Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The University of North Dakota's involvement with the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) predates the department of aviation. The UND Flying Club, spearheaded by John Odegard, began competing at the National Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON) in 1966. It was at this national event of collegiate aviation programs where Odegard networked with individuals and gained access to curriculum that would serve as the basis of what was later approved to start the aviation program at UND.
It took nearly 20 years of competing at the National SAFECON for UND to secure a National Championship. In 1985, Coach Kent Lovelace led his team to an astounding victory over the rival teams. Winning this competition on the national stage propelled UND's aviation program to be considered a leader in collegiate aviation. The first victory started an unmatched period of success with UND winning seven consecutive national championships from 1985 through 1991. UND elevated the level of competition for the nation that continues to this day. The success of the 1985 National Championship Flying Team helped shape the future of aviation education and prominence at UND today.
Kent Lovelace, Coach
Robert Beckner, Assistant Coach
Phillip Hein, Assistant Coach
Joe Johnson, John Caturina, Rob Geisler, William Ward, Timothy Kutchera, Charlie Kalvoda, Bill Schuelter, Rod Reynolds, Steve Church, Grant Smith
UND Aerospace is a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, nationally acclaimed for our achievements in collegiate aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research. With more than 500 faculty and staff members, 1,800+ students from around the world, and myriad programs and projects, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is setting the pace for the future of flight.
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: instagram.com/undaerospace
Facebook: facebook.com/UNDAerospace
Twitter: twitter.com/UNDAerospace?s=20
The University of North Dakota's involvement with the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) predates the department of aviation. The UND Flying Club, spearheaded by John Odegard, began competing at the National Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON) in 1966. It was at this national event of collegiate aviation programs where Odegard networked with individuals and gained access to curriculum that would serve as the basis of what was later approved to start the aviation program at UND.
It took nearly 20 years of competing at the National SAFECON for UND to secure a National Championship. In 1985, Coach Kent Lovelace led his team to an astounding victory over the rival teams. Winning this competition on the national stage propelled UND's aviation program to be considered a leader in collegiate aviation. The first victory started an unmatched period of success with UND winning seven consecutive national championships from 1985 through 1991. UND elevated the level of competition for the nation that continues to this day. The success of the 1985 National Championship Flying Team helped shape the future of aviation education and prominence at UND today.
Kent Lovelace, Coach
Robert Beckner, Assistant Coach
Phillip Hein, Assistant Coach
Joe Johnson, John Caturina, Rob Geisler, William Ward, Timothy Kutchera, Charlie Kalvoda, Bill Schuelter, Rod Reynolds, Steve Church, Grant Smith
UND Aerospace is a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, nationally acclaimed for our achievements in collegiate aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research. With more than 500 faculty and staff members, 1,800+ students from around the world, and myriad programs and projects, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is setting the pace for the future of flight.
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: instagram.com/undaerospace
Facebook: facebook.com/UNDAerospace
Twitter: twitter.com/UNDAerospace?s=20
