North Dakota is a thriving ecosystem of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in public and private use. Through the development of Vantis, a statewide network enabling UAS flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), it is poised to become the nation's epicenter of commercial UAS activity. Vantis is the first such program of its scale in the United States.
Our UAS Experience
Reducing Barriers to Success
The state has taken the lead through capital investment and infrastructure, while facilitating regulatory approvals and commercial applications. Vantis' team brings together leaders with decades of aviation, telecommunication and government experience in fostering innovation and reducing barriers to success.
Diversifying North Dakota's Economy
The uses for UAS are growing exponentially, and North Dakota has played a leadership role from the start. In the past decade, the state's UAS industry has grown from several dozen workers to more than 1,000. UAS act as the connectors of the sky and serve to diversify ND's economy. Railroads brought prosperity. So will UAS.
Our Team
Trevor Woods
Executive Director
Northern Plains UAS Test Site
A visionary team needs visionary leadership. Trevor never asks if the next advancement in the industry is possible - he asks how we get there. He began his career at the forefront of UAS research and testing and was a part of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site's inception. His work has facilitated advancements in C2 and DAA technologies and BVLOS operations, helping develop the original concept for Vantis. He led the test site participation in the FAA's IPP, now the BEYOND program, and served as the Lead in the FAA's BVLOS ARC Working Group 2.1. Trevor has always pushed us beyond the bounds of possible.
Erin Roesler
Deputy Executive Director
Northern Plains UAS Test Site
Looking for UAS expertise? Look no further. In addition to her Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, Erin holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate, CFII and MEI certificates, and a Remote Pilot Certificate. She is active in industry standards bodies, including ASTM, RTCA, and ANSI UAS Standardization Collaborative. She is a former adjunct lecturer for the University of North Dakota Department of Aerospace and developed a UAS training course curriculum for Boeing Insitu ScanEagle, AFRL PRINCE MQ-1/9 RPA Simulator, and various sUAS. Erin wrote the book on UAS operations - literally.
Danielle Miller
Director of Safety
Northern Plains UAS Test Site
Danielle is a problem-solver. From her previous work in environmental geology to her current work in UAS, Danielle is used to being approached with complex requests and mapping her way to a solution. Danielle sees the big picture and the little details required to fully understand an issue - that's why she has been instrumental in managing the initial deployment and testing of the Vantis network as well as North Dakota's participation in the FAA's Integration Pilot Program, now BEYOND. As the safety director, she's set her sights on safer skies - which is good news for everyone.
Collin Newberry
Interim Director of Operations
Northern Plains UAS Test Site
Bio coming soon!
Discover the Capabilities
Talk to us about programs and projects Vantis can make fly.
Let's Talk