NIFA | About Us

Above & Beyond

NIFA

what we do

Safety through Education, Excellence through Competition.

We are a community of the top aviation students and industry professionals who are fueling the future of aviation through advanced education and spirited competition at the highest level.

The National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) is the premier organization overseeing Safety and Flight Evaluation Conferences (SAFECONs) throughout the United States. Collegiate aviation programs nationwide send their top teams to compete in these prestigious events, which highlight the "best of the best" aviation students. Annually, NIFA runs Regional SAFECONs in the fall, with top teams advancing to the National SAFECON, held in late spring. These conferences feature a range of competitive events, including ground, simulator, and precision flight testing, alongside awards for aviation achievement, program strength, and scholarships.

NIFA SAFECONs unite the best of the best collegiate aviators, alumni, and industry leaders — sharpening young talent and connecting them to opportunity.

Our Story

NIFA’s Longstanding Legacy Begins.

Our History

Just after World War I, on May 7, 1920, 12 pilots took to the sky. Nine schools competed in the first intercollegiate aviation competition over a sea of spectators, where Yale took first place. That moment marked the beginning of what would become the National Intercollegiate Flying Association.

Aviation clubs were springing up around the nation. Young aviators, returning from the war to their collegiate studies, sought to take their training and experience from the military, build on it, and help fuel the nation’s budding interest in civil aviation. NIFA then became the central gathering point for these tenacious groups.

Our History

our tradition

Over a century later, we are still carrying the torch that was lit that spring day.

Today, we host SAFECON, the only collegiate aviation competition, and our network unites the best of the best universities, students, and industry leaders — sharpening young talent and connecting them to opportunity.

Empowering Future Aviation Leaders

Our schools Our leadership

Over a century later, we are still carrying the torch that was lit that spring day. From the beginning, NIFA has been about advancing a brighter aviation future through passionate education and spirited competition. Aviation has come a long way since the 20s; now, vital industries spanning the globe depend on it. To ensure our craft stays cutting-edge, this community exists to sharpen future industry leaders more than ever.

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