UND Aerospace Sciences aims to expand AP courses to new schools, include helicopter training

(Grand Forks, ND) -- With a workforce shortage in the airline industry, one group of pilots are trying a proven method to get more young people interested in the field.

The University of North Dakota is set to begin rolling out additional options for AP aviation courses in high schools across the state. These courses would be under the "Rotor Pathway Program" and are already in place for plane pilots. The program would look to expand the options to include helicopters. 

"We'd like to extend the opportunity to become a helicopter pilot not just to college students, but really starting at the high school level [...] "said Wes Van Dell, UND's Chief Helicopter Flight Instructor, "Our hope with this is that we have the opportunity to expand aviation curriculum and include more rotor-craft specific curriculum to high schools across the state of North Dakota."

Helicopter Association International is working with UND to help facilitate the program. Officials with the association say North Dakota would be the second of the rotor pathway programs created across the United States. 

"The helicopter pilot and mechanic shortage is predicted to last another decade, so UND’s program is especially valuable, "said Dan Sweet, the Director of Public Relations and Communications at Helicopter Association International, "The airlines are facing the same shortages, but have more resources to address the issue. We think helicopters are a better choice because pilots get to fly missions, not routes. And both pilots and mechanics still have opportunities to work around the world, around the U.S., or in just one area close to home if they prefer."

The dual credit options for students based on helicopter education is expected to be available in school currently teaching aviation courses sometime soon. The program also hopes to expand to new high schools who don't have the aviation courses.