AeroTalk

During EAA AirVenture, Matt had the chance to talk with Ed Kornfield, an Anchorage-based Trimotor pilot! Ed gives an inside perspective on this incredible 100 year-old aircraft.

Warren is the owner of the Minot Aero Center, which today provides FBO services, aircraft maintenance, flight training, testing services, and pilot support. He also spent nearly two decades flying for ATA Airlines, serving as captain on the L-1011, Boeing 727, and Boeing 737.

As co-founder and Chief Pilot of the Dakota Territory Air Museum, Warren has played a central role in developing one of the world’s premier collections of airworthy World War II aircraft.

Among his most notable restorations is the celebrated P-51C Mustang Thunderbird, once owned by actor Jimmy Stewart and aviation icon Jackie Cochran. Pietsch recovered the aircraft from a crash site and brought it back to the airshow circuit, flying it at national venues including Oshkosh and Reno.

His logbook is a testament to extraordinary experience, including warbirds such as the Supermarine Spitfire, P-40 Warhawk, F4U Corsair, FM-2 Wildcat, Mitsubishi Zero, and multiple P-51 Mustangs.

Hear Kathleen's presentation, Beyond the Pattern, at the EAA WomenVenture Center on Friday, July 24th from 10-11:15am! Kathleen is a certified flight instructor at the University of North Dakota and member of the 2025 Collegiate Aerobatic Championship Team. During her presentation she'll explore her journey through collegiate aerobatics, flight instruction, and balancing a career in aviation alongside her achievements as an accomplished pianist and organist.

https://www.eaa.org/airventure/features-and-attractions/eaa-womenventure#

We’re taking AeroTalk to Oshkosh this year! Stay tuned for multiple episodes this week highlighting our incredible alumni and the unique experiences EAA AirVenture has to bring. In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Roesler who has been volunteering at AirVenture since she was 16 years old.

This week, we chat with two graduate students working on their master’s in Space Studies! Specifically, discussing the Rendezvous & Operations for Autonomous Docking and Servicing (ROADS) satellite mission. UND has established a dedicated satellite operations training facility, including satellites, ground stations, and a mission control center. This initiative gives students real-world experience in mission operations through a pair of 3U satellites equipped with six degrees of freedom propulsion, three-axis attitude control, and multi-band communication systems.

UND ROADS 1 and UND ROADS 2 were successfully launched into Low Earth Orbit aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter 14 Rideshare mission on June 23, 2025.

For more than 40 years, UND Aerospace has been a leader in collegiate helicopter flight training. Now, that legacy continues with the Helicopter Operations Degree, newly separated from the Commercial Aviation degree program. In this episode, we discuss what’s new, the flight training and certifications students earn, career pathways, and how to apply. Whether you're exploring a future in helicopters or simply want to learn more, this episode offers an inside look at the unique opportunities available through UND Aerospace.

Anne Simpson and Karen Ruth have known each other for many years. In this episode, we dive into how their lasting friendship and meaningful mentorship shaped their careers and helped them navigate both the triumphs and trials of life.

Anne Simpson was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. Anne was hired by Northwest Airlines in 1981 as their third woman pilot. Her 35 year career at Northwest and Delta Air Lines began as a 727 second officer followed by 727 first officer, A320 captain, 747-400 captain and she retired back in Seattle as an A330 captain.

Karen Ruth, a now retired Delta Air Lines captain, has logged over 23,000 flight hours, flew the first delivery of Delta’s A330 from France to the United States, and has received both Delta’s prestigious Chairman’s Club Award and the Northwest Airlines President’s Club honor. A lifelong mentor and leader, Karen has shaped aviation from the flight deck to the classroom.

The UND Air Race Classic Team, also known as "The Frozen Force," is comprised of four female pilots from UND. Join us this week as we chat with two members of the 2026 Frozen Force Team before they takeoff for their race on Tuesday, June 23rd!

Support the team: https://aero.und.edu/aviation/air-race-classic-team.html

Follow the race: https://airraceclassic2026.maprogress.com

Matt Brown’s path to the flight deck began in Sugar Grove, Illinois, where he started private pilot lessons at age 15. At UND, Matt became actively involved in campus life as a member of SAMA and Sigma Chi. As a recipient of the UND AAAB Scholarship in 1998, he's come full circle and is currently serving as President of the UND Aerospace Alumni Advisory Board.

Now based in Las Vegas, flying the B777 at United Airlines, Matt shares insights from more than two decades in aviation and the importance of building connections throughout your career.

Established in 1966, the UND Flying Team competes under the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) at regional and national competitions. The team, made up of students and faculty, competes in numerous ground, simulator, and flying events throughout the year. At the 2026 National SAFECON, the UND Flying Team placed 2nd overall among 25+ universities, while UND pilots secured both the 1st and 2nd Top Pilot championship titles, outperforming more than 300 competitors.

The team is always looking for new members who are ready to continue their winning tradition! Learn more: https://aero.und.edu/aviation/flying-team.html