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Flying Mavericks Secure 16th Straight Nationals Spot With Strong Regional Finish

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The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Flight Team, known as the Flying Mavericks, has once again soared to success. With a second-place finish at the 2024 Region 6 SAFECON, held from Oct. 14-18 in Dubuque, Iowa, the team has earned their 16th consecutive invitation to the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s (NIFA) National Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON). This impressive achievement comes after competing against seven top-tier schools, including Kansas State University, St. Louis University – Parks College, and Minnesota State University Mankato.

The Flying Mavs faced fierce competition in a region that includes the University of North Dakota, the defending national champions. Yet, with exceptional performances across various events, the team held their ground, earning second place overall, second in Ground Events, and third in Flying Events.

Outstanding Team Effort

Coach Skip Bailey praised the team's hard work and determination, particularly given the caliber of competition. "North Dakota is a consistently top-performing team nationally, and competing in a region with such high-caliber talent makes us better. Our goal remains to challenge them for the top spot."

The team, composed of 14 dedicated members, performed at an elite level across numerous individual events, contributing to a total score of 451.5 points—finishing 68.5 points ahead of Minnesota State University Mankato. View the complete results.

I’m incredibly proud of how our team performed. We have a very young group, and our first-time competitors really stepped up. Our veterans led by example, and the result was a well-earned second-place finish."

 Hunter Pehrson, Aviation Institute Recruitment & Retention Specialist and Flying Mavs Coach

Coach Hunter Pehrson also reflected on the team’s mix of new talent and veteran leadership. “I’m incredibly proud of how our team performed. We have a very young group, and our first-time competitors really stepped up. Our veterans led by example, and the result was a well-earned second-place finish. I’m excited to continue working with this team and competing at the national level in May."

Key Individual Performances

Some standout individual performances helped the Flying Mavs secure their impressive finish. Tatum Navrkal claimed first place in Unlimited Navigation, while Will Skradski took third in Traditional Navigation and fifth in Computer Accuracy. The team’s captain, Tyler Thieman, showed his expertise with top rankings in Unlimited Navigation and Aircraft Preflight Inspection. In total, every team member contributed to the Mavs' success.

Eyes on the National Stage

The Flying Mavericks now turn their attention to the 2025 National SAFECON, hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, from May 12-17. There, they will compete against the best collegiate aviation teams in the country, with 28 to 30 teams vying for top honors.

Scott Vlasek, Director of the UNO Aviation Institute, expressed pride in the team’s achievements. “Securing second place in such a competitive region is a testament to their dedication, resilience, and preparation. Our Flight Team exemplifies the spirit of aviation excellence that the UNO Aviation Institute strives to foster.”

About the UNO Flight Team

The UNO Flight Team is a dedicated group of aviation students committed to mastering the skills required in both ground and flight events. Under the guidance of Coach Skip Bailey, Associate Coach Alison Adams, and Assistant Coach Hunter Pehrson, the Flying Mavs have become a force in collegiate aviation, consistently demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level.

For more information on the Flying Mavericks and their journey to Nationals, stay tuned for updates on their performance and achievements in May.