LEGACY OF CHAMPIONS
16
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
1993-1997-1999-2003-2005-2007-2008-2012-2013-2016-2017-2018-2021-2022-2023-2025
39
NIFA Region II
REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Rich in history, the Golden Eagles Flight Team is consistently one of the top collegiate flight teams in the nation. In 2017, the team was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air and Space Museum alongside legends such as Chuck Yeager, Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Sally Ride, and The Wright Brothers.
National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA)
The National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) is an organization dedicated to promoting aviation education and competition among college students across the United States. By organizing flying competitions and providing resources for training, NIFA fosters a passion for aviation while enhancing the skills of aspiring pilots and aviation professionals. The association encourages teamwork, leadership, and safety in flying, making it a vital part of the collegiate aviation community.
Competition
The National Intercollegiate Flying Association hosts a series of competitions that involve a total of 12 flight and ground events. These competitions are to test participants' skills in areas such as aircraft navigation, precision flying, and aviation knowledge. Students compete in teams, showcasing abilities through various challenges that promote teamwork and enhance their aviation expertise.
Our Legacy
The legacy of the Golden Eagles Flight Team is built on decades of excellence, pride, and dedication. With 16 national championships to their name, this legacy reflects the traditions and values passed down from every member, coach, and champion who shaped the team’s success. It inspires current members to uphold high standards and strive for competitive superiority. Through hard work and commitment, the Golden Eagles continue to honor their past while forging a future of achievement.
Primary Ground Events
Aircraft Recognition (ACID)
Competitors identify aircraft based on a single image—often showing only a small section such as a wing, tail, or landing gear. The image is displayed for three seconds, followed by fifteen seconds to correctly name the manufacturer, model number, and common name. With over a thousand aircraft in the study bank, ACID challenges participants to recognize even the smallest distinguishing features under intense time pressure.
Computer Accuracy (CA)
Racing against the clock, competitors use manual flight computers like the E6-B to solve real-world aviation problems. These include time-speed-distance calculations, fuel burn, wind correction angles, center of gravity shifts, and more. This event tests precision, quick thinking, and a solid grasp of flight planning—all without the help of digital tools.
Simulated Comprehensive Aircraft Navigation (SCAN)
Competitors are given a simulated cross-country flight scenario and must complete a detailed flight plan within a set time limit. Using sectional charts, weather data, and aircraft information, they calculate weight and balance, fuel consumption, performance, and evaluate the overall safety of the flight. The event also tests knowledge of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), requiring both planning skills and regulatory expertise.
Flight Events
Short Field Landings (Ons)
Pilots fly a standard traffic pattern at a predetermined altitude, reducing power to a specified setting when abeam the touchdown point. Using pitch, power, and flaps, they control the aircraft to land as close as possible to the designated touchdown line. Adding power after reduction results in penalties, and landings are scored based on distance from the target and other factors. Precision, timing, and smooth control are essential for success in this event.
Power Off Landings (Offs)
Pilots fly a standard rectangular traffic pattern at a set altitude and reduce engine power to idle to simulate a power-off approach. Using only pitch and flaps, pilots maneuver the aircraft to maintain control and accurately land as close as possible to the designated touchdown line. The challenge demands precise aircraft handling and a high level of mastery, as pilots must manage energy and glide path without adding power. Scoring is based on landing accuracy and penalties for deviations from the required approach.
Unlimited Navigation (NAV)
Two people—a designated pilot and a navigator—work together to plan and fly a precise cross-country route to five predetermined coordinates. The navigator creates a detailed flight plan prior to the flight that factors in wind, fuel, and timing. The pilot focuses on executing the flight to closely match the planned route and schedule. Accuracy in timing, fuel consumption to within a tenth of a gallon, and spotting ground landmarks or bonus points are essential for scoring. The event tests strong teamwork, navigation expertise, and precise flying skills.
Message Drop
A pilot and drop master work together to drop containers from 200 feet above the ground, aiming to hit designated targets as accurately as possible. Success depends on precise teamwork, as the pilot must position the aircraft correctly while the drop master releases the containers at just the right moment. The team’s score is based on the total distance each container lands from its target.
Secondaries
Crew Resource Management (CRM)
Two pilots work together as a crew to complete a simulated multi‑engine flight from one airport to another. The event focuses on working together in the cockpit, including communication, task sharing, problem‑solving, and situational awareness. Teams are scored not on flying ability, but on how effectively they manage the flight, handle unexpected challenges, and work together as a crew.
Simulated Instrument Flight (IFR)
Competitors demonstrate instrument flight proficiency by flying a cross‑country route in a simulator using only the aircraft’s instruments. The event includes tasks such as receiving clearances, flying holding patterns, executing instrument approaches, and diverting to an alternate airport. Scoring is based on precision in altitude, heading, airspeed, and timing throughout the flight.
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Ground Trainer (SIM)
Competitors fly a predetermined instrument pattern in a flight simulator with no outside visual references, relying only on the aircraft's instruments. The event tests precise control of altitude, heading, airspeed, bank, and precision, rewarding accuracy and consistency throughout the scenario.
Preflight Inspection
An aircraft is “bugged” with at least 30 unairworthy discrepancies, and competitors have 15 minutes to perform a detailed preflight inspection. The task is to identify as many issues as possible while demonstrating proper technique, safe handling of the aircraft, and thorough inspection practices. Much like a scavenger hunt, discrepancies can range from obvious problems to subtle infractions, testing both knowledge and attention to detail.