September 10, 2025
Northland Community & Technical College, in partnership with the National Center for Autonomous Technologies (NCAT), has successfully hosted Northland’s first Trusted Operator Mentor/Protégé Training Cohort for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). The weeklong event brought together educators from across the country to earn industry-recognized certifications and gain hands-on experience in drone operations.
Participants completed rigorous training to earn AUVSI Trusted Operator Level 1 and Level 2 certifications, equipping them to train and certify students at their own institutions. The program was led by Jaykob Miller, Adjunct Instructor at Northland and U.S. Air Force Captain, who guided attendees through curriculum focused on UAS safety management, standard operating procedures, and general maintenance. Educators also demonstrated flight proficiency through practical assessments.
“This critical training will allow institutions to certify students with AUVSI credentials, ensuring safe and efficient UAS operations as they enter the workforce,” said Jon Beck, Executive Director of NCAT. “Thanks to support from the National Science Foundation and AUVSI, we’ve built a strong foundation for future cohorts.”
Beyond the classroom, participants toured Northland’s aerospace campus and the Thief River Falls Regional Airport, and attended evening networking events. Guest speakers included Casie Ocaña, Vice President of Public Affairs at AUVSI; Aaron Sykes, Flight Operations Project Manager at GrandSky; and Dr. Matthew Dunlevy, Founder & CEO of Aethero and SkySkopes.
Educator Megan Kostelnik, Instructor of Aviation at Pasco-Hernando State College, praised the experience:
“This training exceeded my expectations. It covered essential topics we needed to discuss, and the logistics and hospitality were outstanding. I was skeptical at first, but this program delivered exactly what the industry needs.”
The mentor/protégé model was designed to expand access to AUVSI’s Trusted Operator program while allowing educators to tailor instruction to their students’ needs.
“By enabling faculty to certify their own students, the program builds a consistent pipeline of skilled operators to meet the industry’s need for greater trust and safety,” said Casie Ocaña. “We’re grateful to NCAT for their leadership in making this first cohort a success.”
Northland and NCAT are already planning future training dates to continue building a national network of certified UAS educators.
For more information, contact Howard Brockhouse at howard.brockhouse@northlandcollege.edu or call 218-683-8748.