EPISODE · Sep 9, 2025 · 15 MIN
America's First Unmanned Aircraft Degree Program | Dana Sande
from Hangar X Studios · host John Ramstead
In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Dana Sande, President of the UND Aerospace Foundation, to explore how the University of North Dakota became a global leader in aviation and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) education. From pioneering the first unmanned aircraft pilot degree program in the U.S. to building cutting-edge facilities like Gorman Field, the conversation dives into UND’s influence on commercial aviation, UAS innovation, and partnerships with both private industry and the military. Listeners will gain insight into how UND’s Aerospace Foundation helps the university “operate at the speed of business,” supporting rapid prototyping, pilot training, and drone testing—all while keeping education affordable for future aviation leaders. If you’ve ever wondered how UND shaped the future of unmanned aviation and why Grand Forks has become a hub for aerospace innovation, this episode is packed with answers. Episode Highlights How UND pioneered unmanned aircraft pilot training in the U.S. The UND Aerospace Foundation’s unique role in bridging education with industry. Stories of partnerships with Cirrus, Cessna, and XTI Aerospace. Inside Gorman Field – UND’s state-of-the-art facility for UAS training and testing. Why UND grads are flying more MQ-9 Predators than anyone outside the U.S. military. The growing importance of counter-drone technology and defense innovation. Key Points with Timestamps [00:00:00] Dana Sande introduces UND’s leadership in unmanned aircraft pilot training—the first degree program of its kind in the U.S. [00:02:16] UND trains across all aviation sectors: pilot training, air traffic control, engineering, atmospheric sciences, and airport management. [00:03:35] Origins of the UND Aerospace Foundation (1985) and its mission to help UND operate at the speed of business. [00:04:34] Partnership examples: factory training for Cirrus, managing Cessna’s eLearning, FAA-mandated training courses.
What this episode covers
In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Dana Sande, President of the UND Aerospace Foundation, to explore how the University of North Dakota became a global leader in aviation and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) education. From pioneering the first unmanned aircraft pilot degree program in the U.S. to building cutting-edge facilities like Gorman Field, the conversation dives into UND’s influence on commercial aviation, UAS innovation, and partnerships with both private industry and the military. Listeners will gain insight into how UND’s Aerospace Foundation helps the university “operate at the speed of business,” supporting rapid prototyping, pilot training, and drone testing—all while keeping education affordable for future aviation leaders. If you’ve ever wondered how UND shaped the future of unmanned aviation and why Grand Forks has become a hub for aerospace innovation, this episode is packed with answers. Episode Highlights How UND pioneered unmanned aircraft pilot training in the U.S. The UND Aerospace Foundation’s unique role in bridging education with industry. Stories of partnerships with Cirrus, Cessna, and XTI Aerospace. Inside Gorman Field – UND’s state-of-the-art facility for UAS training and testing. Why UND grads are flying more MQ-9 Predators than anyone outside the U.S. military. The growing importance of counter-drone technology and defense innovation. Key Points with Timestamps [00:00:00] Dana Sande introduces UND’s leadership in unmanned aircraft pilot training—the first degree program of its kind in the U.S. [00:02:16] UND trains across all aviation sectors: pilot training, air traffic control, engineering, atmospheric sciences, and airport management. [00:03:35] Origins of the UND Aerospace Foundation (1985) and its mission to help UND operate at the speed of business. [00:04:34] Partnership examples: factory training for Cirrus, managing Cessna’s eLearning, FAA-mandated training courses.
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America's First Unmanned Aircraft Degree Program | Dana Sande
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