You don't pay for any of the flying time or instruction you will receive. The team works hard, but we play hard too. The members get to know each other at events like plane washes, fly-in breakfasts, and team cookouts at the airport. The team is made up of students with a variety of flying backgrounds, and many have completed the UIUC flight courses. Interactions with senior students at the Institute exposes you to people who can offer tips on how to succeed in your flight courses.
Potential employers like to see participation on the flying team.
Many know about NIFA and know that your participation illustrates your dedication and love for aviation. Many of the pilots who hire for major airlines were once NIFA competitors. It provides you many opportunities to network with people who are already working in the aviation industry. You'll meet pilots from other schools and be able to network through them too. In recent years, the UIUC flight team has traveled to national competitions in Texas, Mississippi, Florida and Kansas.