
The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) is proud to announce that North Dakota has been selected as the recipient of the NASAO Center Aviation Education Program Award in recognition of its outstanding efforts to advance aviation education through the Fly-ND Aviation Career Expo.
Presented annually by the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), this national award recognizes one state aviation agency each year for excellence in aviation outreach, workforce development, and public engagement. North Dakota was selected for its leadership in developing the Fly-ND Career Expo—a program that has made a significant impact in inspiring and supporting the next generation of aviation professionals across the state.
The Fly-ND Aviation Career Expo is an annual event designed to introduce North Dakota high school students to aviation careers. Since its inception in 2020, the Expo has welcomed approximately 200 students each year, providing hands-on experiences with aircraft, opportunities to meet industry professionals, and access to scholarships that support students pursuing aviation education.
“The Fly-ND Career Expo has been a tremendous asset in showing students the many opportunities available in aviation,” said Mike McHugh, NDAC Aviation Education Coordinator. “It is an honor to receive national recognition, and I hope this program serves as a model for other states to help students begin their journey in our industry.”
Over the past several years, students attending the Fly-ND Career Expo have gone on to pursue aviation degrees, enter pilot and maintenance programs, and explore careers across the industry—helping strengthen North Dakota’s aviation workforce. The success of the Expo is made possible through strong partnerships with the North Dakota Aviation Association, local aviation businesses, and educators who mentor students and provide industry insight.
“This award is a shared honor that belongs to all who have worked together over many years to inspire the next generations of aviators. I want to especially thank the North Dakota Aviation Association (NDAA), educators, exhibitors, speakers, and volunteers who make the annual Fly-ND Aviation Career Expo possible,” stated Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. “We are grateful to NASAO for this recognition and excited to build on this momentum to further expand aviation opportunities for students across North Dakota.”
Investing in Aviation Education
The ND Aeronautics Commission works to prioritize aviation workforce development through strategic investments in education. Each biennium, NDAC provides approximately $400,000 in aviation education grants each biennium to support programs across North Dakota.
Most recently, the Commission approved $135,000 in grant funding to help launch the North Dakota State College of Science aviation maintenance program based in Fargo. Supported by both an FAA Workforce Development Grant and a Workforce Education Innovation Fund grant through the North Dakota University System, this program—the state’s only aviation maintenance program—will play a critical role in training much-needed aviation maintenance professionals.
In addition, NDAC has worked with high schools to expand aviation education opportunities across the state:
- Eight North Dakota communities now offer aviation-related courses.
- Distance education programs ensure students statewide can access aviation learning.
- Drone/UAS curriculum is being integrated into high school programs.
Since 2020, NDAC has also partnered with the North Dakota Aviation Association to host annual Fly-ND Aviation Career Expos, rotating between the Fargo Air Museum and the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot. This event draws approximately 200 high school students each year that are enrolled in aviation curriculum within their high school, with approximately $15,000 in scholarships being awarded on an annual basis at the event.