Flying Mavs Building Momentum with Nationals Showing

OMAHA – The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) flight team, the Flying Mavs, hope to build on their performance at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA)’s 2016 National Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference competition.

The competition ran from Monday, May 9 - Friday, May 14 at Ohio State University.

UNO finished tied in 20th place with Metropolitan State University of Denver. A number of students were recognized for strong performances in individual events.

Making it to the competition is an accomplishment in itself. Only the top three teams from each of 10 regions are invited. This marks the seventh straight year that the Flying Mavs have qualified for nationals.

Co-captain Brandon Perkins said the team performed well.

“Regionals are challenging but nationals are just a whole different level,” Perkins said. “Twentieth is not where we want to be, but it is a motivator to do better.”

The national competition tests students in eight ground events and four flight events. Three of the events are unique to the competition, not appearing in regionals. The Flying Mavs performed well in each of those unique events.

Daniel Anding placed 13th in the Instrument Flight Rules Simulator Event.

UNO’s team of co-captains Nick Lynam and Brandon Perkins came in 15th for the Crew Resource Management / Line Orientated Flight Training Event.

Nine UNO students made up the 2016 nationals team: (Sorted by name / hometown)

Daniel Anding / Omaha, NE

Matt Bracciano / Papillion, NE

Nick Lynam / Papillion, NE

Austin Naylor / Bartonsville, IL

Brandon Perkins / Columbus, NE

Adam Recker / Glenwood, IA

Keaton Stengel / Dalhart, TX

Caleb Ullman / Lincoln, NE

Phil Wier / Wasta, SD

James Slabaugh, Mike Munch and Zach Ossino 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

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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