Federal Aviation Administration awards $2.5M to "Vets to Wings" pilot training program at UND

Image by Office of Senator John Hoeven
Image by Office of Senator John Hoeven

(Fargo, ND) -- Senator John Hoeven announced the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded a $2.5 million award for a new veteran pilot training program at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Hoeven says the program, among other services, can help veterans cover the gap for costs not included under the GI Bill and other benefits, including Federal Tuition Assistance.

Hoeven was joined at the announcement Thursday by UND President Andrew Armacost and other staff members from the Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences.

“Our nation is facing a severe pilot shortage, and we need a new generation of qualified pilots to help ensure continued access to safe and reliable air service, which is vital to our economy and quality of life,” said Hoeven. “It only makes sense to leverage our world-class flight school at UND and offer this opportunity to veterans. Through the funding we secured, we are establishing a pipeline from UND to commercial airlines to help meet the demand for new pilots, while better supporting veterans who want to pursue this career," said Hoven. 

Under the cooperative agreement, UND will expand flight training services for veterans to become commercial airline pilots.