AeroTalk

This week, we’re joined by Katia Peters and Rav Meddepola, both Senior Lead Flight Instructors at the University of North Dakota. As winter approaches, pilots face unique challenges when flying in cold weather. In this episode, Kat and Rav share essential tips and best practices to help you prepare for winter operations.

In this episode, Matt talks with Todd Gierke, a proud University of North Dakota alumnus and seasoned airline captain, to discuss the power of recognizing and taking hold of opportunities—both in aviation and in life. Todd shares his journey from earning a Psychology degree at UND in 1988 to flying some of the most advanced aircraft in the world with Delta Air Lines. With over 17,000 flight hours,...

After more than three decades of service to the University of North Dakota, Leo Saucedo officially retired in August of 2025. In the days leading up to his final shift, Matt sat down with Leo for a reflective conversation about his journey, the many hats he’s worn at UND, and what’s next in his well-earned retirement. Originally trained in civil engineering, Leo’s career path has taken him from de...

Irene Jirasevijinda is a recent graduate and newly minted Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at UND Aerospace. She recently sat down and shared her experience navigating college life , intense flight training , and competing as a Division I soccer player —all while being far from home in Thailand and starting with zero aviation background. In this episode, Irene shares: ✈️ How she managed her packe...

In this episode of AeroTalk , we’re taking you back to where it all began—the early days of the aviation program at the University of North Dakota. Join our host, Matt Opsahl, as he sits down with former Assistant Dean, Ken Polovitz, and long-time Aviation Professor, Kent Lovelace. Together, they reflect on their experiences working alongside John Odegard to build one of the nation's leading aviat...

Stressing about your next stage check? In this episode of AeroTalk, Assistant Chief Flight Instructors Bryan Smith and John Rudolph break down simple yet essential steps student pilots may overlook when preparing for their stage checks. Follow along as they discuss common challenges with time management, preparation, and decision making, offering practical strategies to help you overcome these hur...

Welcome to AeroTalk! Tune in for the first episode on September 29th, with new episodes every Monday.