ALPA's pilot volunteers eager to greet students at NIFA SAFECON 2018.

Indiana State University hosted the National Intercollegiate Flying Association's Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (NIFA SAFECON) last week, where nearly 375 collegiate aviators from 28 flight programs in the United States put their knowledge and skills to the test.

This annual competition, which ALPA proudly sponsors, consists of flight and ground events designed to promote aviation safety and instill professionalism in the next generation of airline pilots. Events include aircraft recognition, CRM/LOFT, navigation, and precision landing. Results of the competition are listed on the NIFA website.

ALPA Education Committee volunteers presented the 2018 NIFA SAFECON top pilots with scholarship awards. Capts. Fred Kopec (DAL) and Jacob Lange (EDV) and F/Os Scott Singleton (CPZ) and Kayan Todiwalla (TSA) also talked with hundreds of other collegiate aviators about ALPA and the profession; they staffed ALPA's booth at the competition and hosted an information session to answer questions from students and coaches.

ALPA's participation in events like NIFA SAFECON is part of an ongoing strategic ALPA initiative to mentor aspiring aviators and help bridge the gap between the classroom and the flight deck.