking event at the Ralph Engelstad Arena, I made my entrance aboard a Zamboni, paying tribute to Gary’s memorable arrival 32 years ago. The evening also featured activities on the ice, giving attendees an opportunity to enjoy some friendly competition, share a few laughs, and experience a little North Dakota hospitality. While the Zamboni entrance provided a memorable moment, the evening also reflected one of the greatest benefits of bringing our national aviation community together: the opportunity to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and build relationships that extend well beyond the convention.
Recognizing Our Sponsors The success of the 2026 NASAO Annual Convention and Trade Show would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and industry partners from across the country. Their contributions were instrumental in helping us deliver a memorable event and showcase North Dakota’s aviation community. I would like to extend a special thank you to our North Dakota sponsors and local partners, including the University of North Dakota, McGough Construction, Vantis, The Northern Plains UAS test Site, Visit Greater Grand Forks, Mead & Hunt, Bismarck Airport, Fargo Hector International Airport, the North Dakota Aviation Association, Grand Forks International Airport, and SEH. Their generosity and commitment to supporting this national gathering reflect the strength and collaborative spirit of our state’s aviation industry. North Dakota Aviation Association
A Tremendous Team Effort Hosting a national convention of this magnitude requires considerable planning, coordination, and support. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to NASAO leadership and staff, our North Dakota Aeronautics Commission team, and the many local partners and volunteers who contributed their time and talents to making this convention a success. From coordinating transportation and organizing special events to welcoming attendees and managing countless logistical details, their dedication ensured that our guests experienced firsthand the hospitality and professionalism for which North Dakota is known. Having previously served as NASAO Chair in 2024 and now having the opportunity to host the association’s annual convention in my home state, this event was particularly
meaningful to me. It was a tremendous honor to welcome aviation leaders from across the country and showcase the accomplishments of the many people and organizations who continue to advance aviation throughout North Dakota. To everyone who helped make the 2026 NASAO Annual Convention and Trade Show such a memorable success, thank you. Your dedication, generosity, and collaborative spirit made this event possible and helped us showcase the very best of North Dakota’s aviation community. As our guests returned to their respective states, I hope that they carried with them not only an appreciation for North Dakota’s aviation industry, but also the friendships, ideas, and collaborative spirit that define our nation’s aviation community. After all, we may represent 50 states, but we all share one sky.
Below: NDAC Aeronautics Director Kyle Wanner at the NASAO Conference in Grand Forks in 2026 arriving into the event on a Zamboni.
Above: NDAC Aeronautics Director Gary Ness at the NASAO Conference in Bismarck in 1994 riding into the event on horseback. Gary was also elected as Chair of NASAO at this conference.
Above: Ribbon Cutting for the Exhibit Hall Opening at the NASAO conference. From left to right (Greg Pecoraro - CEO of NASAO, Clayton Stambaugh – Illinois State Aviation Director & Chair of NASAO, and Kyle Wanner – NDAC State Director)
Above: NASAO Conference attendees in front of Global Hawk’s at Grand Sky
Right: Class Photo of State Aviation Directors at the 2026 NASAO Conference
FLY-ND.com • Quarterly
Above: General Session with the FAA Office of Airports
7
Mike McHugh, Aviation Education Coordinator North Dakota Aeronautics Commission 701-328-9650 | mmchugh@nd.gov
The 2026 Fly-ND Career Expo Bismarck Aero Center • Bismarck, ND • October 1, 2026 On October 1, the North Dakota Aviation Association (NDAA) hosted the annual Fly-ND Career Expo in Bismarck, ND. For the first time, the event was hosted outside of Minot or Fargo and was held at Bismarck Aero Center. Each year, I am impressed by the students that attend the event and this year was no exception. More than 150 high school students attended the event in which the NDAA was able to award $23,000 in scholarship dollars. Students were able to hear from some amazing speakers, including headliner Jamail Larkins. He shared his story, from a kid with a dream, to being an airshow pilot and becoming the FAA STEM ambassador. Students also heard from a variety of career fields including aerial application, air medical, airport management, and more. A big thank you to all of the speakers who inspired these students. In addition to the speakers and scholarship dollars students were able to visit with four different post-secondary institutions, as well as see static displays and visit with a wide variety of industry professionals. The National Guard brought a Black Hawk, Basin Electric brought a Citation, and there were many booths, including airport operations, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, and many more. These opportunities allowed students to interact with industry professionals, ask questions, and help guide career decisions for the future.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the event happen. Events like this make a big difference in students’ career decisions. To all who helped through time, energy, space, and financial resources - a big thank you! We can’t do this without your help. Finally, to the many contributors to the scholarship funds, your contributions will have a lasting impact on these students. If you would like to have a scholarship awarded in your name at next year’s career expo, please reach out to myself or a member of the NDAA board to learn more about establishing a scholarship fund.
The student panel at the Fly-ND Career Expo.
More than 150 high school students were in attendance at the 2026 Expo. 8
Students heard from the Bismarck Airport’s Assistant Airport Director, Matthew Remynse. North Dakota Aviation Association
U.S. Army Sgt. Joey Vandervliet, crew chief, Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 285th Assault Aviation Regiment.
Maj. Sorensen (left), Sgt. Vandervliet (right) talk with students by the ND National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk.
Students speak with pilots by the Basin Electric Citation.
NDAA Chairman Devin Cole and keynote speaker Jamail Larkins at the Fly-ND Career Expo
$23,000 was awarded in student aviation scholarships - pictured above are some of the recipients. FLY-ND.com • Quarterly
9
Meet our NDAA Leadership
Ryan O’Rear Williston Basin International Airport NDAA Vice-Chairman
Devin Cole Cole Aviation NDAA Chairman
Mitch Lutze-Morris Fargo Jet Center NDAA Board Member
Shae Helling Bismarck Aero Center NDAA Board Member
Tanner Overland Overland Aviation NDAA Past Chairman
Renee Murrish Signature Events NDAA Manager
Ron Lundquist Fedex Boeing 767 Captain NDAA Board Member
Zoe Graham UND Student NDAA Board Member
Kyle Wanner NDAC Director Non-Board Leadership
Mike McHugh NDAC Education Coordinator Non-Board Leadership
Thank You to our NDAA Allied Members AOPA Bismarck Aero Center Bolton & Menk
Hector Mun. Airport Authority Northstar Aviation Insurance
City Service Valcon Corporate Air Fargo Airport Authority Fargo Hector Intl. Airport Fargo Jet Center
KLJ Mead & Hunt Midland Door Minot Aero Center ND Aeronautics Commission
Helms & Associates Interstate Engineering
OMR Overland Aviation SEH Tall Towers Aviation TKDA University of North Dakota
Want to enjoy all the benefits of being a NDAA Allied Member too? Join today at www.fly-nd.com! 10
North Dakota Aviation Association
Mitch Lutze-Morris – 2026 Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 Award Recipient
Chief Inspector | Fargo Jet Center Education: State Technical College of Missouri | Aviation Maintenance
In 2013, Mitch Lutze-Morris was researching careers, looking for a career path that would result in a guaranteed job, post-graduation. In aviation, he discovered an industry facing a surge in demand, as experienced workers retired
without enough new entrants to replace them. His route into the field, though, came down more to circumstance than planning – a mix of luck, timing and a willingness to learn. He credits his family, along with those who took a chance on him early in his career, for the opportunity to work across different facets of aviation. Now, Lutze-Morris champions workforce development, continuing education and professional standards within the community by also being North Dakota’s only FAA Designated Maintenance Examiner. “What I love most about the work is the aircraft themselves – watching planes come into the hangar fully disassembled for maintenance or modification, then rebuilt,” said Lutze-Morris. “The aircraft we modify for special mission projects, including weather modification, air ambulance and other missions, are especially fascinating when you see the amount of worldwide use that comes from these projects through the operators.”
Elevating Expectations since 1990
bismarckaero.com 701-223-4754
FLY-ND.com • Quarterly
FAA Diamond Award in Maintenance Garmin Factory Trained Techicians 11
Mitch Lutze-Morris Chief Inspector | Fargo Jet Center 701-373-8846 | mlutzemorris@fargojet.com
MAINTENANCE
Corner
From 43.12-1 to 43.12-2C: Understanding the FAA’s New Guidance Few FAA publications are more familiar to aircraft maintenance technicians than the 43.13 series of advisory circulars. More than 18 years ago, AC 43.13-2B established itself as an important reference for acceptable methods, techniques, and practices used in aircraft alterations. On July 29, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration issued AC 43.13-2C, Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices—Aircraft Alterations (Superseding AC 43.13-2B). The revision is a major update to one of the industry’s most cited sources for guidance on modifications. AC 43.13-2C is intended for mechanics, repair stations, and other certificated persons doing work on non-pressurized areas of civil aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less. The document provides methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the FAA when used within the scope / limitations of the advisory circular. A Reorganized and Expanded Reference
The new publication retains the practical purpose of its predecessor but reorganizes its material to a much greater extent. AC 43.13-2C contains 14 chapters covering a variety of aircraft alterations. Topics include structural alterations; installations of communication, navigation, and emergency locator transmitters; antennas; lighting; oxygen systems; rotorcraft equipment; glider and banner-tow installations; shoulder harnesses; batteries; instruments; and cargo tiedowns. One new chapter covers larger tire installations, including information on installation, testing, inspection, maintenance and documentation. Changes in aircraft systems and technology that have occurred since the publication of 2B have also been incorporated into the revised material. Guidance on avionics, electrical systems, electromagnetic compatibility, electronic displays, and related installation considerations to provide technicians with a reference that is consistent with current aircraft equipment. Understanding the Regulatory Role
While AC 43.13-2C is an important technical resource, its status and intended use must be clearly understood. An advisory circular is not, by itself, a Federal Aviation 12
Regulation, nor does AC 43.13-2C supersede applicable aircraft manufacturer data, approved design data, or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness. The technician must first determine if the alteration is within the scope of the advisory circular and whether other applicable data or requirements take precedence. The distinction between acceptable data and approved data is particularly important. The FAA permits certain information contained in AC 43.13-2C to be used as approved data for specific major alterations when the applicable criteria are met. The data must be appropriate to the aircraft or product, directly applicable to the proposed alteration, and not contradict the manufacturer’s data. When applicable, the appropriate chapter, page, and paragraph must be identified in the alteration documentation. Consequently, the presence of a procedure in AC 43.132C does not automatically authorize its use on every aircraft or in every installation. Proper applicability, engineering considerations, aircraft configuration, manufacturer information, and regulatory requirements must still be evaluated. What the Change Means for Maintenance Organizations
The transition from 2B to 2C warrants more than simply replacing an old PDF in a digital library. Maintenance organizations should review work instructions, alteration templates, inspection procedures, training materials, and other internal documents that reference AC 43.13-2B. Technicians and inspectors should also become familiar with the revised chapter and paragraph numbering before citing AC 43.13-2C in maintenance records or alteration documentation. For organizations that routinely perform avionics installations, structural modifications, equipment installations, or other alterations, the new circular provides an opportunity to review existing practices and ensure that current work continues to be supported by appropriate data. The value of any advisory circular, however, ultimately depends on how it is applied. AC 43.13-2C should be used as part of a disciplined maintenance process—one that begins with determining the applicable regulatory and technical requirements and ends with proper inspection, documentation, and return-to-service procedures. North Dakota Aviation Association
IT’S TIME TO APPLY FOR
MECHANIC OF THE YEAR The North Dakota Professional Aviation Mechanics Association invites you to apply for the 2027 Mechanic of the Year Award. The award recipient receives recognition during the 2027 Hall of Fame Banquet, a NDPAMA Mechanic of the Year plaque, and a $1,000 check.
Apply Today!
Applications due by March 8, 2027 Questions? mlutzemorris@fargojet.com
FLIGHT DEPARTMENT
www.minotaerocenter.com TAILWHEEL
• AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE • •
MULTI-ENGINE
CONTACT US: 2216 N. Broadway - Minot
Call: 701-852-4092
Email: info@minotaerocenter.com
FLY-ND.com • Quarterly
• • •
• • • • • • •
Authorized Mooney Service Center Altimeter/static & transponder testing Annual/100 hr inspections Piston/turbine engine repairs & overhauls Propeller balancing Repairs & alterations Routine maintenance 24 hr on call maintenance Magneto & cylinder repair
•
7 Aircraft Rentals Flight Instruction Multi-Engine Instruction/Rental Tailwheel Instruction/Rental Pilot Services TESTING CENTER
•
FAA Regulated Testing
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
@minotaerocenter
13
The Bismarck Airport begins design work on terminal expansion Submitted by Bismarck Airport Staff The Bismarck Airport has launched a multi-year terminal expansion project, designed to address record passenger growth, expand critical infrastructure, and better position the airport to meet the region’s future travel needs. The $132.2 million expansion will include additional departure lounge space, expanded concessions, improved baggage handling systems, increased Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening capacity, and two additional passenger boarding bridges. The decision to move forward is supported by a comprehensive terminal area study completed in early 2026, which found several areas of the terminal are undersized for current and future passenger activity. Completed in 2005, the terminal was designed to serve 240,000 annual passenger enplanements. Since 2014, the airport has been operating beyond that enplanement level, except for the two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study projects annual enplanements could surpass 450,000 within the next twenty years - a forecast supported by more than a decade of steady growth, including a record 309,533 enplanements in 2025. As demand continues to rise, crowding and circulation challenges and pressure on the terminal’s operational capacity have reinforced the need for 14
a significant expansion. The airport has already secured significant funding to offset design costs, including a $1 million Airport Terminal Program grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and a $4.7 million grant from the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) with the remaining amount coming from airport and city funds. The grants provided critical funding needed to finalize the design contract with the architect and get the project up and running. In July, the Bismarck City Commission authorized a contract with Ubl Design Group to provide architectural design, construction administration, and observation services. With the design contract approved, work is underway to prepare Phase 1 for bidding next summer, following the 2027 North Dakota Legislative Session. The phased approach ensures the terminal will remain operational with minimal impact to passengers throughout the project. Once finished, the expanded terminal will provide more gates, additional boarding space, improved amenities, and a more efficient travel experience, supporting continued growth across central and western North Dakota and positioning Bismarck Airport for the next 20 years. North Dakota Aviation Association
SAVE THE DATE North Dakota Aviation Association
March 7-9, 2027 • Fargo
MORE INFO AT WWW.FLY-ND.COM
FLY-ND.com • Quarterly
15
Ali Moses: Ready to Answer the Call Major: Helicopter Operations | Hometown: Thompson, N.D. | Involvement: National Guard, Volunteer Firefighter
Ali credits UND’s flight program with emphasizing safe decision-making alongside technical skills.
For most college students, balancing classes, work and extracurriculars is enough to fill a schedule. For Ali Moses, college also meant responding to fire calls, serving in the North Dakota Army National Guard, mentoring younger aviation students and completing flight training - all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Ali graduated from the University of North Dakota this spring with a degree in Helicopter Operations and a safety specialization. But the common thread running through each of her commitments wasn’t only aviation or academics. It was service. That commitment began long before she stepped onto UND’s campus. Ali joined the Thompson Volunteer Fire Department when she was just 14 years old, an experience that eventually helped shape her career goals. She had already been introduced to aviation through a fixed-wing discovery flight, but a helicopter discovery flight at UND during high school helped her picture a future in the field. “That discovery flight was what helped me understand what a helicopter was and made me realize it could be a career,” she said. Growing up in Thompson, Ali said UND always felt familiar. But the depth of the aviation program stood out once she began learning more about it. “ I mean, having an aviation program like UND’s was just the best choice,” she said. During her time at UND, Ali served as president and later vice president of the UND Helicopter Association, helping connect students with industry opportunities while mentoring younger classmates. 16
“I loved it,” she said. “I love to be able to help them, especially the younger kids that are working through the same challenges I faced.” That desire to help others showed up in other ways, too. Ali was part of a CFI (certified flight instructor) tutor lab, where students could reach out for free help with flight training. For Ali, it was also a way to prepare for her own next step as a flight instructor. “I’ve always been a believer that actions speak louder than words,” she said. “You need to show it, you can’t just say it.” UND is teaching you step by step how to be the safest and most efficient and best pilot out there. Ali also pursued a safety specialization, believing it would make her a stronger pilot. She credits UND’s flight program with emphasizing safe decision-making alongside technical skills. “They’re teaching you step by step how to be the safest and most efficient and best pilot out there,” she said. “They don’t skip safety. Balancing those commitments required careful planning. Along with coursework and flight training, Ali worked parttime, served as an aerospace student ambassador, remained active with the fire department and fulfilled her National Guard responsibilities. Ali has never been someone to stick to just one interest, however. Alongside aviation, military service and firefighting, she enjoys riding motorcycles, detailing cars, bible study with friends and — even after everything else on her schedule — baking.
At UND, Ali served as president and later vice president of the UND Helicopter Association, helping connect students with industry opportunities while mentoring younger classmates.
North Dakota Aviation Association
Reprinted with permission from The University of North Dakota
“I’ve always just made an effort to make sure my homework is done before I’m doing anything else,” she said. “Developing good time management skills through small habits like that has really helped me stay on top of everything.” Military service became an important part of Ali’s college experience and personal development. Following an interest in law enforcement and a family legacy of service — her father in the Army and her grandfather served in the Vietnam War — she enlisted in the National Guard as a Military Police officer. Midway through her contract, she transitioned to helicopter maintenance, gaining valuable experience that aligned with her aviation studies. The experience also strengthened skills that extend beyond aviation. “I learned so much resiliency and patience,” she said. “I’m much more disciplined with things.” Now a UND graduate, Ali plans to remain at UND as a flight instructor before pursuing helicopter tours in Alaska and, ultimately, a career as a medevac pilot. A path that brings together everything she’s worked toward — aviation, emergency response and service to others.
FLY-ND.com • Quarterly
Whether she’s responding to a fire call, mentoring another student or preparing for her next flight, Ali is driven by the same goal: using her skills to help people when they need them most.
Ali plans to remain at UND as a flight instructor before pursuing helicopter tours in Alaska and, ultimately, a career as a medevac pilot.
17
Where’s Jamail? Braving the Weather in North Dakota By Janice Wood | Editor | General Aviation News Most DreamLaunch Tour stops focus on the next generation directly — getting in front of students, raising awareness of aviation career opportunities, and putting real-world context behind what’s possible in this industry. But every year, Jamail Larkins — the force behind the DreamLaunch Tour and AviationStart, includes a few stops aimed at the other side of the equation: The aviation stakeholders who make those opportunities exist in the first place. “Aviation events, when done right, do a lot more than fill a hangar with people,” he explains. “They improve airport relations in the local community. They build a pipeline of motivated, excited future workforce, extremely important in today’s hiring environment. They create new customers for flight schools, which keep local maintenance shops busy and local FBOs selling fuel. The whole ecosystem benefits. That’s the message I try to bring to the stakeholder side of the tour.” This year, that message took him to North Dakota — where he quickly learned that being from the South does not adequately prepare a human being for what North Dakotans casually describe as “the warmest winter we’ve had in a while.”
A 2 a.m. Lesson in Northern Plains Logistics Jamail was traveling to North Dakota to deliver the morning keynote address at the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission’s 2026 FLY-ND Annual Conference. “I’ve gotten pretty comfortable traveling solo to DreamLaunch events over the years — commercial, GA, whatever it takes to get the job done,” he notes. “Modern conveniences like Uber have made this whole operation a lot smoother than it was when I started the tour back in college, when landing in an unfamiliar city, and being under the minimum age to rent a car, made trying to get to a school across town its own adventure.”
Western Canada’s ONLY Factory Authorized Propeller Facility for all Manufacturers
• Complete Overhauls, Repairs & Service • 24/7 & AOG Technical Support • New Sales, Exchanges and Rentals
• Best Warranty in the Industry • Guaranteed Best Pricing
• AMO 175-91 EASA 145.7253
Contact us for industry best pricing on new propellers and blades!
Offering Aircraft Maintenance, Avionics and Flight Instruction
Mandanaero.com 701.663.9925
Propeller service facility; Authorized Service Facility (ASF) for Hartzell, McCauley and MT Propeller
1-800-773-6853 • www.canadianpropeller.com • dwills@canadianpropeller.com
18
North Dakota Aviation Association
Still, even after all these years — the tours started in 2004 — Jamail says “North Dakota had some lessons to teach me.” After a string of mechanical delays, he touched down in Minot at around 2 a.m. on a Monday morning in early March 2026. “Here’s a tip for any pilot, speaker, or traveler reading this: Rental cars and Uber do not, in fact, operate at 2 a.m. on a Monday morning in Minot, North Dakota. This is information I now possess,” he says. “The FLY-ND team — to their enormous credit — came through for a stranded Southerner in the middle of the night, and I will be forever grateful.” “The second lesson came the moment I stepped outside the terminal,” he continues. “I now understand, on a cellular level, what ‘warmest winter we’ve had in a while’ means to people who were not born and raised below the MasonDixon line. My scarf was immediately covered in snow. My face was immediately covered in snow. There is a photo. It is not flattering. North Dakota does not care about your feelings on the matter.”
Why FLY-ND Gets It Once we got to the conference, the cold became background noise — because the room was full of people who already understood the message Jamail was there to deliver. “The local airports, FBOs, aviation businesses, and
government agencies that make up the FLY-ND network have built something genuinely impressive,” he says. “The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, especially Mike McHugh, have done the kind of long-term, unglamorous, ecosystem-level work that other states should be studying. Almost every school district in North Dakota has an aviation program in at least one local high school. Almost every district. In an entire state. That’s not an accident — that’s intentional infrastructure.” FLY-ND offers a range of scholarships to North Dakota students, and Jamail had the chance to meet several of the 2026 recipients. “These were not casual recipients,” he says. “These were students taking full advantage of high school aviation programs in their respective communities, and the scholarships clearly meant something real to them — not just
We get it! Airports’ needs change. One Team. One Goal— Smart Solutions, Responsible Recommendations. FULL-SERVICE AVIATION CONSULTANTS . MEADHUNT.COM . EXPERIENCE EXCEPTIONAL
FLY-ND.com • Quarterly
19
financially, but as validation that their state was investing in their future.” This is what the message looks like when it’s actually working. North Dakota stakeholders aren’t just supporting aviation events — they’ve built a state-wide pipeline, he declares.
A Visit to UND After FLY-ND, Aviation Product Systems (APS) arranged for Jamail to travel across the state to Grand Forks for a visit to the University of North Dakota (UND). As a proud Embry-Riddle alum, even Jamail says that the university is one of the best. “UND has built one of the most impressive collegiate aviation programs in the country,” he says. “The fleet is massive and modern. The training infrastructure is designed to operate in conditions all the way down to -40°, which I assume is a temperature that exists somewhere on Earth, but cannot personally confirm. The students I met were sharp, motivated, and came from all over the world. And UND has one of the few hypoxia chambers I’ve ever seen on a college campus — the kind of hands-on training resource that genuinely sets a program apart.” It’s a first-class operation, he notes. “Embry-Riddle, you know I love you. But North Dakota came to compete — and competing they are, if you remember my article, The NCAA of Aviation,” he adds.
20
The Takeaway The DreamLaunch Tour spends most of its time talking to students. “Trips like this one remind me why it’s just as important to talk with the stakeholders — the commissions, the FBOs, the flight schools, the maintenance shops, the airports — who decide whether their state will be a place where the next generation of aviation professionals can actually get started,” he says. “North Dakota has figured this out,” he concludes. “The cold is a feature, not a bug, apparently. And I’ve added two new items to my packing list: A real coat and the phone number of someone willing to pick me up at 2 a.m.” Reprinted with permission from General Aviation News
North Dakota Aviation Association
Bismarck Airport Enhances ARFF Facility The Bismarck Airport recently celebrated the completion of its Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility expansion. The expansion marks a meaningful investment in safety, training capability, and community service, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to protecting the visitors, passengers, pilots, and employees that utilize the facility. During an open house on September 30, 2026, guests were invited to explore the 1,916-square-foot expansion, which includes a dedicated training room, badging office, restroom, and storage space. The new addition moves training and badging activities out of the firefighters’ living quarters and into an environment designed to support access training, employee onboarding, incident command functions, and other instruction for airport staff and partners. Visitors also had the chance to visit with the ARFF team and learn about the critical work they perform around the clock.
AIRLOAN.COM (218) 456-2231 FLY-ND.com • Quarterly
21
ND Military Aviator Spotlight - U.S. ARMY STAFF SGT. AUTUMN BLAIR U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Autumn Blair may be following in her family’s call to military service, but she is carving her own path as a dedicated flight medic. Blair, a flight medic with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, North Dakota Army National Guard, is currently mobilized to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Her unit provides emergency point of injury care and rapid medical evacuation across the installation and its training areas. With 12 years of service, Blair began her career as a truck driver with Alpha Company, 231st Brigade Support Battalion. “I initially enlisted as a combat medic, but because I was in college at the time, I switched to a specialty I could complete during the summer between classes. I became a truck driver, and it worked out really nicely,” Blair said. “It was one of those situations where they asked, ‘Where do you want to go? What do you want to do?’ I said what I wanted, and they made it happen.” When the 231st BSB was later deactivated, Blair decided to pursue a medical career path more aligned with her interests. “I’ve always been interested in healthcare. I worked as a
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Autumn Blair, flight medic, Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, 68th Troop Command, North Dakota Army National Guard, conducts hoist training at Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, May 2026.
22
Autumn Blair reviews data during ground crew operations, Glyndon, Minnesota, May 2026. certified nursing assistant and growing up I was always drawn to medicine. I knew I wanted to be a flight nurse or work in flight medicine.” Blair also continues a deep family tradition of military service. Her father, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Orville Wang, retired from the 164th Regional Training Institute at Camp Grafton Training Center in Devils Lake, North Dakota. Her mother, retired Sgt. 1st Class Audrey Wang, served as an administration specialist at CGTC and retired from the North Dakota National Guard. Her grandfather, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Peter Wang, also finished his military career at Camp Grafton. “Service feels generational for me at this point. It felt like gaining an additional family. It feels like home, and it was an easy decision.” Blair’s medical career doesn’t stop when she takes the uniform off. She is also a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in nursing and works full time for Life Link III in Minnesota as a flight nurse for her civilian career. “It’s the exact same as my full-time job,” she said. “I go to the hangar, check equipment, train, study, and prepare for patients. This mobilization is just like being placed in a different environment.” She enjoys working with new people and expanding her skills through unique training opportunities. “I think it’s the diversity of the work,” Blair said. “I do this in North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota, but coming down here and adding the military piece to it is fun. We work with different providers and see different techniques. Being a part of that medicine is awesome.” While mobilized, Blair has been working with the 82nd Airborne Division, gaining exposure to new practices, challenges, and learning opportunities. “The farther I go in my career, the more I realize you’re never done learning. Just when start to think you’re an expert, you learn something new or you attend more training or speak to another medical professional who makes you better. You don’t know everything. This is a very humbling business to be in and a great opportunity.” North Dakota Aviation Association
She also credits her civilian employer for their support during her mobilization. “There are three of us here from my civilian employer, two pilots and myself, and the company has been great. They have a lot of veterans and service members, and they’ve been extremely supportive. They check in on us and say, ‘See you when you get back. Thanks for what you do!’” Blair encourages others who may be interested in flight medicine to reach out and learn more.
“If people are interested in Delta Company or being a flight medic, they can reach out. There are definitely 68 Whiskeys [combat medics] or people who like medicine and want to go into medicine who would be a great fit. If they’re curious, they should seek us out.”
Womack Army Medical Center medics conduct hot-and-coldload training on a UH-72A/B Lakota helicopter with flight medics from Delta Company, North Dakota National Guard, August 27, 2026.
FLY. TRAIN. MAINTAIN. Now Offering 10% Off Maintenance Labor Dickinson, ND | KDIK
Rely on us for:
Whether you're looking to charter a flight, pursue your pilot's license, or rent an aircraft for your next adventure, Western Edge Aviation is your trusted FBO in the air and on the ramp.
• Charter Flights • Flight Instruction • Scenic Flights
• Aircraft Maintenance, Detailing & Inspections
701-483- 4221 • westernedgeaviation@gmail.com FLY-ND.com • Quarterly
23
North Dakota Aviation Association P.O. Box 5020 Bismarck, ND 58502-5020
Fly-ND Conference! Save the date for the o, ND March 7-9, 2027 | Farg
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTE
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
FORWARDING SERVICE REQUE
Missing your print version of the Quarterly? Become an NDAA Member Today! Sign up at www.fly-nd.com/join
CALENDAR of EVENTS FEBRUARY 2027
2027 Tri-State Aerial Applicators Convention FEB 17-18 | Fargo, ND This year’s program will feature one of the largest trade shows in the nation for agricultural aviation professionals, great networking opportunities, and a dynamic line-up of speakers and events. PAASS Program FEB 17 | 10:30-15:30 | Fargo, ND A yearly education program like no other, the Professional Aerial Applicator Support System (PAASS) is created and presented by ag pilots.
Check out the online calendar for details on these events: aero.nd.gov/events
MARCH 2027 North Dakota Aviation Association
March 7-9, 2027 • Fargo