Dan Bandel
Airport Manager

Dan Bandel manages day-to-day airport operations, facilities, and maintenance staff that support the Pendleton UAS Range and Pendleton Airport tenants.

Dan brings more than 37 years of air traffic control and aviation experience, with deep expertise across tower, radar, and non-radar operations. His background includes military deployments to Bosnia and Afghanistan, where he operated in complex, high-stress environments, as well as specialized work as a Terminal Instrument Procedures Specialist, contributing to the safety and efficiency of flight operations.

As Airport Manager, Dan is responsible for day-to-day operations, regulatory compliance, and long-term planning to ensure the airport operates safely and efficiently. He remains actively engaged in the broader aviation community through leadership roles, industry collaboration, and public speaking, helping shape conversations around advanced air mobility and the future of the national airspace system.