Jacksonville University’s Flight Team is headed to Nationals after an impressive third-place overall finish at the 2026 SAFECON Region IX, a competition organized by the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA). Hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, with flight events taking place at Massey Ranch Airpark, the competition brought together over 80 collegiate aviators to demonstrate their skills in a variety of ground and flight events.
The JU Flight Team earned third place overall, third place in flight events, and third place in the Judges Award category. In the Preflight Inspection event, Landon Turley placed second, while Andrew Matticola finished sixth. Paige Carlson earned third place in the Instrument Simulator event, and Mya Lee placed fifth in the Ground Trainer event. Kendall Boyer also represented JU in the E6B competition, finishing 10th.
The team also delivered strong performances in the navigation events. In Traditional Navigation, Mya Lee and Andrew Matticola finished fourth, followed by Jakob Werl and Grace Andrew in fifth, and Renn Ludford and Austin Parrish in sixth. In the Crew Resource Management (CRM) event, Andrew Matticola and Jakob Werl earned fourth place. Message Drop was another successful event for JU. Mya Lee, competing alongside a participant from LaGrange College, secured second place. Caden O’Neal and Jakob Werl followed in third, while Andrew Matticola and Adam Gigante finished 10th. In the landing events, Andrew Matticola placed second in Power-On Landings, with Mya Lee finishing 10th. Renn Ludford also earned eighth place in Power-Off Landings.
Competitors faced strong winds throughout the week, adding an extra level of difficulty to several flight events. These events demand precision, sound judgment, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. JU competitors remained focused and demonstrated their flying skills while making the most of the experience. The demanding conditions also provided valuable opportunities for students to apply their training in a competitive environment, strengthening their aeronautical decision-making and teamwork.
The team is preparing to compete at the national level this spring in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Outside of scheduled competition events, students enjoyed spending time at the beach, playing mini golf, and participating in pickleball games. One particularly memorable moment came during the Message Drop competition, when several participants dressed in costumes, bringing humor to the event.
As preparations for Nationals begin, the team hopes to build on its regional success, continue improving its skills, and proudly represent Jacksonville University on the national stage. With Regionals behind them and Nationals on the horizon, the JU Flight Team is ready for its next challenge.
