Students in Kent State's Aeronautics Program recently earned first place in the annual Region III Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON), sponsored by the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. The students will go on to represent the region at the national competition at St. Louis University in Illinois in May 2009.

"Kent State has been participating in the competition for more than 20 years. This is the first time the university's students have taken home the top award," says Timothy Palcho, professor in the College of Technology and one of the team's coaches. "We're obviously very proud of our students and looking forward to the opportunity to represent Kent State Aeronautics at the national competition."

Kent State's pilots competed against others from Ohio University, The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati and Western Michigan University.

Students participate in a total of 12 events that are designed to test their skills at maneuvering, navigating and flight planning. Ground events evaluate computer accuracy, cockpit teamwork, preflight aircraft inspection and knowledge of basic aircraft types. The intent is to foster excellence through valuable experience in flight, precision sports and in-depth knowledge in the pursuit of the safest, most competent pilots.

With a combination of flight training, aeronautics courses, use of the university's airport and the largest fleet of university aircraft in Ohio, Kent State's Aeronautics Program is recognized as one of the top flight schools and best university aviation programs in the country by major airlines and the military.

A Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautics is available in five areas of concentration: aeronautical studies, aeronautical systems engineering technology, air traffic control, aviation management and flight technology. Kent State's Aeronautics Program remains the first and only accredited university aviation program in Ohio, the birthplace of aviation.

More information about Kent State's Aeronautics programs is available at http://www.kent.edu/tech/AcademicDivisions/Aeronautics/.

###

Media Contact:
Christa Skiles, 330-672-8588, or cskiles@kent.edu