Most people are unaware of the fact that ULM has a flight team. In fact, the aviation department dates back to training WWII pilots in navigation in the 1930’s. ULM’s flight team consists of a diverse 12-member team ranging from non-aviation majors to seniors in the department.
This year’s National Intercolleigate Flying Assocation, or NIFA, competition for ULM’s region was held in Killeen, Texas, on Nov. 3-6 and hosted by Central Texas College. This year, ULM placed fourth overall in regionals with 287 points in total from nine different events and are awaiting the national board’s decision on qualifying for the 2010-2011 NIFA National Competition. It will be hosted by Ohio State University May 16-21, 2011.
Students competed in ground events (written exams; simulators; etc.) or flight events individually or in two-membered groups. Out of the 12 competitors, seven of them placed in the top rankings of several events. Trevor Hall, co-captain and ground captain of the aviation team, placed top 10 in five different events putting him in fourth place overall.
“I am honored to be a student of ULM and a member of Louisiana’s top-ranked flight team and aviation program,” Hall said. “A lot of time and dedication was put into getting ULM back on top again. At the rate they are going, it seems likely that over the next few years ULM will be a national contender in intercollegiate aviation.”
Though relatively small, ULM’s Flight Team and Aviation department have dedicated and passionate students that will continue to improve the program in the years to come.
