Benjamin Eidem
Air Traffic Control Specialist
Freelance Aerial Photography
University of North Dakota
Duluth, MN
(914) 522-0216
Summary
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics - Air Traffic Control
2019 National Champion | NIFA | UND Flying Team
FAA Private Pilot
Part 107 Commercial UAS Operator
Hobbiest Web Developer
Key Electives
Aircraft Accident Investigation
Safety Management Systems
Airport Planning and Administration
Cyber-Security and Information Assurance
Weather Forecasting
Computer Concepts in Meteorology
About Me
The Beginnings
Since I was a young boy growing up in Ossining, New York - a suburb of New York City - I was fascinated with anything that moved; from the garbage truck driving by to riding the metro-north railway. I was in love with the transportation industry before I even knew it existed, but nothing else could capture my attention like the aircraft flying over my house on a vector towards final approach at Westchester County Airport. After being introduced to Microsoft Flight Simulator in 8th grade, I was eager to try the real thing, taking my second flight lesson on my 15th birthday, with the first flight one month prior.
A Passionate Aviator
Three years later, I passed the Private Pilot check ride prior to moving into the dorms for my freshman year of college at the University of North Dakota (UND). Since then, I have founded Seattle Virtual ATC, an online community to promote aviation education through realistic at-home flight simulation, promoted the community at three flight simulation conferences and competed with the UND Flying Team two times at the national level, both resulting in second place national championships.
After receiving an undergraduate degree from UND, I taught professionally at my alma-mater, while pursuing a masters degree in aviation, continuing to compete with the flying team, placing first in the nation both as a team and individually in 2019. and am now pursuing a career as a professional air traffic controller.
What is Air Traffic Control?
Air Traffic Controllers are responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic throughout the National Airspace System. Popular Mechanics has published a video starring now retired controller Steve Abraham who I feel summarizes the job perfectly.
This Website
Please explore this site containing supplementary information to my professional resume. I look forward to working with you.
Education
University of North Dakota - Grand Forks, ND
January 2019 - Current
Masters of Science in Aviation
Aug 2014 - May 2018
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics with a Major in Air Traffic Control | 3.65 GPA
Minor in Atmospheric Science | Emphasis areas: Computer Science & Aviation Safety
Competed with the UND Flying Team scoring second place in the nation in 2017 and 2018.
Ossining High School - Ossining, NY
Sept 2010 - June 2014
29 S. Highland Ave. Ossining, New York 10562 | 89% GPA
Competed in multiple F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Competitions
Captain - Ultimate Frisbee Team
Work Experience
Air Traffic Control Specialist
March 2020 - Current
Air traffic control specialist duties include: prevent collisions between aircraft, providing a safe, orderly, and expditious flow of air traffic, support national security and homeland defense, provide additional services to pilots.
Air Traffic Control Associate
August 2018 - March 2020
ATC Associates are responsible for teaching and evaluating students in the phraseology and procedures used to separate air traffic, and operating the Adacel and UFA simulation labs. We provide one-on-one instruction to students, similar to how flight instructors are utilized in aviation courses.
Freelance Aerial Photography
May 2018 - Current
Flying a DJI Inspire 1 series aircraft, I'm available to produce aerial photo/video for real-estate, special events, or short films, and assist with certain industrial inspections.
Teaching Assistant / University of North Dakota
Sept 2016 - May 2018
I instructed and evaluated students in air traffic control procedures and phraseology. After completing the ATC curriculum, I continued to teach part time while completing other graduation requirements during senior year.
Cashier / Target
Summer 2016
My role as a cashier provided me with fundamental experience in regards to customer service, marketing, retail, and loss prevention.
Certification
FAA Private Pilot
17 AUG 2014 - no expiration
Airplane Single Engine Land - Permits the operation of small single engine aircraft for recreational purposes, or flights incidental to a business that are not for compensation or hire.
FAA Remote Pilot
12/29/2017 - no expiration
Small Unmanned Aircraft - Permits commercial operation of unmanned aircraft systems (commonly called drones) weighing less than 55 pounds.
UND SMS Course Completion
12 MAY 2017
This certificate was presented upon completion of the Safety Management Systems training course at the University of North Dakota.
Extra-Curricular
UND Flying Team
Jan 2015 - Current
Competing primarily in the Ground Trainer, Precision Landings, and S.C.A.N. events, I worked towards becoming a national champion with my team-mates, bringing the trophy home to UND for the 17th time in the team's history. The Flying Team competes as a part of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. The 2019 competition was held in Janesville, WI. scoring first in SCAN, and winning the overal national championship title.
Seattle Virtual ATC
Mar 2016 - Jan 2018
As Co-Founder of Seattle Virtual ATC I strived to promote aviation education through realistic at-home flight simulation, creating and managing online training programs, online flight planning and ATC coordination software, as well as organizing and participating in community events.
Miscellaneous
Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications
Working knowledge of Adacel and UFA Air Traffic Control Simulators
Working knowledge of Frasca and Redbird Flight Training Devices
Self Taught web-developer. Familiar with HTML, PHP, Java, and C programming
Highly familiar with aviation regulations and airport operations
Ability to repeatedly lift 50 pounds (required for some airport positions)
Excellent at adapting to rapidly changing, high pressure situations