NIFA Unveils SAFECON 2023 Invitee List

The 2014 SAFECON competition at the Ohio State University Center for Aviation Studies. [File Photo: James D. DeCamp]

Shortly after World War I, returning service members sought a way to advance their aviation skills while attending colleges and universities. The National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) was created to offer pilots an opportunity to demonstrate their skills through friendly competition.

In addition to helping collegiate aviators expand their flying skills, NIFA allows these pilots to further their careers by networking with industry officials and demonstrating their willingness and ability to go above and beyond the regular curriculum.

READ MORE: Top Five Challenges of University Flight Students

The organization has grown over the decades, and now select members of NIFA attend the Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON). This year, SAFECON 2023 will be held in May in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

In May 2022, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott won the NIFA SAFECON national championship for the second consecutive year at the Ohio State University Airport (KOSU). The win marked the 14th time the school won the top title.

READ MORE: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Captures 2022 NIFA SAFECON Championship

Following the SAFECON 2022-23 regional competition season, NIFA announced it is inviting the following colleges and universities to compete at the National SAFECON 2023:

Region 1

United States Air Force Academy
Utah State University
Metro State University of Denver
Aims Community College

Region 2

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott
California Aeronautical University
San Jose State University

Region 3

Western Michigan University
Ohio State University
Kent State University

Region 4

LeTourneau University
Oklahoma State University
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Louisiana Tech University

Region 6

University of North Dakota
University of Nebraska – Omaha
Minnesota State University – Mankato
Kansas State University
University of Central Missouri

Region 7

Bridgewater State University
United States Military Academy

Region 8

Southern Illinois University
Purdue University
Lewis University

Region 9

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona
Auburn University
Polk State College

Region 10

Liberty University
Averett University
United States Naval Academy

college competition Flying NIFA Oshkosh Safecon

Meg GodlewskiAuthor

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.