North Dakota
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According to the 2015 North Dakota Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study, general aviation airports support more than $121 million in total economic impact annually..
Aviation by the Numbers
According to the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, North Dakota has 89 public-use airports, approximately 3,964 pilots and 2,281 registered aircraft.
Number of Jobs
According to the 2015 North Dakota Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study, general aviation airports in North Dakota support over 900 jobs and a payroll of more than $41 million.
Economic Impact
According to the same study, airports across the state support more than $1.5 billion in total economic impact per year, and general aviation airports support more than $121 million in total economic impact.
According to FAA data, North Dakota is home to 13 repair stations, 1 FAA-approved pilot school, 1,573 student pilots and 576 flight instructors.
In addition, according to the AC-U-KWIK directory, there are 54 fixed-base operators in the state. According to Helicopter Association International, there are 35 heliports in North Dakota.
According to the University Aviation Association, flight departments in North Dakota include the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.
Located in Fargo, Weather Modification Incorporated is a pioneer in cloud seeding, the application of scientific technology to enhance a cloud's ability to produce precipitation. WMI has successfully used their technology to increase precipitation, mitigate hail damage, and disperse fog throughout the region.
Kyle Wanner, Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission
"General aviation and our network of airports are critical to supporting agriculture, businesses, and access to critical services for our communities throughout the state and country. In the coming decades, the aviation industry faces a critical shortage of pilots and other aviation professionals and it is vital that we work together to invest in our next generation of pilots and aviation personnel through strong high school and collegiate programs, increased awareness about local flight training programs, and federal support for programs which will foster collaboration and information sharing across many different sectors to ensure future opportunities for our future."