On April 6, 2024, the University of North Dakota is hosting Aerospace Community Day. This day, hosted annually by the college, serves as an exceptional opportunity to showcase the impact of the university’s aerospace program, while simultaneously involving and inspiring the community. Various parts of the aerospace college provide activities for the community such as touring UND’s facilities, flying spacecraft and various aircraft simulators, and other arts and craft activities. This allows people of all ages to experience different parts of the aerospace industry and ignites passion that can last a lifetime.   

Upon arriving for the event, participants complete check in and pick up a passport, including all the participating stops for Aerospace Community Day. In an open house style function, individuals may explore at their own pace, stretching from Clifford Hall on UND’s campus to the Grand Forks International Airport. Events will be available both on campus and at UND’s flight operations at the Grand Forks International Airport. Throughout the stops, you have the chance to win prizes and other souvenirs. Every activity is crafted to show participants how much there truly is to the aerospace industry. Events such as these are crucial to a sense of community. Through events like Aerospace Community Day, college students can interact with children as well as adults to share their passion for aviation.   

At UND’s flight operations, participants may explore some static exhibits including airplanes and helicopters from UND’s fleet. With the help of current aerospace students, participants may step inside various aircraft to see what students fly. The aircraft are pulled into a hangar so that participants can explore freely, examine each aircraft closely, and ask questions.   

UND’s Flying Team, UND’s Air Race Classic Team, and UND’s chapter of Women in Aviation are just some of the groups that represent the university on Aerospace Community Day. UND’s Air Race Classic Team, for example, provides coloring pages for participants. These coloring pages can be completed and taped on to the team’s aircraft that they use for the race. This is an exceptional way for the team to share their story and mission, while getting involved with the community. UND’s Aerobatic Team is another volunteer. The Aerobatic Team flies Super Decathlons, which are different than the university’s Piper Archers and Piper Seminoles. This variety of aircraft is arranged for the public to see on Aerospace Community Day.   

If you are a UND student looking to get involved on campus, Aerospace Community Day is a great opportunity. If you are interested in volunteering, you can email Elizabeth Bjerke at [email protected] or Jonathan Gehrke at [email protected]. The event is free to the public, with limited spots available. Make sure to keep an eye out on the UND website and social media accounts for updates.

Sadie Blace is a Dakota Student Section Editor. She can be reached at [email protected].