Prescott Campus Tops Field Of 30 Nationwide Teams

The Golden Eagles of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott, Arizona, campus snagged their 16th national championship at the annual National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (NIFA SAFECON), held May 12-17 at Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The team emerged on top of a field of 30 teams of aviators drawn from across the country who are tested in a week-long series of air and ground events that included aircraft identification and simulator exercises to navigation and landing challenges.

In winning the competition, the Golden Eagles scored 433.5 points for the national title and secured their status as the most decorated collegiate flight team in the nation.

Dr. Ken Witcher, Chancellor of the Embry?Riddle Prescott Campus said, “Every time the Golden Eagles take to the skies, they’re carrying a legacy built over decades, and this year, they raised the bar once again. Their 16th national championship is an example of what’s possible when passion and teamwork come together. We couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished.”

The Golden Eagles took first in both the overall SAFECON Championship and Judges Trophy standings as well as the overall ground events. They place third in the overall flight events.

At the Prescott Campus, 15 signs line the entrance signifying their previous wins. However, the team finished third last year, so Shaun Shephard, head coach of the team said, “This win was huge for the team. As many know, we didn’t win last year, and at the end of that season we said, ‘Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.’ We kept that at the forefront all year — stay humble, keep pushing and make sure we learn.”

Now, a 16th sign will soon hang in the entranceway.

Parker Northrup, Flight Department Chair at the Prescott Campus said, “We are immensely proud of the accomplishments of both teams, as they represent the professional and hard-working attitude of all of our flight students.”

FMI:  news.erau.edu/