������Ƶ

The College of Aeronautics and Engineering at ������Ƶ hosted the 2025 National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) SAFECON Region III competition Oct. 19–24 at the ������Ƶ Airport in Stow, Ohio. The weeklong event brought together collegiate aviators from across the region for flight and ground competition focused on precision, safety and professionalism.

������Ƶ ������Ƶ finished second overall in the regional standings and took first place in the Flying Events Championship. The university also received the prestigious Competition Safety Award, recognizing the team that consistently demonstrates the highest degree of safety during the week-long competition. Western Michigan University placed first overall in the region, followed by ������Ƶ ������Ƶ in second, The Ohio ������Ƶ University in third and Bowling Green ������Ƶ University in fourth.

For students, SAFECON is as much about teamwork as it is about skill. Senior LeAnne Hawk, an air traffic and airspace management major with minors in aviation management and aircraft dispatch, likened the competition to a track and field meet, a sport she competed in during high school. “Each person competes individually, but all the scores come together for the team,” she said. “Everyone has their own events but we’re all working toward the same goal.”

That spirit was tested throughout the week as teams worked around shifting weather and strong wind conditions. Frederick “Freddie” Stamper, a professional pilot major with a minor in aviation weather, said the elements played a major role this year. The challenging conditions, he said, provided valuable experience. “Having the home field advantage helps when it comes to understanding the local winds,” he said. He was the third overall highest scoring contestant and third Top Pilot for most points in a combination of specific flying and ground events.

������Ƶ ������Ƶ pilots earned multiple top finishes, including Stamper’s first place in Short Field Landings and third in Power-Off Landings. He was joined by Daniel Aurand, who finished fourth in Power-Off Landings and was the Dropmaster with Stamper piloting for Message Drop, and event that challenges teams to hit ground targets with objects released from 200 feet above. The playful tradition includes participants dressing in themed costumes, adding a touch of fun to the competition. Pilot Gavin Chu and Dropmaster Robby Karliak took first in that event, with Chu placing third in Short Field, and fifth in Power-Off Landings and Top Pilot.

On ground events, Stamper placed third in Aircraft Recognition, an event that tests the knowledge of various aircraft. Linus Vazquez, Aurand and Jeff McCabe swept the top three spots in the simulator Ground Trainer event testing a pilot’s ability to fly in weather conditions below the minimum for visual flight, requiring pilots to fly using instruments rather than visual references. ������Ƶ ������Ƶ students regularly train in dynamic weather conditions, developing the adaptability and precision that helped them excel in this category.

That focus on preparation and adaptability carries through every part of the team’s training. Junior professional pilot major Lucy Altwies explained that the lineup for each event is determined through tryouts. “We hold tryouts in every event and use those results to decide who represents the team in that category,” she said. Altwies placed fifth in Short Field Landings, an event that tests precision and airmanship through controlled takeoffs, patterns and landings on a target line.

Despite the weather delays, all events were completed thanks to the collaboration among competing universities, NIFA officials and volunteer judges. The week also included a social gathering at the MAPS Air Museum and concluded with a closing banquet Friday evening in the Aeronautics and Engineering Building on the ������Ƶ Campus. Senior Zach Lach was recognized as ������Ƶ ������Ƶ’s Outstanding Team Member.  This award is presented to the team member who has been voted by their own team as displaying the best commitment to their overall success.

The ������Ƶ ������Ƶ Precision Flight Team includes more than 20 students from across a wide range of academic programs, reflecting the university’s commitment to experiential learning, collaboration and professional readiness. The team is advised by Brian Neff, assistant dean of flight operations, with coaching support from Tim Palcho, chief flight instructor and professor, Jason Lorenzon, J.D., assistant professor, and Ben Satyshur, aviation safety program manager.

For full NIFA SAFECON Region III results, visit