Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Meet Sarah Simek, more commonly referred to as JT, an Air Traffic Controller at Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) and Union President for GFK NATCA. In this episode of AeroTalk, JT shares what it’s like working in the control tower at GFK and discusses how teamwork, adaptability, and resilience play a vital role in keeping operations safe and efficient.
JT began her aviation journey at a CTO school in New Braunfels, Texas, where she trained both as a pilot and an air traffic controller. She joined the FAA in 2007 and has since worked in facilities across Houston, Evansville, Dayton, and now Grand Forks. In addition to her role as a controller and Union President for GFK NATCA, JT serves as the the Great Lakes Regional Communications Representative, and the National Communications Committee Vice Chair.
AeroTalk is the the official podcast of UND Aerospace with new episodes released every Monday! Alongside our host, Matt Opsahl, listeners will explore a range of topics within the field of aerospace. We’ll take you beyond the classroom, talking with alumni, exploring career opportunities in aviation and aerospace, and sharing a few stories along the way. From hands-on tips to industry insights, this podcast is your weekly co-pilot through the ups and downs of life.
Catch every episode on your favorite platform:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4XBDIY9...
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ff7...
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the show! Don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🙌
UND Aerospace is a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, nationally acclaimed for our achievements in collegiate aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research. With more than 500 faculty and staff members, 1,800+ students from around the world, and myriad programs and projects, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is setting the pace for the future of flight.
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: instagram.com/undaerospace
Facebook: facebook.com/UNDAerospace
Twitter: twitter.com/UNDAerospace?s=20
Meet Sarah Simek, more commonly referred to as JT, an Air Traffic Controller at Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) and Union President for GFK NATCA. In this episode of AeroTalk, JT shares what it’s like working in the control tower at GFK and discusses how teamwork, adaptability, and resilience play a vital role in keeping operations safe and efficient.
JT began her aviation journey at a CTO school in New Braunfels, Texas, where she trained both as a pilot and an air traffic controller. She joined the FAA in 2007 and has since worked in facilities across Houston, Evansville, Dayton, and now Grand Forks. In addition to her role as a controller and Union President for GFK NATCA, JT serves as the the Great Lakes Regional Communications Representative, and the National Communications Committee Vice Chair.
AeroTalk is the the official podcast of UND Aerospace with new episodes released every Monday! Alongside our host, Matt Opsahl, listeners will explore a range of topics within the field of aerospace. We’ll take you beyond the classroom, talking with alumni, exploring career opportunities in aviation and aerospace, and sharing a few stories along the way. From hands-on tips to industry insights, this podcast is your weekly co-pilot through the ups and downs of life.
Catch every episode on your favorite platform:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4XBDIY9...
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ff7...
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the show! Don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🙌
UND Aerospace is a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, nationally acclaimed for our achievements in collegiate aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research. With more than 500 faculty and staff members, 1,800+ students from around the world, and myriad programs and projects, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is setting the pace for the future of flight.
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: instagram.com/undaerospace
Facebook: facebook.com/UNDAerospace
Twitter: twitter.com/UNDAerospace?s=20
