General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) has temporarily relocated its flight operations in North Dakota in an agreement that underscores the maturity of today’s uncrewed aircraft and the value of good neighbors.
Runway construction at the Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB), which is used by the company’s Flight Test and Training Center, prompted GA-ASI officials to seek permission to fly its MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft from Hector International Airport in Fargo, North Dakota, about 80 miles south.
These flights, which use the Fargo Jet Center located within the airport, are rare examples in which an active commercial airport also hosts regular flight operations of big uncrewed aircraft.
The technology and people are ready, leaders say.
GA-ASI President David R. Alexander, commented, “As our MQ-9s have evolved, they have become more and more like manned aircraft, with the remote pilot having the same level of situational and traffic awareness that you would find on an airliner. We appreciate the teams at Hector and the Fargo Jet Center working with us to ensure that our daily training missions continue without disruption.”
GA-ASI’s air operations in North Dakota are focused on training pilots and crews to operate MQ-9 aircraft via radio and satellite link as well as to test new systems onboard the aircraft. Contact with pilots and other safety aids mean air traffic controllers at Hector International Airport manage the traffic just as they would conventional aircraft.
Fargo’s airport already hosts daily operations of MQ-9s by the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 119th Wing. However, flying GA-ASI company-owned MQ-9s out of the Fargo Jet Center represents a new achievement: the operation of non-U.S. government MQ-9s at an international airport in North Dakota.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, which operates MQ-9s from GFAFB, also has been affected by construction. CPB has likewise reached an agreement with the Fargo Airport Authority and the Fargo Jet Center to operate its MQ-9s from Hector International Airport.
Dave Fulcher, Director of Air and Marine Operations for CBP’s National Air Security Operations Center-Grand Forks, added, “Air and Marine Operations sincerely thank the Fargo Jet Center, the N.D. Air National Guard, and the Airport Authority for their outstanding support in enabling our MQ-9 unmanned aircraft operations. This partnership is vital to our law enforcement mission, helping us protect our borders and our community.”
In all, the adjustment has highlighted the flexibility of these regional stakeholders, who resolved that runway repairs should not restrict important MQ-9 missions.
Jim Sweeney, President of the Fargo Jet Center, stated, “Fargo Jet Center is honored to be a part of this historic collaboration between GA-ASI, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Hector International Airport. North Dakota has always been at the forefront of the unmanned aircraft systems industry, and we’re proud to host the teams driving this exciting and innovative work forward.”
According to Shawn Dobberstein, executive director of Hector International Airport, they too are proud to support this important initiative. “This is the next chapter in North Dakota’s leadership in unmanned aircraft systems operations. The integration of additional MQ-9 flights alongside commercial and general aviation activity highlights the innovation and strong partnerships driving the future of aviation in our region.”
The shift in flight operations began April 21 and is expected to end on September 30 when runway construction at the Flight Test and Training Center and Grand Forks Air Force Base is complete.
