Fosston, Minn., native named University of North Dakota’s Certified Flight Instructor of the Month
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Jacob Gutterud, a University of North Dakota graduate and certified flight instructor from Fosston, Minn., was named UND’s Certified Flight Instructor of the Month for January.
A certified flight instructor is a pilot who has been trained in how to teach people how to fly. Flight instructors take students up in an aircraft and do much of their teaching in the cockpit.
As part of the Certified Flight Instructor of the Month selection process, students of the CFIs are invited to submit nominations. “Jacob was my coverage CFI for a review flight and sim,” wrote one student. “He gave a lot of practical advice and offered a new perspective for my training. I was able to approach my maneuvers, checklists and even oral exam answers in a method that better suited my learning style.
“Days later, I ran into Jacob at Robin Hall while I was studying for an oral exam,” the student continued. “He saw that I was calculating my OEI (One Engine Inoperative) takeoff procedure presentation and sat down to help me. On his own time, he walked me through the presentation he prepared for his own oral exam, giving me notes and tips on calculating distances, climb/descent rates, what a stage pilot looks for, etc.
“I never asked him to sit down and help,” the student concluded. “Jacob just took it upon himself.”
Gutterud is a 2022 graduate of Fosston High School. At UND, he majored in Commerical Aviation and graduated summa cum laude in August 2025. He holds Certified Flight Instructor, Certified Flight Instructor Instrument and Multiengine Flight Instructor ratings.
“I really enjoyed my time at UND, both as a student and now as a flight instructor,” Gutterud said. “Among the most meaningful aspects of my experience have been the friendships and professional connections I’ve built along the way. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue instructing at UND and look forward to pursuing future opportunities within the program.”
