Updates from the School of Aviation

Our War Eagle Flying Team returns from another successful competition.

Auburn's War Eagle Flying Team has brought home numerous awards throughout the last few competition seasons, and this fall was no exception! During the week of October 20, the War Eagle Flying Team (WEFT) made their annual trip to Lakeland, FL, to compete in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association's Regional Competition against other schools in the southeastern United States.

While at the competition, the team competed in numerous flight, simulator, and ground events. Everyone on WEFT has been working diligently since the beginning of the semester during twice-weekly practices. They spend their Sundays at the airport mastering their power-on landings, power-off landings, message drop, and navigation events. Wednesday practices consist of simulated comprehensive aircraft navigation (SCAN), E6B, and aircraft recognition.

With WEFT's placement at this competition, they've earned a spot at the NIFA National Safecon in summer 2024, where they will compete with top schools across the country. We are very proud of the War Eagle Flying Team for another great season!

WEFT Top Results:

• 1st Place - Judges Trophy
• 2nd Place - Safecon Trophy
• 1st Place - Flight Events
• 2nd Place - Ground Events

Ground Events

• 1st, 3rd Place - Preflight Event
• 1st, 5th Place - Aircraft Recognition
• 1st, 4th Place - E6B
• 1st Place - SCAN
• 2nd, 3rd, 4th Place - Ground Trainer

Flight Events

• 1st, 2nd Place - Message Drop
• 2nd Place - Power-Off Landings
• 1st, 2nd - Unlimited Navigation
• Top Pilot - Luke Russo

Another Auburn Business Aviation Days (ABAD) is in the books!

One of the largest events hosted by the School of Aviation each year is our annual Auburn Business Aviation Days. This conference-style event is geared at highlighting various opportunities available to students post-graduation. This year we welcomed over 100 industry professionals representing 40+ companies to the Plains of Auburn. Companies attending from all areas of the business aviation industry ranged from aircraft manufacturing to aircraft insurance.

"ABAD consistently stands out as the highlight of my year. It affords me the invaluable opportunity to reestablish connections with industry professionals while concurrently fostering new relationships. The inclusion of distinguished speakers from the business aviation sector, who graciously share their expertise, serves as an enriching resource for aspiring students like myself, keenly enthusiastic about making strides in the business aviation industry.



- Julia Hummel

Senior, Aviation Management

ABAD kicked off with a series of panels and guest speakers on main campus, followed by a networking fair and static display with over 10 aircraft for our students to view and explore. The day ended with a reception held at the Delta Air Lines Aviation Education Building.

As always, thank you to all of our students for attending, and a special thank you to all of our sponsors and attendees. ABAD would not be possible without all of your support, and we are excited to see you again next year for ABAD '24!

What is a rucksack?

During the week of Thanksgiving, the Auburn Student Veterans Association (ASVA) partnered with the Campus Veterans Association (CVA) at the University of Alabama to complete a 150-mile ruck march from Bryant-Denny Stadium to Jordan-Hare Stadium. Ruckers carried a 22 lb. rucksack representing the 22 veterans a day who commit suicide. Items in the rucksack were donated to the Bill Nichols Veterans Home in Alexander City.

This year’s “Operation Iron Ruck” was another success directly attributed to the leadership and vision of Veterans Resource Center director, Captain Puck Esposito, members of his staff and the leadership of the officers and members of the Auburn Student Veterans Association. The veterans within the School of Aviation were well represented as participants and volunteers. Aviation students Clayton Buchanan and Ricky Ballenger led Ruck planning and execution. Fellow aviation students Rex Fowler, Dylan Cramer, Nolan Oglesby, and Jack Birdsong, faculty members Dr. Jim Witte and Dr. James Birdsong, and CFI Matt Garrison also participated.

Dr. Birdsong and his son Jack were among the first father/son team to complete the 150-mile skip along the road. Dr. Witte also completed the walk, but we think he rode most of the way on a turtle which increased his speed by a factor of x2.

In 2024, we will do the same but in reverse, rucking from Auburn to Tuscaloosa. (from the ASVA web site). If you are an Auburn-connected veteran or retiree, feel free to join the happy throng and experience the joy of reaching the destination (and be able to sleep in a van all the way home).