College aviation's best fly into Columbus for SAFECON competition

Posted: May 2, 2016

From May 9 through May 14, The Ohio State University Center for Aviation Studies hosts NIFA SAFECON 2016, a flight competition that brings the nation’s top collegiate pilots to the university's airport on West Case Rd. to participate in flight and ground events that encourage aviation safety, as well as superior knowledge, skill, and professionalism. NIFA stands for National Intercollegiate Flying Association. SAFECON stands for Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference.

This year marks the 10th time Ohio State has hosted the SAFECON Flying Competition. Throughout the week, 27 teams comprised of almost 400 students will compete in 12 different events, including aircraft recognition, navigation, precision landing, and message drop. The results will be announced on Saturday, May 14.

"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.

Event Schedule (tentative based on weather, 08:00 – 18:00 each day)