When members of OU's Precision Flight Team board the planes at the OU Airport, they prepare for more than a trip down the runway. They prepare for their future careers.

Fourteen students and three coaches comprise the team, which is part of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association, an organization including colleges with aviation programs, head coach Chad Ward said.

Sean Stipp/THE POST
Two members of the O.U. flight team watch their team members' performance during practice at the O.U. Airport in Albany, Sunday afternoon.

The organization sponsors regional and national competitions, which expose students to airlines and corporate-flight departments across the United States, he said.

After finishing third out of seven teams at the October regional competition, OU's Flight Team will advance to the national competition May 4 through 9 in Selina, Kan.

Last year, the team finished ninth out of 35 teams in the national competition. Although this is the team's second consecutive qualification for nationals, it is only OU's second visit to the competition in the past 33 years.

In the competition, the team will use planes from OU's aviation department to compete in a variety of events, including precision landing, flight computer accuracy, oncoming aircraft recognition, flight simulation and navigation.

The national competition includes a message drop event, during which planes fly low to the ground and attempt to drop a wooden box containing a message on a designated target.

Though most flight team members are aviation majors, the organization is open to anyone who has a private pilot's license.

Ward, who has been coaching the team since last May, said the flight team helps prepare students for the competition they will face in the aviation industry.

The team's competitions and weekly practices will help him establish career networks and increase his proficiency as a pilot, Senior team member Jason Forshey said.

"It helps you develop a professional and competitive attitude," he said.

The team helps students focus on safe flight procedures and thorough plane inspections before take-off, Captain Joel Cress said.

"Everything in aviation is based on safety," he said.

The practices and competitions can help improve students flying abilities, Assistant head coach Dave Moore said.

"It makes you a better all-around pilot," he said.