Central ND News

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven has successfully secured vital provisions in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization legislation aimed at bolstering the University of North Dakota’s (UND) aviation research, development, training, and operations, as reported on May 3, 2024.

Hoeven's efforts have particularly focused on enhancing the Vets2Wings program at UND, designed to provide pilot training opportunities for veterans. Speaking to students enrolled in the Vets2Wings program, Hoeven emphasized the importance of leveraging veterans' skills and UND's expertise to meet the demand for commercial pilots. He stated, "We rely on skilled aviators on a daily basis to safely and efficiently move people and goods across the country... that’s exactly what Vets2Wings accomplishes."

The Senator highlighted the inclusion of his American Aviator Act in the FAA reauthorization bill, which secures a long-term extension of the program to support and expand opportunities for veterans in aviation. Additionally, Hoeven is working towards strengthening UND's Air Traffic Control (ATC) training program to address the shortage of qualified air traffic controllers. He mentioned, "At the same time, we’re working to strengthen opportunities for UND’s ATC training program, allowing students to bypass the academy in Oklahoma, directly enter the workforce and meet the demand for qualified air traffic controllers."

Hoeven's collaboration with UND extends to applying for the FAA’s Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program, which aims to streamline the process for training air traffic controllers. By participating in this initiative, UND graduates will be eligible for immediate hire and localized training at air traffic facilities, contributing to meeting the increasing demand for air traffic controllers across the nation.

The Senator's dedication to supporting veterans in aviation training and addressing the shortage of air traffic controllers underscores his commitment to enhancing opportunities in the aviation sector for both veterans and aspiring professionals.