University of North Dakota

[Lilbirny21]

I'm looking at attending UND and was wondering if anyone could give me any info about it or there experiences there. Also how bout any comments on getting an aviation degree.

 

[Flyerjosh]

It's cold. It's expensive. But overall, I was pretty happy with my experiences there (I graduated in 2000). If you want, I'll be happy to chat about what I know about the university, although I've been removed for a few years now.

~Josh

 

[rod guhzhinya]

I graduated in 2003, be happy to give you the skinny..pm me.


rod

 

[DC8 Flyer]

Graduated 2001, NOT expensive. 36k for all ratings through CFII and a 4 year degree. Not a bad deal. It is cold 4 months out of the year (Nov - Feb). ND/MN woman are some of the best on the planet (if you find a woman who knows what a John Deere 9600 is AND can drive it, keep her).

If you decide on UND, make sure you major in something other than aviation, get a business, computer science, anything but Aeronautics. Nothing wrong with the program perse, advanced aerodynamics, engine theory, etc is all good but you really can't fall back on it if you need to.

The program itself is very "rigid" as it should be, it's a 141 school. Sure there are things that don't make sense, but most of the rules that are a pain are written in "blood". IE, the solo sign off procedures, weather mins for solo flight, etc. But to be honsest with you I had more trouble getting my instructor(s) and my students to fly more, not the other way around.

You pay a little more per hour for the airplane and sims, but you are also flying some well equiped airplanes, flat panel avionics, dual GPS units, autopilots, etc. The seminole sims are very nice with the wrap around visuals (although you dont get to use it much since they are used primarily for IFR training).

http://flightops.aero.und.edu/facts/costs.asp
The above is the average flight costs (note that is not what the course min is, most people can do most of the courses in the min times plus an hour or two as needed. It is all about personnal motivation.

Lemme know if you have anymore questions.

 

[rod guhzhinya]

I agree with DC8flyer! Don't get an aviation degree, it is pretty much worthless. I have an avit mgmt degree from UND.... I worked ramp for $6.50/hr for a year after graduation then was lucky enough to get a job in mgmt which fell through a month before I was slated to start.

Currently I am employed as an aircraft dispatcer, my degree from UND and PPL allowed me to take an accelerated dispatcher course, this is the only benefit my $100,000 degree from UND has gotten me so far. But all said, you get from UND what up put into it and I could have worked harder. DC8flyer is right, you can't beat the UND rules, just have to go with the flow.

Honestly, I had a fantastic time at UND and met some of my best friends there. Nodak locals are wonderful people and the local gals are pretty hot.

However, the laptop program and this new CRJ regional Jet training device are typical UND propaganda .....just another way for UNDAERO to get sho' money!


Good luck

 

[SiouxHockeyFan]

cold winters, but lots of beer, good looking mid western women, and of course a great hockey team. GO SIOUX!!

 

[CrownandCoke]

cold winters, but lots of beer, good looking mid western women, and of course a great hockey team. GO SIOUX!!

yeah, but in the dining centers, man, some of the girls...ugh...

seriously though, I graduated last summer and I don't have any regrets about UND. It's a great school. Training with the best aircraft and the best instructors in the training industry. The classes you take will prepare you well.

Drawbacks is damn it's cold, expensive at times (multi especially) and it's demanding. Be prepared to work hard.

 

[THE Flying Ace]

I was there pre-flood days and I loved it. Whiteys, Bonzers, backdoor, Antique. Pretty much lived downtown. Good program, learned lots. Met my friends that I stay closest to from college. Work at Sam's Club or Walmart. Fun people, always a party somewhere and most of the chicks that work there love to have fun; if you know what I mean.

 

[rod guhzhinya]

Flying ace,

I hear ya, I think I spent too much time downtown, that's probably why it took me almost 6 years to gragimitate!! But it's all good, no regrets, had a blast and like you met my best friends up there....go sioux!!!

rod

 

[CrownandCoke]

Flying ace,

I hear ya, I think I spent too much time downtown, that's probably why it took me almost 6 years to gragimitate!! But it's all good, no regrets, had a blast and like you met my best friends up there....go sioux!!!

rod

the downtown area is booming again...thanks to the bars!