Falcons Fly Past Competition in Daytona

pressable November 19, 2012

Florida Institute of Technology’s competitive Precision Flight Team, also known as the “Falcons Flight Team”, competed in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association‘s Region IX SAFECON competition, where they advanced to the national competition. The event was held at Daytona Beach International Airport and was hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The national competition is to be held in May of 2013 at Ohio State University, Columbus.

On Saturday, October 27, the Falcons flew three Cessna 172’s from FIT Aviation to their host FBO, Sheltair, located in Daytona. According to the students, it was smooth sailing and the skies were absolutely picturesque on the way up – starting the week off perfectly for their new members.

After arriving at the hotel Saturday night, the Falcons went right to work on Sunday. Those working on certain ground events stayed at the hotel to go over practice tests, while students in flying events went to the airport to practice before the competition.

The Falcons are privileged to hail from a university that has a strong emphasis on safety in aviation. Members hold themselves to high standards of safety even in a competitive setting. In addition to maintaining safety and awareness while flying and at the airport during competition, the Falcons prepared for and brought back the Regional Safety Award from competition. The team’s safety program includes lectures at meetings pertinent to operations at their practicing locations and completing online training modules covering important subjects including runway safety, radio communication, airspaces and towered vs. non-towered airport operations.

In addition to the Regional Safety Award, the team placed first in flight events and second overall, which is what allows them to move on to the national competition. All 16 students that competed contributed points towards their overall score. The hard work of all the students, coaches, and advisors, has certainly paid off for the team and is representative of the professionalism and aptitude that Florida Tech’s College of Aeronautics instills on its students.

Florida Tech’s Falcons Precision Flight Team would like to thank the National Intercollegiate Flying Association organization, judges, and volunteers for a wonderful event. They would also like to thank all the Region IX flight teams, Sheltair, FIT Aviation, the Daytona Beach International Airport and Airport Operations, and the Daytona Beach Courtyard Marriott.