Hangar X Studios

America's First Unmanned Aircraft Degree Program | Dana Sande

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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.

    • [00:05:47] The Foundation owns nearly half of UND’s 140-aircraft fleet, keeping training costs down for students.

    • [00:06:29] Development of Gorman Field – a world-class facility for UAS students, replacing a farm field and porta potty.

    • [00:07:56] UAS program growth: over 200 undergraduates, producing skilled drone pilots with high job demand.

    • [00:08:54] UND grads flying MQ-9 Predators worldwide – more than any group outside the U.S. military.

    • [00:09:58] New Gorman Field facility: 33 acres, 12,000 sq. ft. building, control centers for ScanEagle, VTOL launch pads.

    • [00:12:38] Partnerships with XTI Aerospace for rapid prototyping and drone testing.

    • [00:13:07] Expanding UAS support and collaborations with Grand Sky, General Atomics, Northrop Grumman, and the U.S. Air Force.

    • [00:14:50] The rise of counter-drone technology, including microwave-based defenses against drone swarms.

      • Guest Bio – Dana Sande

      Dana Sande is the President of the UND Aerospace Foundation, a nonprofit organization created to help the University of North Dakota’s aerospace program connect with governments, industries, and international partners. With a background in aviation training, business development, and community leadership, Dana has been instrumental in expanding UND’s role as a global hub for aviation and unmanned systems education. Under his leadership, the Foundation supports flight training, UAS development, curriculum design, and partnerships that shape the future of aviation.

       

      https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-sande-b16b7215/

      About UND Aerospace Foundation

      The UND Aerospace Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to support and expand the world-class aviation programs at the University of North Dakota. Established in 1985, the foundation helps UND operate at the speed of business by partnering with governments, airlines, and aerospace companies around the globe. From pilot and air traffic control training to curriculum development, unmanned aircraft systems, and advanced research, the foundation bridges education with industry needs. Its revenues are reinvested into UND’s aerospace program, providing cutting-edge facilities, maintaining part of the university’s training fleet, and ensuring affordable, high-quality education for future aviation leaders.



      Notable Quotes

      “Most people don’t know that the University of North Dakota had the first unmanned aircraft pilot degree program in the country.” – Dana Sande

      “Our foundation was designed to help the University operate at the speed of business.” – Dana Sande

      “We like to provide the best facilities for students—because it’s important for them to learn in an environment as nice as where they’ll ultimately work.” – Dana Sande

      “There are more UND grads flying Predators worldwide than any group outside of the U.S. military.” – Dana Sande

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      Hangar X StudiosBy John Ramstead