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University of Nebraska at Omaha Flight Team Soars to New Heights at 2025 Region VI SAFECON

  • published: 2025/11/06
  • contact: Scott Vlasek - Aviation Institute
UNO students flight team standing in front of an airplane.

Omaha, NE — October 20, 2025 — The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Flight Team, known as the Flying Mavericks, again demonstrated elite performance by capturing 2nd place overall at the 2025 Region VI SAFECON and securing their 17th consecutive bid to the national championship of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA).

Held October 13–18 at St. Louis University – Parks College, the Region VI competition brought together premier collegiate aviation teams from across the Midwest, including University of North Dakota, Kansas State University – Salina, Minnesota State University–Mankato, University of Central Missouri and University of Dubuque.

UNO’s Flying Mavericks excelled across both the flight and ground events:

  • 2nd Overall in the Region VI SAFECON – 545 points
  • 2nd in Ground Events – 233 points
  • 2nd in Flight Events – 312 points
  • Winner of the Competition Safety Award

The 2025 team roster comprised 14 dedicated students who earned travel spots and competed with focus and professionalism. Team Captains Tyler Thieman and Trevor Denker led the squad, which included: Cullen Leitner, William Skradski, Chloe Schrick, Thomas Reid, Samantha Stojanov, Connor Grell, Alex Duman, Shay Sinnard, Izzie Peetz, Tyler Suing, Zach Nanfito, and Shoichi Yasui.

“Region VI is one of the toughest in the country,” said senior and captain Tyler Thieman. “To place second overall and earn the Safety Award speaks volumes about our commitment to excellence.” Senior pilot Thomas Reid, the team’s top-scoring competitor, added: “This year’s competition was intense, but our preparation paid off. I’m proud of how we worked together and stayed focused under pressure.”

Scott Vlasek, Director of UNO’s Aviation Institute, commented: “This team continues to impress with their dedication, professionalism and competitive spirit. Region VI is one of the toughest in the country, and earning second place overall is a testament to the hard work of our students and coaches.”

Head Coach, Skip Bailey, said: “I’m extremely proud of the way this team performed this week. All 14 members of the team competed very well and I’m excited to see what they can do against the competition at the National SAFECON in May.”

Bailey and Associate Coach Alison Adams guided the Flying Mavericks through months of preparation, blending classroom instruction with rigorous flight training. Their leadership continues to support UNO’s reputation as one of the premier collegiate aviation programs in the nation.

Event Highlights

  • Preflight Inspection: Tyler Thieman 2nd; Zach Nanfito 6th
  • Power-Off Landings: Thomas Reid 3rd; Cullen Leitner 7th; Thieman 12th
  • Short-Field Landings: Team had four top 10 finishes including Leitner 4th; Trevor Denker and Thieman tied for 6th; and Alex Duman 8th
  • Unlimited Navigation: Thieman & Shoichi Yasui 6th; Reid & Duman 7th
  • Message Drop: Leitner & William Skradski 2nd
  • Computer Accuracy: Thieman 3rd; Duman 4th; Leitner 7th; Skradski 8th
  • Aircraft Recognition: Connor Grell 6th; Tyler Suing 7th; Denker 8th
  • Ground Trainer: Reid 2nd; Skradski 12th
  • Simulated Comprehensive Aircraft Navigation (SCAN): Reid 3rd; Chloe Schrick 5th; Shay Sinnard 7th

Looking Ahead
Already setting their sights on the next level, the Flying Mavericks now turn their focus to the 2026 National SAFECON, scheduled for May 18–23, 2026 at the Quad Cities International Airport in Moline, IL. There they will compete against the best collegiate aviation teams in the country.

About UNO’s Aviation Institute & Flying Mavericks
A key element of this success story is the robust program at the UNO Aviation Institute. Since 1990, the institute has propelled students into aviation careers through top-tier flight training and comprehensive academic preparation. The Bachelor of Science in Aviation degree at UNO offers concentrations in Professional Flight, Air Transport Administration and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).

The Flying Mavericks are sponsored by Jet Linx Aviation and compete annually in NIFA events.

Media Contact
For more information about the Flying Mavericks Flight Team, please contact Skip Bailey at lbaileyjr@unomaha.edu or 402-554-7271. A complete list of results from the 2025 Region VI SAFECON are available on the NIFA website.