Computer Accuracy
Computer Accuracy is an event where competitors use a manual flight computer to solve flight-related mathematical problems. They range in difficulty, from simple unit conversions to complex radius of action calculations. This is a challenging event that requires great speed, precision and a mastery of the flight computer. Join us and experience the excitement this event brings — you will definitely not regret it!
Aircraft Recognition
The Aircraft Recognition event will challenge you to identify the many thousands of airplanes and rotorcraft built and produced in the years following World War II. Unlike the SCAN and COMPACC ground events, aircraft recognition will not only put your memory skills to work but also challenge you to use visual and spatial analysis skills as you study and learn the many unique aircraft designs from around the world.
The typical NIFA test format will consist of a series of 60 photos and an answer sheet of multiple choice or write-in answers for each photo. The tests will display a wide range of aircraft and often highlight the design nuances of each one. For those of you who can appreciate the beauty of aircraft from single-engine Cessnas to Boeing 707s and B-52s, or if you can tell the difference between a 737 and an A320 in a heartbeat, this event is for you!
Simulated Comprehensive Aircraft Navigation
Are you ready for your End of Course Checkride?
Imagine the Simulated Comprehensive Aircraft Navigation (SCAN) event as if it is a checkride, where you are given a cross-country scenario, sectional chart, weather products, aircraft performance chart and more in order to answer questions regarding the flight.
The competitor's main responsibility is, first, to be familiar with the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), and also know how to interpret given weather products, or look for the correct information from the aircraft performance charts. There will always be multiple legs for the cross-country, so you are very likely to do the performance calculations more than once.
Preflight
Without any checklist, a competitor of this event has 15 minutes to correctly identify at least 30 discrepancies on the “bugged” airplane while operating in a proper preflight flow. Note that any plane can be used, such as a Cessna 210 from the 2015 National SAFECON. Remember ATOMATOFFLAMES? ARROW? This event will make memorizing them worthwhile.
Ground Trainer
A competitor is given a pattern to study and fly in a simulator. There are altitude, airspeed and heading changes. The competitor is scored based upon the accuracy of the pattern and how much he/she deviates in altitude, airspeed and heading.
If you started your instrument course here in Embry-Riddle, it is similar to those pattern ABC you first fly — just more complicated!
CFI Event
Love teaching? This event requires competitors* to teach a certain maneuver, such as the Emergency Descent, to the judge. Competitors are graded based on how thorough their lesson is and how prepared they are.
* Competitors must hold a CFI certificate to participate.