Liberty NIFA team edges out Naval Academy to claim 20th straight Region X title
February 9, 2026 : By Ted Allen - Office of Communications & Public Engagement
The Liberty University School of Aeronautics’ National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) team officially captured its 20th consecutive SAFECON Region X championship.
The competition was held Oct. 15-18 at the Chesapeake Regional Airport. Final results were released last week.
Liberty’s team scored 249.5 points and found itself in a dogfight with the U.S. Naval Academy (248.50), ahead of Elizabeth City (N.C.) State University (216) and Hampton University (21). Liberty won the overall Ground Events championship with 108.5 points, ahead of Elizabeth City (104) and Navy (56.50).
“I am incredibly proud of our NIFA team for the way it represented (the School of Aeronautics) throughout this intense competition,” Dean Steven Brinly said. “Their excellence in skill, character, and teamwork reflects the very heart of our mission to equip, mentor, and send Champions for Christ into the aerospace community. This 20th consecutive Region X championship is a testament not only to their dedication but also to the culture of Christ-centered aviation excellence that defines the School of Aeronautics.”
Liberty senior Braxton Smith won the prestigious Top Pilot award, given to the top overall individual contestant at the event. Junior Isabella Hauri placed third in the Top Pilot competition and received the Outstanding Team Member award for her exemplary character and strong performance in the competition.
“Each team member did a fantastic job representing both the Lord and Liberty University,” Liberty SOA Senior Flight Instructor and NIFA Team Coach Matthew Hollo said.
Overall, Liberty placed in the top 10 in numerous individual and tandem events and in the top two in 10 of them:
- Isabella Hauri, first, Power-Off Landing
- Braxton Smith, first, Simulated Comprehensive Aircraft Navigation
- Braxton Smith (pilot), Jack Soutullo (safety observer), first place, Unlimited Navigation
- James Martin (pilot), Chris Reynolds (safety observer), second, Unlimited Navigation
- Chloe Leonard, second, Simulated Comprehensive Aircraft Navigation
- Bryce Goble, first, computer accuracy
- Daniel Piazza (dropmaster) and Braxton Smith (pilot), first, Message Drop
- Carter Smith (dropmaster) and Madison Simkins (pilot), second, Message Drop
- Zeke Erickson, second, Short Field Landing
- Dylan Baker, second, Aircraft Recognition
Complete results are available online.
With its 20th consecutive Region X title, the team qualifies to compete at the SAFECON National competition set for May 18-23 at the Quad Cities International Airport in Moline, Ill.
