About 20 stakeholders in North Dakota's growing unmanned aircraft systems industry met Wednesday to pitch the state to a potential new business.
U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., led a discussion focusing on why pilot-training company FlightSafety International should set up shop in North Dakota.
"The best solution to train Air Force pilots and other pilots in flying unmanned aircraft is right here," Hoeven told FlightSafety International officials.
FlightSafety trains both commercial and military pilots using simulators and live flights at 55 training centers.
The company has had a relationship with UND's aviation program since the 1980s, said Al Palmer, director of the university's UAS center.
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North Dakota officials are aiming to recruit the company as a tenant in Grand Sky, the nation's first UAS business and technology park. Located adjacent to Grand Forks Air Force Base, the park would offer space for offices, labs, hangars and data storage facilities.
Members of the group included representatives from UND, Northern Plains UAS Test Site, Grand Forks County and Grand Forks Economic Development Corporation.
Several highlighted the state's strong points, among them a UAS test site and state money set aside for potential research and development efforts for unmanned aircraft.
FlightSafety officials also noted some of the positives the state offers.
"In so many other areas, they've had this challenge of, 'If I build it, will they come?'" said Ron Ladnier, president of FlightSafety Services Corporation. "Well you know, they don't always come, and I'm talking about instructors."
He added the area would have a population to draw from to fill instructor positions.
Following the discussion, the group met privately with FlightSafety to given presentations.
