AeroTalk

This week, we’re joined by Katia Peters and Rav Meddepola, both Senior Lead Flight Instructors at the University of North Dakota. As winter approaches, 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.

In this episode, Matt talks with Todd Gierke, a proud University of North Dakota alumnus and seasoned airline captain, to discuss the power of recognizing and taking hold of opportunities—both in aviation and in life. Todd shares his journey from earning a Psychology degree at UND in 1988 to flying some of the most advanced aircraft in the world with Delta Air Lines. With over 17,000 flight hours, multiple instructor ratings, and a passion for mentorship, Todd offers invaluable insight for young pilots and aviation students. From early career decisions to embracing leadership roles, Todd emphasizes the importance of saying "yes" to challenges, and how that mindset has opened doors throughout his aviation career.

After more than three decades of service to the University of North Dakota, Leo Saucedo officially retired in August of 2025. In the days leading up to his final shift, Matt sat down with Leo for a reflective conversation about his journey, the many hats he’s worn at UND, and what’s next in his well-earned retirement.

Originally trained in civil engineering, Leo’s career path has taken him from debugging Fortran code in the early '80s to becoming a cornerstone of the UND Flight Operations team. Over the years, Leo’s impact has been felt across dispatch, facilities, and TSA. Leo is truly a jack of all trades, and his retirement marks the end of an era for UND Flight Operations. Now officially retired, Leo is enjoying well-deserved time with his four grandkids and family.

🎉 Thank you, Leo, for your dedication, passion, and all the behind-the-scenes work that kept things running.

Irene Jirasevijinda is a recent graduate and newly minted Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at UND Aerospace. She recently sat down and shared her experience navigating college life, intense flight training, and competing as a Division I soccer player—all while being far from home in Thailand and starting with zero aviation background. In this episode, Irene shares:

✈️ How she managed her packed schedule

⚽ What it was like balancing D1 athletics with flight training

🌍 Being away from family

👩‍✈️ The challenges (and wins) of learning to fly

🎓 Her transition from student to CFI

In this episode of AeroTalk, we’re taking you back to where it all began—the early days of the aviation program at the University of North Dakota. Join our host, Matt Opsahl, as he sits down with former Assistant Dean, Ken Polovitz, and long-time Aviation Professor, Kent Lovelace. Together, they reflect on their experiences working alongside John Odegard to build one of the nation's leading aviation programs.

Stressing about your next stage check? In this episode of AeroTalk, Assistant Chief Flight Instructors Bryan Smith and John Rudolph break down simple yet essential steps student pilots may overlook when preparing for their stage checks. Follow along as they discuss common challenges with time management, preparation, and decision making, offering practical strategies to help you overcome these hurdles and confidently pass your stage check.

Welcome to AeroTalk! Tune in for the first episode on September 29th, with new episodes every Monday.