UND Flying Team takes second place at national competition

In May, the UND Aerospace Flying Team placed second in the National Safety and Flight Evaluation and Conference (SAFECON). The SAFECON competition is hosted by the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA), and aims to promote aviation achievement, safety and scholarship-based awards.

In addition to the hard work of the entire team, individuals are also evaluated for their personal performance in the events competitions. Two members of the UND Team ranked in the top spots, with Kaden Robinson ranking first and Andreas Testerman taking second.

“I want to congratulate this year’s Flying Team on another outstanding performance at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association national championships,” said Robert Kraus, dean of UND Aerospace. “Their success reflects countless hours of preparation, exceptional teamwork and a deep commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented our college and demonstrated the skill, professionalism and determination that define our students.”

Those who attend compete in a variety of ground knowledge, simulator and flying events to evaluate their aviation skills. SAFECON also hosts industry partners, giving those in attendance the chance to connect with those in their field.

“This year, it’s a young team, and they did what they needed to do,” said Head Coach and UND Professor Lewis Liang. “They really came together as a team.”

This year’s annual event was held at the Quad Cities International Airport in Illinois. The UND team traveled with a group of 12, competing to win a spot among the top ranks against teams with far greater numbers.

“I know the team worked very hard to prepare for the national SAFECON, and considering the team size, they accomplished a lot,” said UND Professor and Director of Aviation Industry Relations Kent Lovelace.

“It’s a statement about the quality and work ethic of the coaching staff. I think the only team smaller than UND was Tarrant County Community College, with six. Southern Illinois University had 20, plus several others were well over 20 members. Most of the larger teams were the usual ones that consistently rank in the top 10.

“This team and their coaches accomplished more with less. Well done!”

Accompanied by coaches Lewis Liang and Jared Lease, the team worked their way to the top ranks, placing second overall against more than 30 other teams. Their student attendees included co-captains Andreas Testerman and Maxwell Schimelpfenig, Christopher Coleman, Riley Drea, Cody Jacobson, Myles Lucas, Collin Mallory, Evan Munzel, Jacob Neuhaus, Hailey Olson, Kaden Robinson, and Kaden Young.

“It truly was the result of a lot of hard work by the entire team this year,” said Coach Jared Lease. “A well-deserved recognition of all their hard work.”

The National Intercollegiate Flight Association’s website has full race results.