California Aeronautical University’s Flight Team has achieved a historic milestone, earning the program’s highest national finish to date at the 2026 National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON).
Competing against 32 of the nation’s top collegiate aviation programs, the CAU Flight Team secured a Top 10 overall finish at the national championship and also received the prestigious Competition Safety Award, recognizing the team’s commitment to safe operations and professionalism throughout the competition.
“As the flight team coach, I’ve been honored to see such a remarkable group of students come together, work toward a goal, and see it pay off,” says Flight Team Coach, Vanessa Collazo. “It’s been amazing to see them put in so much hard work, time, and dedication to this team. I’m grateful to have been part of their journey and to see them achieve their goal of being in the top 10 in the nation.”
Each year, top-performing teams qualify through regional competitions for the opportunity to compete at the national level. The competition challenges student aviators in a variety of flight and ground events designed to evaluate aeronautical knowledge, precision flying skills, decision-making, and teamwork.
“Placing 10th in the nation on CAU’s 10th anniversary seems like a story out of a book,” said Team Captain and CAU Class of 2026 Graduate, Matthew Anderson. “It was awesome to see so many of us get our names called; for me, it was the best way to finish my time on the team.”
In aviation, safety serves as the foundation for every flight operation. Throughout SAFECON, teams are evaluated not only on performance, but also on their ability to uphold the highest standards of safety while competing.
“The 1st place safety trophy is a goal we have been working towards since our inception as a team,” said Flight Team Safety Officer, Jackson Kaspar. “The whole team has worked so hard on holding high safety standards and following SOPs.”
SAFECON events are designed to simulate many of the real-world scenarios pilots and aviation professionals can encounter throughout their careers. Competitors are challenged in events including precision landings, cross-country navigation, instrument flight procedures, crew resource management, aircraft inspection, and flight instruction.
Participation in the Flight Team provides students with opportunities to apply classroom and flight training knowledge in high-pressure environments while strengthening communication, leadership, and critical-thinking skills.
“California Aeronautical University is so proud of this year’s Flight Team and all of those who have come before them to build what it has become,” said CAU President, Matthew Johnston. “This achievement represents years of dedication and teamwork, and it speaks to the culture of excellence our students continue to foster both in and out of the cockpit.”
Several CAU competitors earned impressive individual and team finishes during the national competition, composed of over 500 competing aviators. Among the team’s standout performances was Jaiden Kohn’s first-place finish in the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) event.
“As a CFI in training, it was proof that the countless hours of studying, practicing, and pushing myself were paying off,” said Kohn. “This achievement represents not only my journey, but the support, mentorship, and dedication of everyone who helped me along the way.”
Additional notable performances included:
● Sebastian B. and James L. placed 3rd in Message Drop
● William R. placed 9th in Power Off Approach and Landing
● Matthew A. and James L. placed 10th in Crew Resource Management
● William R. placed 11th in Preflight Inspection
● James L. placed 15th and Jackson K. placing 19th in Short Field Approach and Landing
● Jared L. placed 16th in the IFR Simulator event
● Matthew A. and Safety Observer Decklan H. placed 17th in Unlimited Navigation
● Jackson K. placed 17th in Power Off Approach and Landing
● Shaun O. and Safety Observer Roberto H. placed 20th in Traditional Navigation
The team’s historic performance marks another milestone in the continued growth of California Aeronautical University’s Flight Team program. Through countless hours of training, preparation, and teamwork, students continue to demonstrate the University’s commitment to developing highly skilled, safety-focused aviation professionals.
“Our students have proven that they can compete with the very best in collegiate aviation,” said President Johnston. “As our Flight Team continues to grow, I have no doubt that future generations of CAU students will build upon this success, continue raising the standard of excellence, and further establish CAU as one of the nation’s premier collegiate aviation programs.”
Ready to soar in your aviation career?
