FAA-supported program at University of North Dakota helps veterans become civil pilots 

Vets2Wings is becoming an invaluable part of the FAA's efforts to create a robust pipeline for new commercial pilots. In partnership with the University of North Dakota (UND), the program helps transition military veterans into commercial pilot careers. Vets2Wings has been a rousing success for the aviation community.

The program takes pride in its 66 active students and 39 graduates, of which more than a dozen are now flying for commercial airlines including SkyWest, Endeavor, PSA, and Envoy. Additionally, 20 Vets2Wings graduates work as flight instructors at UND, operating out of Grand Forks International Airport.

Since the program’s inception, 192 certificates and ratings have been issued, including Instrument Rating, Commercial Multi-engine Pilot Certificates, and Flight Instructor Certificates.

“With there being a need for commercial pilots, the Vets2Wings program is a win-win for the FAA and aviation industry,” says Marie Sharpe, the FAA’s Vets2Wings program manager. “The program has proven success with creating a pathway for veterans to become commercial pilots while reducing their financial burden.”

“We have already seen tremendous success, with nearly 20 of our 39 graduates now flying for the airlines or U.S. government organizations,” explains Jason Evans, teaching assistant professor of aviation at UND. “Most of our remaining graduates are working as certified flight instructors, building the flight hours needed to transition to airline careers. With an additional 66 students active in the program, we expect to see many more transition into airline careers in the months and years to come.”

Delivering Benefits to Students and Airlines

The Vets2Wings program is driving pilot workforce development and recruitment and offers a unique pool of talent for airlines looking to hire new commercial pilots. Vets2Wings offers students in-person support from airline leaders, and the prospective pilots get help with resumes, job searches, and interview training. “We have also received outstanding support from U.S. airline industry representatives, who have volunteered their time to mentor our veteran students and provide valuable contacts for future employment,” Evans says.

Graduate Testimonials

“Vets2Wings is an incredible program in the sense that it provides that last stretch of help needed to fully fund an aviation education, but I believe the true benefit of the program lies in what it enables. The Vets2Wings scholarship enables both veterans and those currently serving to not have the added stress of a financial burden when pursuing an aviation degree.” 
– Patrick Hamilton, First Officer for SkyWest

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“[The program] allowed me to completely focus on school and flying without having to worry about where the money for my next flight was.” 
– Second Lt. Josephine Ebertowski, C130 Pilot at the 96th Airlift Squadron

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“This program was life changing because I was struggling to afford the cost of flight training. Flight training expenses are separate from tuition and are not normally covered by Army National Guard education benefits. The Vets2Wings Program was my last opportunity to focus fully on both my flight training and my education. In aviation, staying proficient is essential because flying skills and muscle memory can quickly fade without regular practice. In my opinion, one of the greatest strengths of this program is that it relieves the financial burden on students, allowing them to concentrate on becoming safe and skilled pilots.” 
– Harim Lee, Specialist in the Army National Guard and First Officer at Envoy Air

“Vets2Wings allowed me to translate my military experience into civilian aviation strengths that my civilian cohorts would not have the chance to develop until later in their careers. Furthermore, the industry contact with other military members within the airline industry helped me create a strong network of peers that would have otherwise been difficult to accomplish by myself.” 
– Timothy Johnson, First Officer at Endeavor Air

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With FAA funding secured for four more years, the program will continue to serve the aviation community as well as feed the instruction program at UND.

For more information on Vets2Wings, please contact Marie Sharpe, Program Manager, Vets2Wings via marie.sharpe@faa.gov.