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Flying Mavs Soaring to Nationals After Strong Regional Performance

One of the team's Cessna 150's touches down during a landing competition.

One of the team's Cessna 150's touches down during a landing competition.

OMAHA – Thanks to a strong performance in a regional competition, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Flying Mavs Flight Team has qualified for its seventh straight trip to the National Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON).

The Flying Mavs finished third overall at the 2015 Region 6 SAFECON, which wrapped up Friday, Oct. 23 in St. Louis. (A complete listing of results can be found at http://nifa.us/2015_REGION_6_RESULTS.htm)

The competition tests student pilots in four flying events and five ground events. Competitors are judged on everything from how precisely they can land a plane to how accurately they can calculate the amount of fuel they’ll burn while flying a certain route.

“It really hits every aspect of the knowledge and skills it takes to be a private pilot,” said team advisor James Slabaugh. “I’m very impressed by this team’s performance.”

Two members of the team were recognized individually for their overall performance. Team Captain Nick Lynam won the Top Pilot award. Sophomore Brandon Perkins came in second.

Lynam, a senior, says the team’s goal has always been to place in the Top 10 of the national competition, but he’s not ruling out a first place finish.

“We have a real strong team and a real young team. We definitely have a strong chance,” Lynam said.

The Flying Mavs pose with their awards and unofficial mascot after the competition's awards banquet.

The team poses with their unofficial mascot Spangles, a stuffed bear, after the awards banquet at Saint Louis University. Judges named Lynam (bottom right) the competition's Top Pilot.

The National SAFECON is set for May 9 – 14, in Columbus, Ohio.

The flight team is open to all students attending classes through UNO’s Aviation Institute, which offers both aviation education in the classroom and in the sky. The Institute will celebrate its 25th anniversary in November.

This season, the Flying Mavs are sponsored by Jet Linx Aviation. James Slabaugh and Mike Munch coach the team.

For media requests, please contact:

Sam Petto, UNO Media Relations Coordinator
unonews@unomaha.edu
402.554.2704

or

Charley Reed, UNO Associate Director of Media Relations
unonews@unomaha.edu
402.554.2129

Related Links:

Learn More about UNO's Aviation Institute

Learn More about UNO's Flight-related Student Organizations

Students Place Nationally at Aviation Competition

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha
 Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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