Aviation Expo - Unmanned Aircraft

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), is an emerging industry that is moving into the civilian sector of aviation. This session will explain the outlook and projections for UAS, focus on the need for trained maintenance personnel in the industry, how to get training, and the job and employment outlook.

• Birgir “Biggi” Haraldsson is the Director of Aviation Programs at Northland Community & Technical College (NCTC) in Thief River Falls Minnesota. Biggi has held several leadership positions for the past 13 years of his 20 year aviation career including international operations, station start-up, regulatory compliance, and audit responsibilities. He is a 1995 graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, holding a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology degree, and holds an FAA A&P certificate along with an Icelandic Journeyman Certificate as an aircraft mechanic.
• Curt Zoller is the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Program Manager at NCTC. The UAS program is the first of its kind. Curtis is responsible for development of the UAS program and delivering of the state of the art learning for students and industry partners. Before coming to Northland, Curtis served with the Minnesota National Guard and other Department of Defense affiliates working in and around the UAS industry. Curtis is a graduate of St. Cloud State University in Minnesota where he studied Aviation Management and Criminal Justice, and is currently the safety officer for the state of Minnesota for UAS with the Army National Guard.