The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

The Interpretive Center explains how the Washburn area was once the crossroads of culture and commerce on the Northern Plains. There lived the Mandan and Hidatsa peoples, who were visited for generations by traders, trappers, and explorers such as Lewis and Clark. A short drive away stands a full-size replica of Fort Mandan, where you can get a first-hand experience of what the Corps of Discovery’s life was like. 

Hours: Open daily 9am-5pm

Address: 2576 8th St SW, Washburn, ND 58577 

Website: www.parkrec.nd.gov/lewis-clark-interpretive-center

Cross Ranch State Park

A 5,000-acre nature preserve across the river from the town of Washburn. The annual bluegrass festival and quiet camping – including yurts – are available there.

Hours: Sun to Thurs 8am-4:30pm, Fri and Sat 8am-8pm

Address: 1403 River Rd, Center, ND 58530 

Website: www.parkrec.nd.gov/cross-ranch-state-park

If you work up an appetite while exploring Washburn, here are a few dining recommendations:

Cafe 77 & Coffee Bar - a cozy little cafe with a highly-ranked coffee bar and breakfast. 

Hours: Tues to Fri 8am-3pm, Sat and Sun 9am-3pm 

Address: 601 Main Ave, Washburn, ND 58577 

Website: www.facebook.com/cafe77washburn

Captain’s Cabin Bar & Grill - Daily specials, with hand cut ribeye and prime rib Friday and Saturday nights. Dine in, carryout, and curbside pick up options. 

Hours: Sun to Fri 11am-1am, Sat 11am-10pm 

Address: 1608 Dakota Dr, Washburn, ND 58577

Website: www.facebook.com/captainscabin701

Please visit these locations’ websites to confirm hours and availability. And don’t forget, the Fly-ND Summerfest Fly-In is happening at the Washburn Airport on August 19, including the golf tournament! 

Do you have a favorite attraction to explore or a dining recommendation at your North Dakota airport to share with our readers? 

Submit your discoveries to editor@fly-nd.com

The following are the opinions and views I personally follow as an aviator.  

Fact: our safety culture, although very robust and ever changing, is very slow to accept that change. Slowly we learn from the mistakes of others and slowly our thoughts on safety and what we really need to do to be safer are progressing towards the zero accident mark, but are we really committing ourselves to the fact that training is what makes us safer?

For years, the professional pilots in the airline and commercial world of aviation have flown through day-to-day operations in some of the most volatile airspace in the world. The cost for surviving these challenges? Training, crew coordination, and critical thinking, as applied to routing and operations, has increased their level of safety to a point only falling short to human error and the pilot’s personal management of that daily process of flight.

Some concepts I would like to bring forward for your thoughts during your next flight or training lesson:

Training involves you and a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) sitting down and actually discussing what you feel needs to be worked on, with regards to your flying abilities. As the training flight progresses, the CFI then notes and makes a plan with you for correcting any issues found during that flight. Keep in mind that meeting the ACS/PTS standard is only a minimum standard. If you have a bad day, there won’t be enough ability in your bag of tricks to survive your upcoming battle with gravity, which almost always wins!

A Flight Review is just that, a review! Every two years, we go into the local Fixed Base Operator (FBO), grab a CFI, and for an hour or so on the ground and an hour in the air we expect to be signed off as being reviewed.

There is no such thing as a one hour review flight, nor is there such as a one hour ground review training session. Back in 1997, when the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) worked with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to revise 14 CFR Part 61.56, the intended outcome was that the CFIs would cover all the areas of concern and discipline with the aircraft that would keep you, the airman, on track and proficient (key word here, PROFICIENT). The WINGS Program was developed due to the evident shortfall of the review process and maximized its effort, by working with the CFIs to get their review process on track with the rules intent and not just rule satisfaction.

The following short list of topics must be a part of your yearly training if the accident rate is to decline:

Loss of Control (LOC)

Number one on the list of accidents causal factors. Refers to aircraft accidents that result from situations in which a pilot should have maintained (or should have regained) aircraft control, but failed to do so.

Pilot Proficiency

Conditions exceeding personal skill limitations can present themselves at any time and can occur unexpectedly. Pilots should be able to avoid being startled, make appropriate decisions in a timely manner, and be able to exercise skills at a proficiency level they may not have maintained or attained since acquired during initial training. 

Traffic Pattern Operations 

LOC accidents often occur while pilots are maneuvering at low altitude and airspeed, such as in an airport traffic pattern. Pilots should adopt, and flight instructors should promote, training programs designed to reduce the risk of General Aviation (GA) accidents in the traffic pattern or during traffic pattern operations. 

Airspeed control outside of that normally required for the type of operation must be analyzed, trained, and perfected to reduce the risk.

Stabilized Approaches 

Glidepath, heading, airspeed, configuration, rate of descent, power settings, and checklist usage must all be a part of this training

IFR/IMC 

Even Visual Flight Rules (VFR) pilots should be training for Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), as inadvertent IMC is another top six accident causal factor.

Manual Flight after Automation Failure – Airmanship!! 

Practice does make perfect, hands on, perfect!  Pilots need to know their equipment, in particular the aircraft limitations, configuration limits, electronics, and safety of flight data provided by the manufacturer. 

   A particular aircraft make and model is by design until it is altered. Review all Supplemental Type Certificates (STC), Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS), and Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) data for every aircraft you fly.  

How do we define Airmanship? 

Airmanship is the consistent use of good judgment and well-​developed skills to accomplish flight objectives. 

And finally… Each year, the Commercial Aviation industry invests billions of dollars in training and safety programs. Each year, you, as an airman, should plan to invest the time and dollars necessary to train through the safety of flight issues we see in General Aviation accidents. 

Safety is a motivated action which requires attention, skill, and refreshment throughout time.

Fly Safe!

By Jay M. Flowers, Safety Educator, Airline Transport Pilot, CFI, and Fellow Aviator

Three young aviation enthusiasts were recently awarded the North Dakota Professional Aviation Mechanics Association (NDPAMA) scholarships. Rod Brekken, the NDPAMA Scholarship Awards Coordinator presented them. The recipients are:

Tyler Hupp from Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD. He was awarded a $1500 scholarship and Bismarck Aero Center/NDPAMA jacket.

Keaton Shelton from Northland Community Technical College at Thief River Falls, MN. He received a $1750 scholarship and a Gordon Person/NDPAMA Jacket.

Nick Zingraf from Northland Community Technical College, MN. He received a $1500 scholarship and an Aviation Industry Partners/NDPAMA jacket.

Congratulations to these scholarship recipients and happy flying!

By Kyle Wanner, Executive Director

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) recently finalized approximately $5 million in state infrastructure grant allocations to multiple public airports throughout North Dakota. The 102 individual projects received grant awards at 53 different public-use airports throughout the state.  

A majority of the grant allocations are made possible from the NDAC’s Special Fund, where the primary revenue source is derived from state tax collections on aviation fuel and aircraft sales. These grants are critical in maintaining the needed infrastructure to support our aviation industry, which is a major contributor to the state’s economy and standard of living.

These state airport grant allocations will help to supplement the funding of high priority airport projects within North Dakota while at the same time ensuring that our statewide aviation system is being maintained.  These projects will also help to create jobs within our communities and will greatly assist our airports as they work to help our economy rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Provided on this page is a listing of each of the public airports that received a state grant along with a description of at least one of their funded projects. A full listing of the airport grants and dollar amounts can also be found in the news section on the Aeronautics Commission website. 

Congratulations to all of the communities on their grant awards! 

Commercial Airport Grant Awards:

Bismarck | Terminal Security Camera Upgrades

Devils Lake | Replace Radio Controller for Lighting

Dickinson | Runway 14/32 NAVAID Construction

Fargo | Acquire Snow Removal Equipment

Minot | Pavement Maintenance

General Aviation Grant Awards:

Ashley | Pavement Maintenance

Beach | Pavement Maintenance

Beulah | Pavement Maintenance

Bottineau | Pavement Maintenance

Carrington | Pavement Maintenance

Casselton | Pavement Maintenance

Cavalier | Pavement Maintenance

Crosby | Construct Snow Removal Equipment Building

Drayton | Pavement Maintenance

Ellendale | Pavement Maintenance

Enderlin | Tree Obstruction Removal

Fessenden | Purchase Airport Maintenance Trailer

Garrison | Pavement Maintenance

Grafton | Pavement Maintenance

Hazen | Taxiway and Apron Rehabilitation

Hettinger | Reconstruct Parallel Taxiway

Hillsboro | Construct Community Hangars 

Killdeer | Pavement Maintenance

Kulm | Purchase Box Scraper

LaMoure | Apron Rehabilitation

Langdon | Pavement Maintenance

Larimore | Pavement Maintenance

Leeds | Purchase Terminal Building

Lidgerwood | Design Medivac Helipad

Linton | Reconstruct Airport Lighting

Maddock | Design Airport Lighting

Mandan | Fuel System Upgrade

Mayville | Pavement Maintenance

Milnor | Runway Grading

Minto | Apron & Taxiway Drainage Improvements

Mohall | Pavement Maintenance

Napoleon | Pave Taxilane & Relocate Access Road

New Rockford | Pavement Maintenance 

New Town | Construct Community Hangar

Northwood | Pavement Maintenance

Park River | Tree Obstruction Removal

Rolla | Update Fuel System Card Reader

Rugby | Pavement Maintenance

Stanley | Purchase Snow Removal Equipment Building

St. Thomas | Replace Air to Ground Radio Antenna

Tioga | Runway Lighting Repairs

Valley City | Replace Jet A & 100LL Fuel Systems

Wahpeton | Apron Rehabilitation

Washburn | Construct Concrete Apron

Watford City | Purchase Snow Removal Equipment

Westhope | Runway Lighting Construction

Wishek | Airport Lighting System Repairs 

Do you have a family member or friend who is:

• An active duty or retired military member

• Works or worked in military aviation

• A North Dakota resident

We plan to highlight our local service members in upcoming Quarterly issues! Email editor@fly-nd.com for more information.

The aviation industry has a spot for YOU!

A rewarding career in aviation doesn't only mean being a pilot...

Register for the FREE Fly-ND Career Expo to see what your future could look like in management, air traffic control, weather planning, flight operations, maintenance, engineering, unmanned aircraft systems, space studies and so much more!

Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 | 9am-2pm

Dakota Territory Air Museum | Minot, ND

Scholarship Opportunities!

Register FREE Here!

Although COVID-19 may have slowed down the hiring of pilots, we are now seeing the effects of the pilot shortage once again. Earlier this summer, we saw flights being cancelled due to lack of crew and I am seeing signs of the commercial airlines hiring at a faster than pre-COVID rate. As I have mentioned in previous articles, it isn’t just the pilots; as the industry grows, we need mechanics, air traffic controllers, engineers, and other non-flying positions.

To help students find their spot in our industry, the North Dakota Aviation Association (NDAA) held its first Aviation Career Expo in Fargo, just before school ended in May. The event was a success with more than 100 students attending and learning about all the career opportunities in aviation. Thank you to all the exhibitors, presenters, and organizers who volunteered their time to make this event a great day. To top it off, THANK YOU to the generous donors who enabled nearly $15,000 worth of scholarships to be awarded to students wishing to pursue education in these high-need areas.

While at the Career Expo, the NDAA board voted to continue the momentum and get back on track with an annual fall Career Expo. Planning has already begun, and I am excited to see what we can provide to the students in western North Dakota on October 6, at the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot. It is looking like we will have double the students that attended in Fargo! See page 37 for details.

I look forward to the upcoming event, knowing that students will be inspired by the guest speakers that we have lined up, will have lots of time to network with passionate industry representatives, and will hopefully leave with an aviation scholarship. I hope that you will consider supporting the event. Financial contributions to the NDAA Scholarship Fund allow the Association to award more students with scholarships, easing the financial burden for a young aviation enthusiast. For the event to be a success, we also need static displays of aircraft and exhibitors. 

For more information about how you can help, or to sign up, visit: www.fly-nd.com/Career-Expo or email: expo@fly-nd.com 

Fargo Air Museum is launched a new flight simulator lab open to the public on June 17. 

Featuring two sets of controls – a yoke and joystick –with the option of virtual reality, pilots and aspiring aviators will be able to take to the sky virtually anywhere in the world. Individuals are able to choose from more than 30 aircraft to fly. Flights can be adjusted to depart and land in various destinations all while the user experiences real-time weather and air traffic conditions.

General public can purchase access to the flight simulator lab for $10 per 15 minute session. Fargo Air Museum members receive one free hour along with a subsequent discounted rate of $5 per session. Availability is limited for the lab with only two to three hours per day. Interested individuals are encouraged to register for their session in advance via at www.fargoairmuseum.org.

The opening of the flight simulator lab is thanks in part to the North Dakota Main Street Grant Initiative and the Warren R. and Irene O. Diederich Fund.

Flight simulator lab hours:

Tuesday and Thursday 11am - 2pm  |  Wednesday 3pm - 5pm

Saturday 11am - 2pm  |  Sunday 10am - 1pm     

Join today for $25 here!

NDAA Membership Benefits

All Member Types of the organization will have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the following items: 

• Fly-ND Quarterly subscription
  
• Network with other aviation enthusiasts and industry partners, 
  
• Invest in the future of Aviation in ND
  
• Advocacy and lobbying efforts which benefit the aviation industry 
  
• “Regional Voice” through representation on other boards and other advocacy
  
• Collaborate with other member groups
  
• Help student members to fuel aviation for tomorrow
  
• Protect aviation in North Dakota
  
• Opportunity for committee involvement – Conference, Advocacy, Strategic Planning, etc.
  
• Communicate concerns or issues to the board and organization
  
• Information focus on website, jobs, blogs, advertising, etc.
  
• Stay informed on aviation – related issues through regular communication
  
• Participate in NDAA events and functions
  

Individual Member category is intended for those with personal or employment interest in the aviation profession or industry and who support the purpose of NDAA. 

• Member discounts from participating business partners
  
• Member discounts from participating North Dakota aviation museums
  
• IA renewals through ND PAMA at the Fly-ND Annual Conference 
  
• Ability to vote at the NDAA annual meeting to elect officers, update bylaws, and vote on large issues and run for office and/or board position
  

Organizational Member category is intended for agencies and non-profit groups whose mission serves the aviation professions, industries, and supports the purpose of NDAA.

• Special Priority at the Fly-ND Annual Conference (Including hosting training opportunities, discounted booths, meeting rooms, and award recognition) 
  
• Representation and link on the NDAA Fly-ND website
  
• Assistance with distribution of your organization’s information and dues processing
  
• Organization member websites and logos are advertised on NDAA website and at the Fly-ND Conference
  
• Ability to submit articles for the Fly-ND Quarterly regarding organizational updates
  

Allied Member category is intended for firms, companies, and consultants who are actively engaged in providing products and/or services to aviation professions, and companies who support the purpose of NDAA. Allied members do not have voting rights. 

• Listed in Fly-ND Quarterly and website as an Allied Member
  
• Certificate of Membership
  
• Opportunity for collaborative involvement in aerospace advocacy
  
• Network with the aviation community as well as participate in the Career Expo and other NDAA functions
  
• Advertise open job opportunities
  

Student Member category is intended for individuals enrolled in an institution of higher learning who have a keen interest in aviation and support the purpose of NDAA. Student Members are not entitled to vote or hold a board position.

• Explore all facets of aviation 
  
• Eligible for scholarships
  
• Professional development credits
  
• Member discounts from participating North Dakota aviation museums
  
• Complimentary attendance at the annual conference
  
• Networking opportunities
  
• Mentorship & training
  
• Career advancement through job boards
  

NDAA Executive Director’s Note by The Staiger Consulting Group

“We know summer 

is the height of 

being alive.”

              -GARY SHTEYNGART

As a true North Dakotan and self-proclaimed lake bum, I view summers as a great gift and precious resource. I am fascinated to see how families and communities awaken and unearth in summertime. We are scrambling to get ready for weekends at the lake and staying up WAY past the little one’s bedtime, in order to get another couple minutes of wonderful driveway conversation with the neighbors as our dirty but happy kids play in their not-so-secret fort.

The extended daylight offers us bonus time in the summer, maybe as a peace offering for surviving its stingy presence in the winter months, when we run to work in the dark and scramble home in the dark. When it’s too cold and too bitter to interact with people outside of our immediate family. When we are snuggling in with a book by the fire, cheering at football games, and enjoying cozy movie nights. Not now though; this is the time of year when we get outside and pack it all in!

Communities awaken in the summer; it’s time for summer theatre, outdoor sports, community pools, zoos and parks, and day trips to museums or pitchfork fondues. I feel more connected to my community in the summer and more inclined to participate in these types of events, as I am motivated by the fact that our precious window of time for these events is rather limited. 

I think this can also be said for the aviation community. I am excited to see all the community fly-ins, which bring people together, fundraisers, air shows, and camps for students. In addition, the air museums have a variety of events happening for those of us who pop our heads out of our winter caves. This is inspiring and I hope you can take advantage of the many wonderful summer aviation activities throughout the state, including all the local fly-ins and fundraisers. What a great way to see the state, support communities, and connect with old and new friends. 

The North Dakota Aviation Association (NDAA) will also be hosting one of these wonderful community events: the Fly-ND Summerfest in Washburn, ND on August 19. Fly in or drive in for a day to celebrate summer and aviation! We will have the Airport Association of North Dakota meeting at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, the NDAA Scholarship Golf Tournament at Painted Woods Golf Course, self-guided activities for non-golfers, a BBQ social at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, combined with a North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame presentation, honoring Bill Beeks. I cannot think of a better way to spend a summer day. We will be raising money for aviation students, spending time with friends, and celebrating and honoring an extraordinary individual who helped build a foundation in local aviation. More information can be found on the Fly-ND website: www.fly-nd.com. Our team is happy to help you sign up.

We sincerely appreciate all the support from the Fly-ND Summerfest event sponsors and the fabulous committee who is putting it all together. We hope to see you there, packing it all in this summer, and maybe even staying up past your bedtime!

Stacy & Mike Krumwiede