Elizabeth City, N.C. — For the first time in the team’s history, Elizabeth City State University’s (ECSU) aviation team placed second at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s (NIFA) Regional X Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON), held Oct. 7-10 at Chesapeake Regional Airport in Chesapeake, Virginia, establishing a new record of achievement for the university’s aviation program.
The Vikings’ second-place finish came with standout individual results, including first-place wins in multiple events and recognition as Region X Coach of the Year. Together, the results displayed the students’ technical expertise, precision and preparation as they competed against collegiate aviation programs from across the region.
The conference is part of NIFA’s nationwide effort to advance aviation safety, education and excellence through spirited competition. Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 339 hosts the regional competition to challenge students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through ground, simulator and flight-related events.
Raine Caverly-Horn earned Region X Coach of the Year honors, adding to a memorable accomplishment for the ECSU team.
In Preflight Inspection, Jaydin Hobbs claimed first place, while Benjamin England finished fifth. Mateo Lannaman placed second in Aircraft Recognition, Colbyn Underwood earned fourth in the E6B Test, and Garrett Erickson secured fifth in Ground Trainer.
ECSU also excelled in Message Drop, where Cameron Putman and England earned first place. Noah Swinney and Nicholas Louloudes followed with a fourth-place finish.
The Vikings continued to make their mark in flight and navigation events. Atreyu Cooper placed third in Short Field Landings and fourth in Power-off Landings, while Swinney earned fifth in Power-off Landings.
James Littlefair finished fourth in the Simulated Comprehensive Aircraft Navigation Test. In Unlimited Navigation, Hobbs and Shekinah Otieno earned third place, while England and Littlefair placed fifth.
These categories showcase the diverse skills collegiate aviators must master, from conducting thorough aircraft inspections and identifying aircraft to navigating complex scenarios and executing precise flight maneuvers.
NIFA, which oversees SAFECON, brings together aviation students, alumni and industry professionals to build skills, promote safety and prepare the next generation of aviation leaders. Regional conferences are held in the fall, and the National SAFECON competition is in late spring.
For ECSU aviation, the second-place finish brings a new standard to the program and highlights the dedication and teamwork behind its students’ achievements. The Vikings’ performance across multiple events shows their preparation and ability to compete at a high level in collegiate aviation.
With a historic team finish and numerous individual honors, ECSU aviation has built a strong foundation for future success, and something worth celebrating.
