Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven engaged in discussions with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy this week, focusing on North Dakota's contributions to the nation's aviation needs. The talks centered around enhancing air traffic controller (ATC) training and ensuring a sufficient number of qualified pilots.

Hoeven emphasized the University of North Dakota's (UND) involvement in the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. This initiative allows UND graduates to begin localized training at an air traffic facility immediately, bypassing the FAA Academy in Oklahoma. To bolster this program, Hoeven is sponsoring the ATC Workforce Development Act aimed at improving recruitment and retention of controllers. Secretary Duffy expressed support for expanding ATC training capacity and backed the proposed legislation.

In addressing pilot shortages, Hoeven highlighted UND’s Vets2Wings program, which offers flight training to veterans while covering costs not included under existing financial assistance programs. Hoeven secured $2.5 million to establish Vets2Wings and subsequently passed the American Aviator Act, authorizing it through Fiscal Year 2028. He urged Secretary Duffy to work with him towards making this program permanent.

Additionally, Hoeven invited Secretary Duffy to visit North Dakota to observe counter-drone efforts at Grand Sky and the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems Test Site. He underscored the importance of integrating the FAA’s unfiltered radar data feed with these initiatives to enhance protection against unauthorized drone use.

“North Dakota is home to the largest flight school in the country and plays a growing role in ATC training with the Enhanced AT-CTI Program at UND,” said Hoeven. “Considering the challenges faced by our aviation industry, it is critical that we work to remove bottlenecks in training for air traffic controllers."

He further added that "our state is also leading the way in developing counter-drone technologies, an increasingly important national security priority." He expressed appreciation for Secretary Duffy’s willingness "to help complete the process of sharing the unfiltered radar data" and his agreement "to visit North Dakota and learn more about" ongoing projects.

Hoeven continues efforts to expand Project ULTRA, aiming to bridge current Department of Defense contracts with new private sector developments in counter-UAS capabilities. The integration of FAA radar data will enhance Grand Forks' ability to detect and track malicious drones, positioning it as a leader in safeguarding domestic military bases from potential threats.