Consent 1.C.
City Council Regular Business Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 09/28/2026
- TITLE
- Approval of Agreement with the National Intercollegiate Flying Association
- PRESENTED BY:
- Paul Khera
- Department:
- Airport
Presentation:
No
Legal Review:
Yes
Project Number:
N/A
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the 2026 National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Agreement to allow college pilots to participate in a flying excellence competition.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
NIFA is a community of top aviation students and industry professionals who are fueling the future of aviation through advanced education and spirited competition. They oversee numerous Safety and Flight Evaluation Conferences (SAFECON) every year and Region I would like to host this year’s SAFECON in Billings. An Operating Agreement for the event has been drafted for the Mayor’s signature.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
On October 9-17-2026, NIFA will be on the Billings Airport to prepare for and host a SAFECON student academic, safety, and flying competition. They will use the general aviation runway and will not interfere with airline operations. Touch and Go operations will be conducted between 8:00AM and 5:00PM to reduce noise complaints and to stay in compliance with the Airport Rules. The NIFA will carry the required liability insurance stated in the agreement. The event is for future pilots to hone their skills, be the best they can be, and compete in the spirit of excellence. Events, such as this, promote good public relations for the airport and the City of Billings.
FISCAL EFFECTS
The cost to the airport will be a minor inconvenience to the users of Runway 10R-28L for about 3 days. Those users will have another runway available to them.
STAKEHOLDERS
ALTERNATIVES
City Council may: Approve the NIFA Agreement, authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement; or, Not approve the intercollegiate flying agreement and provide staff on how to proceed.