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North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) received its official Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 147 Air Agency Certificate today, formally authorizing the College to train the next generation of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs). The certificate — presented during a brief ceremony inside the AMT Program Hangar — marks the final milestone in a 12-month application, inspection, and approval process. 

“We are honored to receive this FAA certification, and we’re excited to begin preparing students for high-demand careers in aviation maintenance,” said Terry Marohl, NDSCS Dean of Transportation. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to hands-on, industry-driven education, and we’re ready to deliver.” 

Joining Marohl at the ceremony was Nathan Cowan, Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) Program Coordinator, who accepted the certificate on behalf of the College. Representatives from the Fargo Jet Center and the FAA’s Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) presented the certificate to the NDSCS team. 

“With this certificate in hand, we can give students a direct, affordable pathway into one of the fastest-growing careers in aviation,” said Cowan. “Our students will graduate workforce-ready and in high demand.” 

Set to launch in Fall 2025, the program is the only FAA-certified offering of its kind in North Dakota. NDSCS will welcome its first class of AMT students to its 19th Avenue North Fargo location, with instruction taking place in both classroom and hands-on at the AMT Program Hangar in collaboration with the Fargo Jet Center. 

“This is more than a certification—it’s a commitment to students, employers, and the future of aviation in North Dakota,” added Marohl. 

For more information about the program, visit NDSCS.edu/Aviation. 

Photo caption (Left to Right): Darren Hall, Fargo Jet Center, VP Business Development; Gary Kwasniewski, Aviation Safety Inspector, FAA; Nathan Cowan; Terry Marohl; Joshua Rychener, Aviation Safety Inspector, FAA; Todd Roth, Frontline Operations Manager, FAA

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) proudly announces the receipt of a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), totaling $307,608. This grant earmarks NDSCS as a critical player in expanding the aviation maintenance technology field through a new and robust educational program known as the North Dakota Fly High Career Pathway Program.

With a deep commitment to innovation and education, NDSCS will leverage this grant to develop a comprehensive Associate of Applied Science Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. This initiative not only elevates NDSCS's educational offerings but also forges vital collaborations with local and regional aviation organizations. The program is poised to bolster the workforce with skilled aviation maintenance technicians who are well-versed in the latest industry standards and technologies.

The allocated funds will serve as a cornerstone in facilitating FAA Part 147 Certifications and creating a dynamic learning environment through the establishment of dedicated lab and classroom spaces. With a satellite campus near Hector International Airport in Fargo, NDSCS is positioning itself to become a hub for aviation excellence, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

The North Dakota Fly High Career Pathway Program sets its sights beyond education, offering students a seamless transition into the workforce. By introducing students to the corporate culture of airlines and providing ample networking opportunities, NDSCS ensures its graduates are not only skilled but also highly employable in a competitive market.

This grant is part of a larger FAA initiative distributing $13.5 million across thirty-two schools nationwide, aiming to revitalize the aviation professional pipeline, particularly in the wake of the pandemic's impact on the sector. As one of the twenty schools part of the FAA’s Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development program, NDSCS is at the forefront of addressing the critical shortage of maintenance professionals, signaling a resurgence of growth and opportunity in the industry.

"Receiving this grant is a testament to NDSCS's dedication to advancing aviation technology education," said Dr. Rod Flanigan, NDSCS President. "Developing this program will not only benefit our students but also contribute significantly to the local and regional economy by fulfilling the demand for highly qualified aviation maintenance technicians."

Enrollment for the first cohort of aviation maintenance technicians is slated to begin by the end of this project, marking a new chapter for both NDSCS and the aviation industry at large.

For more information about NDSCS’s aviation programs and other educational offerings, visit NDSCS.edu/Academics.