National collegiate aviation championships return to Columbus

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The best and the brightest in collegiate aviation have returned to The Ohio State University Airport this week (May 12 - May 17) to display their talents at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON).

SAFECON brings together students from colleges and universities across the country to vie for the national championship for both team and pilot honors. This year, 27 teams comprised of almost 400 students are competing in 12 different events, including aircraft recognition, navigation, power-off landing, and message drop. The results will be announced on Saturday, May 17.

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The Ohio State University Flight Team captured the NIFA Region III championship title in 2012, and finished seventh at last year's SAFECON. College of Engineering students majoring in aviation who are on the Flight Team include Justin Abrams (fourth year), John Ginley (fourth year), Christine Zavodnik (fourth year), Allysa Manning, (fourth year), and Austin DiAntonio, (second year). Other team members include Josh Fisher, Tom Harmon, Ryan Elkins, Allison Dennis, Jeremy Spoonemore, John Tomchak, Nick Klein, and John Bauchmoyer. This year’s competition also is organized and led by Ohio State graduate and undergraduate students.

"Each time SAFECON is held at The Ohio State University Airport, the event generates upwards of $2 million of revenue to the local economy,” said Airport Director Doug Hammon.

SAFECON develops and advances aviation education through a strong emphasis on aviation safety. The NIFA conference held concurrently with the competition provides a foundation to promote and foster communications and cooperation between aviation students, educators, and the aviation industry.

Categories: CollegeStudents