Each spring, the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) holds the Safety and Flight Evaluation Conferences (SAFECONs) or airmeets for 30 flying teams from participating colleges and universities. This year’s SAFECON was hosted by Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee May 4-10, 2008. The 30 teams were determined by their participation and performance in the regional conference held in the fall. Some of the judged events include power off landings, message drop, navigation, and short field approach and landings.

ALPA has been a sponsor of these events for decades. ALPA awards 10 $500 awards to the regional top pilots and a $1,000 award to the national top pilot and his school. Here is a list of this year’s winners:

ALPA is not only a sponsor at this event, but pilots from the National Education Committee volunteer their free time to interact with the students. A booth is set up in a hangar where student pilots have the opportunity to approach the pilots and ask them pertinent questions about their futures in the airline industry. This one-on-one time with the students is at the heart of the Committee’s purpose. These future aviators acquire an understanding of how these airline pilots started their careers. They hear about what it’s like to bid trips, be out on the line, fly different equipment for various airlines, and be part of a national union to name a few.

ALPA will continue this long tradition of sponsoring the NIFA SAFECON and its efforts to reach the young pilots of the future through events like these. Here are some photos that capture the moments with the students and the ALPA pilots.