North Dakota Aeronautics Commission

AGENCY HISTORY The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission was established in 1947 by the State Legislature to provide representation of the state in aviation matters and to provide responsibility for the state’s aviation programs and regulatory framework. The Governor appoints the five members of the Aeronautics Commission to the board for terms of office of five years. A history of commissioners and agency directors can be found on the Agency History page. The Commission appoints an Executive Director to administer the agency and to oversee the agency's support staff. The office location is at the general aviation pilot terminal on the Bismarck Municipal Airport, Bismarck, ND (KBIS). AGENCY MISSION To serve the public by providing economic and technical assistance for the aviation community while ensuring the safe and cost-effective advancement of aviation in North Dakota. AGENCY PURPOSE The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission supports aviation activities in the state through communication with state, local, and Federal Aviation Association (FAA) officials, congressional offices, and national aviation groups. The commission is responsible for administering North Dakota’s laws in regards to the registration of aircraft, aircraft dealers, aerial applicators, and the collection of aircraft excise tax. The Aeronautics Commission provides grant funding for airport infrastructure projects and manages aviation education initiatives and programs throughout the state. The office also provides airport planning services, helps to maintain the state’s Automated Weather Observation Systems (AWOS), and provides airport inspections for the general aviation airports. The Aeronautics Commission also works to maintain and update publicized planning documents to help maintain and grow North Dakota’s aviation transportation system. Statewide airport capital improvement plans, aviation economic impact studies, airport directories, state aviation system plans, and pavement condition index studies are a few examples of these documents. The Executive Director also serves as an ex-officio member of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site Authority, Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute Advisory Board, the Atmospheric Resource Board, and the North Dakota Aviation Council.