Fly to Bismarck, Badlands
AOPA-partnered passport program premieres in North Dakota
AOPA is joining multiple state aviation organizations to host the North Dakota Airport Passport Program. Rewards and recognition await pilots who get their books stamped the most.
The program encourages FAA-certificated pilots from any state to visit airports, attend FAA safety seminars, and explore aviation museums in North Dakota. The mission of the program is to promote safety and education, giving pilots a chance to practice approaches and landings in different environments while supporting North Dakota general aviation airports, businesses, and tourism.
“The Fly North Dakota Airports Passport Program is an exciting way to encourage pilots to improve their flight skills while also providing an open invitation to discover and experience all that North Dakota aviation has to offer,” said Kyle Wanner, director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.
Pilots can participate through the Pilot Passport feature in the AOPA app, request a book online, or pick up a passport book in person from the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.
“North Dakota is excited to partner with AOPA to enable us with the ability [to] provide a new digital option for all participants within the Passport Program. This will enhance the experience for current and future participants while encouraging additional flight activity throughout the state,” said Wanner.
Adventures across North Dakota await pilots who participate.
Fly to Fargo to find aircraft, military memorabilia, and one of the Midwest’s largest aviation libraries at the Fargo Air Museum. Considered a “flying museum”—as many of the airplanes can still take flight—this unique destination is just 6 miles east of another stamp opportunity at West Fargo Municipal Airport.
Hoping to catch a glimpse of the Badlands from above? Travel between Beach Airport and Dickinson/Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport for aerial views of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and grab two stamps for the trip.
Dakota Territory Air Museum is the second air museum in North Dakota with a stamp opportunity. Located at Minot International Airport, this museum has hangars, galleries, and outdoor displays to explore.
Hatton is another a small community within 40 miles of airports like Grand Forks International Airport, Northwood Municipal Airport/Vince Field, Larimore Municipal Airport, and Mayville Municipal Airport. While you can't pick up a stamp, the opportunity to take hangar tour and get a history lesson at Hatton-Eielson Museum—the childhood home of Carl Ben Eielson, famous bush pilot and explorer who piloted the first airmail route in Alaska in 1924—is well worth the visit.
AOPA app version 2.6.5 or newer is required for participation in the program, and participants need to opt in to the North Dakota Program to be enrolled. Users can opt in using the AOPA app by going to “Account,” choosing “My Pilot Passport,” and selecting “See All Programs” at the bottom in the State Passport Programs section.
