The Kent State University Precision Flight Team proudly represented the university with distinction at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Region III Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON), hosted by Western Michigan University at Battle Creek Executive Airport in October.
The team was led by Captain Cole Hebbard, Co-Captain George Ludwiczak, and supported by officers including Treasurers Nick Krentz and Jeff McCabe, and Secretary Takashi Kunu. A historic representation of female competitors, the most significant since 1990, made up over a quarter of the team's composition. Special acknowledgment goes to LeAnne Hawk, who was awarded Outstanding Team Member, for her exceptional leadership and dedication to the team.
The Precision Flight Team is coached by professor and chief flight instructor, Tim Palcho, and advised by assistant dean, Brian Neff. Additional coaches include professor, Jason Lorenzon, and alumni, Joey Conrad, Joe Culek, Victoria Lorenzon, and Cam Davis.
Five newcomers to the Flight Team marked their debut with top-10 placements in their first-ever flight team competition: Lucy Altweis, Daniel Aurand, Zach Beltz, Madeline Goussios, and Linus Vazquez.
Kent State University takes great pride in offering a comprehensive educational experience that extends beyond the traditional classroom setting. Our approach is designed to empower students with hands-on technical expertise—on the ground and in the air—which enables them to make informed, strategic decisions in dynamic environments.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS from 2023 Region III SAFECON
The Precision Flight Team’s commitment to safety was recognized, winning the 1st place Competition Safety Award with Safety Officer Caleb Seymour and team member LeAnne Hawk presenting. This marks the team’s 5th safety award in the past 10 years. Additionally, the team had members placed in the top five in two key categories with Cole Hebbard taking 3rd place and Jeff McCabe taking 4th in both the Top Pilot and Top Scoring Contestant categories.
In the Flight Events Championship, the team had a strong 2nd place finish highlighting their skillful performance in aerial challenges. The team demonstrated proficiency in ground-based competitions, securing 3rd place in the Ground Events Championship.
The team's consistent performance across all events earned them a 3rd place finish in the Overall SAFECON Championship with zero disqualifications. It should be noted that a post-competition scoring error was discovered due to judging oversight. Although the historical precedent is that results stand after an awards banquet, NIFA is determining the proper course of action to maintain the integrity of the competition. A correction of this scoring error would result in an overall 2nd place finish for Kent State University and a 1st place finish for senior George Ludwiczak in the Short Field Landing competition.
Top Finishers From Kent State University:
- 1st Place, Power-Off Landings: Cole Hebbard
- 2nd Place, Aircraft Recognition: Freddi Stamper
- 2nd Place, Message Drop: Connor Daniel (Dropmaster), Jeff McCabe (Pilot)
- 2nd Place, Ground Trainer: Cole Hebbard
- 3rd Place, Top Pilot: Cole Hebbard
- 3rd Place, Top Scoring Contestant: Cole Hebbard
- 3rd Place, Ground Trainer: Jeff McCabe
- 3rd Place, Short-Field Landings: Jeff McCabe
- 4th Place, Top Pilot: Jeff McCabe
- 4th Place, Top Scoring Contestant: Jeff McCabe
- 4th Place, Power-Off Landings: Jeff McCabe
- 4th Place, Aircraft Preflight: Caleb Seymour
- 5th Place, Aircraft Preflight: Jeff McCabe
The Kent State Flight Team's dedication to excellence in aviation education and competition shines through their impressive achievements at this year's SAFECON. This year’s results reflect the team's hard work, strategic planning, and the high standards of aviation excellence they uphold. The team has received an invitation to the 2024 NIFA National SAFECON in Janesville, WI.