Aerospace Success Center FAQs

Applying for Atmospheric Sciences & Aviation

Prospective first year and transfer students apply directly to UND Admissions, indicating interested major.

FAA Certificate

Students pursuing an academic major that requires an FAA commercial certificate will need to acquire and maintain a second class medical certificate. Those targeting a career in professional flight should be eligible to acquire a first class medical certificate. Air Traffic Management majors will need to acquire the air traffic controller medical certification before being hired by the FAA.

Students with Private Pilot Certificate

Students possessing a private pilot certificate will not have to repeat all the flight training lessons in the private pilot course. They will, however, be placed in a "test course" lab that requires satisfactory completing seven lessons. The academic course (ground school) is still required.

Costs & Financial Aid

Costs are dependent on the major and training required. For example, students majoring in fixed-wing Commercial Aviation will spend approximately $64,000 and helicopter Commercial Aviation approximately $95,000 over the four years for the required flight labs. This is in addition to annual tuition, fees, books and materials, and room/board. Other majors require less flight training. Air Traffic Management majors have air traffic simulator lab fees. Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations majors have UAS simulator lab fees in addition to the required flight training labs. All costs are subject to change and flight training costs are based on averages.

Paying for Flight Training

Financial Aid

Flight training costs are incorporated into a student's overall cost of education. This means that these costs can be offset by student financial aid. Generally, student loans are the primary source of funding.

Veterans Benefits

Approved veterans are eligible to have flight lab costs covered. There may be limits, however.

Scholarships

Scholarships from the Aviation and Atmospheric Sciences Departments are available to students once enrolled. Approximately $400,000 is available each year.

Flight Training

Commercial Aviation

Scholarships from the Aviation and Atmospheric Sciences Departments are available to students once enrolled. Approximately $400,000 is available each year.

UND Training Fleet

Currently, the fleet consists of 120 aircraft, including Piper Archers, Piper Seminoles, and Robinson 44 Cadet helicopters.

Internships and Career Opportunities

There has never been a better time to pursue careers in the Aviation/Aerospace industry. The UND Aviation Department and Flight Operations has established "pathway programs" with most regional and major airlines, as well as many corporate and cargo operations. Graduates of the Air Traffic Management major will be given enhanced consideration by the FAA for hiring. UAS majors are being recruited by numerous leading companies in this ever-changing industry. Opportunities for Airport and Aviation Management majors are also significant.