Air Force Academy Takes Home 31st Consecutive NIFA Win

Photo Credit: US Air Force Academy

Last month the United States Air Force Academy earned its 31st consecutive victory in the 2017 National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Region 1 competition.  The regional competition took place October 9-October 13 in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the US Air Force Academy Airfield.

NFIA is a professional organization that is devoted to developing and advancing aviation education for students across the US by providing an opportunity for competition.  Each competition is held periodically throughout the year and is divided by region.  The Air Force Academy competes in Region 1, which also includes Colorado Northwestern Community College, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Rocky Mountain College, Utah State University, Utah Valley University, and Westminster College.

The regional competition consisted of both academic and flying tests that are used to gauge knowledge of flight rules, aircraft identification, and cross-country planning with in-air analysis of navigation, landing, and message dropping abilities.  The Air Force Academy’s flight team is committed performing well at the event- Harrison Summerour, a member of the team, said they “dedicate a tremendous amount of time, many hours a week, and even some of our class schedule to being on this team”.

Photo Credit: US Air Force Academy

Congratulations to the Air Force Academy’s team on a well-deserved win last month!  We’re proud to play a part in the training of Air Force Academy pilots through their synthetic turf landing strip.  The sailplane landing area has served the school since 2011 where about 50% of cadets from each class begin courses in soaring sailplanes and glider jets.

Good luck to the Air Force Academy’s Flight Team on future competitions!