Seven Aims Community College aviation students will face off against the nation’s top collegiate pilots in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) SAFECON flight safety competition next month.
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Aims Aviation Students Head to National Flight Competition
April 25, 2024
Regional NIFA Safecon event in Colorado Springs, October 2023.
They are the only students from a two-year institution in the competition.
Last fall, the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs hosted a regional SAFECON event. Aims ranked high enough to earn an invitation to the national competition, which takes place in Janesville, Wisconsin, May 13-18.
“It’s exciting to see our aviation students successfully competing with larger four-year schools,” said Dr. Gene O’Hara, secretary of the Aims Board of Trustees. “It’s a testament to the quality of education we offer to future pilots and aviation professionals.”
“Aims aviation students are not only demonstrating their own excellence but leading the way for aspiring aviators in northern Colorado and beyond,” said Dr. Leah L. Bornstein, Aims Community College CEO and president.
Aims aviation students who will compete include:
- Patrick Gronewoller (Team Captain)
- Ryan Lang (Safety Officer)
- Dalton Ellis
- Calving Faller
- Sage Gross
- Greenley Slater
- Zachary Tarrant
SAFECON is a flight competition and safety conference showcasing the skills of the top collegiate pilots in the nation. It features events to test pilots in precision flight maneuvers, navigation, and safety. The event also has educational seminars and networking opportunities.
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor Kurt Bauerle is the advisor of the flight team. “NIFA provides students the opportunity for growth, professional development and networking,” he said. “It allows Aims the chance to showcase the aviation department on a national level.” In addition to Bauerle, flight instructors Conner Rowe and Kevin Ruby have been working with team members as coaches to prepare for the competition. The instructors work with students to hone skills such as precision landings, safety procedures, and other proficiencies.
Greenley Slater at the Aims Flight Training Center
On the Aims team, Slater is the only female. This spring, she will be graduating with her Professional Pilot Associate Degree. “Aviation is a type of field where you have to have a very strong mindset to make it past the training and the studying,” she said. Slater appreciates the support from Aims. Aviation students do not have to pay to take part in this program. Those on the Aims team get one-on-one coaching and free flight instruction time. “It makes you a better pilot. Having that consistent practice and studying really helps. It’s one of the most fun experiences I've ever had,” she said.
Slater expects the Aims flight team to do better this year than last. “We know what to expect and can better prepare and compete.”
To learn more about aviation at Aims, please visit aims.co/aviation.
Photos of the Aims flight team at the 2023 NIFA SAFCON national conference.
