The Oklahoma State Flying Aggies Flight Team defended its title as National Intercollegiate Flying Association Region IV champions for the third consecutive year in late October. The team was recognized as champion in both ground and flight events and had students finish in first place for several individual and team events.

This year’s win put the team above strong competitors including LeTorneau University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. As one of the top three teams from the region, the Flying Aggies will advance to the national competition May 10-15, 2027, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

“Something I think sets this team apart is just how close-knit the OSU flight team is,” said Flying Aggies president Olivia Lassman. “We are one of the loudest teams out there every year, for better or for worse.”

A junior studying to be a professional pilot at OSU, Lassman has aspirations to serve as a flight instructor before eventually trying her hand as a commercial pilot. Following her fifth competition with the Flying Aggies, she reflects on her competition experience with gratitude for her team.

“One of the biggest things is how much we check in on each other: We’re always doing things as a team, seeing each other outside of practices,” Lassman said. “The people on the flight team are genuinely some of the people I’m closest to at OSU, and I think that’s indicative of our team relationship and how well we all work together.”

Booker Flight Center instructor Micah Berger served as coach for the OSU Flight Team.

“I cannot understate how proud I am of this team as they continue to pour effort in and prove what they are capable of,” he said.

The team placed first in five categories during the competition, including aircraft recognition (Thomas Kinser), computer accuracy (Olivia Lassman – Flying Aggies president), message drop (Dayton Wong & Charlotte Talafuse), power-off landings (Zachary Cohen – assistant coach) and simulated comprehensive aircraft navigation (Olivia Lassman). Team members Zachary Cohen and Kai Davis tied for second in the top pilot category; member Myles Gunsolley was also named Outstanding Team Member.

Learn more about the regional and national competitions, as well as specific awards at www.nifa.aero/safecon.

The Flying Aggies were founded nearly 80 years ago, representing Oklahoma State aviation and space in competitions and career success ever since. Looking ahead, the College of Education and Human Sciences plans to launch the new School of Aviation and Space on July 1, 2027 – a reflection of the program’s notable growth and strength for the future.

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Story By: Faith Frantz | faith.frantz@okstate.edu