Academy Flying Team places 1st in regional competition

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  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
RANGLEY, Colo --  The U.S. Air Force Academy Flying Team took first place in the Region 1 National Intercollegiate Flying Association SAFECON Competition Oct. 10-17.

Cadet 1st Class Garrett Ellis took home the Top Pilot Award. 

This was the team's 29th consecutive first-place finish against five other Rocky Mountain collegiate flying teams.

"The team's performance is a direct result of their dedication to the Academy's aviation program and countless hours of studying and flying practice," said Lt. Col. Kevin Davidson, the commander of the 557th Flying Training Squadron. "I am extremely proud of their accomplishments and look forward to the next challenge at Nationals. While winning is always priority, our main goal is to prepare them to be the best officers to lead the Air Force." 

The team competed in nine ground and aerial events, with pilots earning points toward their team's overall score, with special recognition for the top five contestants in each category.

The Academy team took first place in the overall standings and in the flying and ground events; first, third and fourth in the Short Field Landing category; and swept the Power-Off Landing category by clinching the top five slots. 

The team also claimed the top five spots during Aircraft Identification and Computer Accuracy ground competition and first, second and third place in the Simulated Aircraft Navigation category.

The victory qualifies the Academy team to compete in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association Championship in May, hosted by Ohio State University. 

Metro State University in Denver claimed second place, and will represent the region at the national level.

The cadet flew T-41 and T-51 aircraft, modified versions of the Cessna 170 and 150, during the competition. 

(Photos taken by Tsali Bentley and used with permission. Bentley is the parent of Cadet 2nd Class Tsali Bentley II, a member of the Academy Flying Team.)