AeroTalk

This week, Matt Opsahl sits down to answer frequently asked questions from students before they start AVIT 480, Advanced Aircraft Operations (also known as the Jet Transition Course) at UND. Matt breaks down how the course works, study tips, and the benefits for students in their future careers in the airlines.

This week on AeroTalk we are joined by Brianna Black from the Aerospace Success Center. Brianna and Matt go over all the different ways you can get involved at UND and how the Aerospace Success Center can change your future helping you branch out and make important connections in the aviation industry.

This week we’re bringing back one of our most downloaded episodes that is still very relevant this season. Flying in Cold Weather! We’re joined by Katia Peters and Rav Meddepola, both Senior Lead Flight Instructors at the University of North Dakota. During the winter, pilots face unique challenges when flying in cold weather. In this episode, Kat and Rav share essential tips and best practices to help you prepare for winter operations.

This week, Matt sits down with Helicopter Chief Flight Instructor, Wesley Van Dell, to break down how our Helicopter Program works and what potential opportunities lie beyond UND!

Assistant Chief Flight Instructor Bryan Smith and Lead Flight Instructor Brett Taifer discuss how to successfully prepare for your Instrument Rating. They share practical guidance, common pitfalls to avoid, and insights from working with instrument students to help you start your training with confidence and a clear plan for success.

This week we sit down with Samantha Ross, Assistant Professor at UND to discuss the Dispatch specialization offered at UND. Discover why dispatch might be the aviation career you’ve been looking for, what it takes to earn your certification, and how it can create exciting new pathways in the industry.

Get to know Jeff VanLooy, Professor and Department Chair of Earth System Science & Policy (ESSP) at UND as he takes us through his recent research expedition to Peru! In August 2025, Dr. VanLooy traveled to southern Peru with two ESSP graduate students to collect water samples from glacier-fed lakes and rivers as part of two research projects. Take a listen to discover what they found—and why it matters.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Ella Hedman, President of the Student Aerospace Advisory Council (SAAC), and Nawin Bravo, Vice President, to discuss the vital role SAAC plays within the Aerospace College. Ella and Nawin explain SAAC’s mission and the ways students can contribute ideas, raise concerns, and help shape the future of UND Aerospace.

Assistant Chief Flight Instructor Taylor Miesel joins us to break down key areas to improving your landings. We discuss how a solid traffic pattern sets you up for success, what to focus on during the final approach, and how to smoothly manage the roundout, flare, and rollout for consistent, controlled touchdowns. ✈️

This week we’re joined by Lead Flight Instructors Zachary Hoff and Caroline Kelley to break down the real-world do’s and don’ts of cross country (XC) flight planning. They discuss why good XC planning is about smart decision-making, preparing thoroughly, and avoiding common mistakes that start before the flight even begins.