The Warhawk Flight Team, a division of ULM's Aviation program, beat Louisiana Tech University and Hinds Community College at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association's (NIFA) Safety and Flight Evaluation conference and competition (SAFECON), hosted by Louisiana Tech University, Oct. 31 - Nov. 3.

Warhawk Flight Team, all aviation majors, are pictured from L-R: Caleb Peacock, senior, Monroe; Reeves Russell, senior, Lafayette; David Gunnell, senior, Varnado; Max Pippin, sophomore, Flora, Miss.; Tyler Collins, senior, Murray, Ky.; Alan Burgess, freshman, Monroe; Will Blackard, sophomore, Oak Ridge; Terrell Sharplin, senior, West Monroe; Charlie Gregory, freshman, West Monroe; Quincy Dalton, senior, Monroe; Evan Falcon, senior, Monroe; Jeff Taylor, assistant professor of aviation. Not pictured: Kandy Yacher, junior, Monroe; Scott Guidry, sophomore, Metairie; Clay Ricks, freshman, Crossett, Ark.

The stellar performance of the Warhawk Flight Team members earned them an invitation to compete at the national finals event in Smyrna, Tenn. in May 2008. ULM pilots who placed in the overall top 10 of individual flight or ground events include: Terrell Sharplin, Reeves Russell, Max Pippin, Will Blackard and Alan Burgess.

The flight team placed fourth in Region IV, competing against teams from Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.

Coach and aviation assistant professor Jeff Taylor is proud of his students for juggling a tough practice schedule and maintaining academic excellence.

"I am extremely proud of all the flight team members. They have worked around school, studying, and in many cases, work, to put in extra effort this semester to practice for this competition, both in the airplane and in the classroom,” he said. “We have worked evenings and weekends preparing and the effort paid off. Many of them have stepped up to assume responsibility for many facets of the training and this will make them stronger leaders and better professionals."

For complete results, please visit:
http://www.nifa.us/2007_REGION_4_RESULTS.html



Courtesy photo