Hundreds of Collegiate Aviators Take Flight at SAFECON 2026
May 07, 2026
Quad Cities, IL/IA (May 7, 2026) - The Quad Cities will take center stage in collegiate aviation this May as Visit Quad Cities and the Quad Cities International Airport host SAFECON 2026, the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) national championship, May 18-23, 2026. Throughout the week, hundreds of aviators representing more than 20 colleges and universities will compete in a series of events designed to test flight skills, ground knowledge, simulator proficiency, and aviation safety practices.
SAFECON is a premier national aviation competition and conference presented by the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA), welcoming hundreds of collegiate aviators, educators, industry partners, and aviation enthusiasts from across the United States. This event brings together the nation's top-performing teams that have qualified through regional competitions while celebrating excellence across collegiate aviation, including competitions and award presentations.
“Hosting SAFECON 2026 is a significant milestone for the Quad Cities and speaks to the strength of our community and partnerships that continue to drive our region forward,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO, Visit Quad Cities. “Welcoming this national championship, alongside the Quad Cities International Airport, connects our region to the future of aviation while reaffirming our commitment to supporting and celebrating the next generation of industry professionals. It is also an opportunity to showcase the Quad Cities as a place where innovation, talent, and collaboration come together in meaningful ways.”
Competitors and guests will engage in a full schedule of competitive events, professional seminars, networking opportunities, and awards presentations. Competition segments include navigation challenges, simulator flights, message-drop accuracy, approach-and-landing exercises, and written knowledge tests.
“SAFECON represents far more than competition,” said Benjamin Leischner, A.A.E., Executive Director, Quad Cities International Airport. “These students are sharpening the critical skills that will sustain the future of our industry and push aviation forward in ways we can’t even fully imagine yet. The next generation of pilots, aviation leaders and innovators is gathered here this week, and we’re proud to welcome them to the Quad Cities and support an event centered on safety, professionalism and growth.”
Media must contact Ashleigh Johnston, Public Relations & Marketing Manager, Quad Cities International Airport, to coordinate coverage of the event.
For more information, visit nifa.aero/safecon.
Main Media Contacts
Ashleigh Johnston
Public Relations and Marketing Manager
Quad Cities International Airport
[email protected] | 309.207.6069
Emily Coaker
Director of Communications
NIFA
[email protected] | 513.284.5420
Kayla Morath, CTA
PR, Communications, and Content Coordinator
Visit Quad Cities
[email protected] | Direct: 309.736.6827 | Cell: 309.391.4607
About NIFA
The National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) is the premier organization overseeing Safety and Flight Evaluation Conferences (SAFECONs) throughout the United States. Collegiate aviation programs nationwide send their top teams to compete in these prestigious events, which highlight the “best of the best” aviation students. Annually, NIFA runs Regional SAFECONs in the fall, with top teams advancing to the National SAFECON, held in late spring. These conferences feature a range of competitive events, including ground, simulator, and precision flight testing, alongside awards for aviation achievement, program strength, and scholarships.
About Visit Quad Cities
Founded in 1990, Visit Quad Cities is the region’s official destination marketing organization (DMO). Visit Quad Cities is a private 501(c)(6) non-profit engine that drives economic opportunity through tourism, builds our authentic brand, shares and sells the Quad Cities story, and enhances Quad Citizens’ quality of life and place. Accredited through Destinations International's Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), Visit Quad Cities is recognized globally for operating at the highest level of industry standard.