KENT STATEPRECISIONFLIGHT
Kent State University's official NIFA SAFECON precision flight competition team — training pilots to compete at the national level.
About the Team
What Is Precision Flight Competition?
The National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) SAFECON — Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference — is the premier collegiate aviation competition in the United States. Student pilots are evaluated on strict standards of aircraft control, navigation accuracy, and procedural discipline across multiple flight and ground events.
The Kent State Precision Flight Team competes regionally and nationally, representing the College of Aeronautics and Engineering. Our pilots train year-round in Cessna 172s and Piper Arrows out of Kent State Airport (1G3), northeast Ohio's center for collegiate flight training.
Events include Power-Off Landings, Precision Navigation, Message Drop, Computer Accuracy, and Ground Trainer — each demanding a blend of hand-flying skill, aeronautical knowledge, and composure under pressure.
Leadership // 2026
Meet the Team Leaders
The pilots and officers who keep KSU Precision Flight operating on heading, on budget, and competition-ready.
Captain
Linus Vazquez
The teammate everyone goes to and the captain everyone trusts.
Co-Captain
Gavin Barzan
Equal parts mentor, motivator, and morale..
Treasurer
Zachary Lach
Builds the financial foundation the team flies on.
Secretary
Sadie Martin
I am the bridge between the faculty and the team members.
Safety Officer
Kasen King
The reason we all make it home.
Competition Results
SAFECON Standings
Kent State's own event-by-event results at NIFA SAFECON — across regionals and nationals.
Support the Team
Fuel the Flight
The Kent State Precision Flight Team is entirely student-run. Every dollar goes directly toward what keeps us competitive — NIFA SAFECON entry fees, aircraft rental time in Cessna 172s and Piper Arrows at Kent State Airport (1G3), and travel to regional and national competitions.
We receive no dedicated university budget. Alumni, local businesses, and aviation enthusiasts make it possible to send a full team every year. Your contribution keeps student pilots in the air and on the flight line.
All contributions are processed securely via Square. For sponsorship inquiries, see the Sponsors section below or reach out through our contact form.
Our Partners
Flown with Support From
Organizations and individuals whose generosity keeps the team competition-ready year after year.
