Ohio, USA – The Ohio State University’s aviation program, a collegiate pilot training and aviation education provider operating from The Ohio State University Airport, has received the 2026 Loening Trophy recognizing it as the nation’s outstanding all-around collegiate aviation program.

• The award was presented during the 2026 Annual Collegiate Aviation Symposium, hosted by Ohio State and Alpha Eta Rho International Aviation Fraternity.

• The Loening Trophy, first commissioned in 1929, will now return permanently to its founding location and be displayed at The Ohio State University Airport, with future winners receiving a replica.

• The award criteria will shift from being presented at the annual SAFECON competition to being conferred annually at the symposium, focusing on interdisciplinary challenges carried out by collegiate aviation teams nationwide.

• Ohio State has won the Loening Trophy approximately four times and is the only remaining institution among the original 14 collegiate aviation programs represented at the first Intercollegiate Aviation Association meeting in 1929.

• The trophy’s permanent relocation reinforces Ohio State’s historical role in collegiate aviation and positions the university airport as a focal point for national collegiate aviation engagement, including planned student-led public outreach and preservation initiatives.

Statements

• “I’m thrilled that we’ve brought the championship trophy back to Ohio State,” said Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., President of The Ohio State University. “This achievement is a testament not only to the excellence of our aviation program, but also the academic talents, hard work and leadership of our students, faculty and staff. Ohio State is proud to be among the nation’s best in preparing the next generation of aviation leaders.”

• “Since Ohio State is the birthplace of collegiate aviation and Loening Trophy talent, the committee made the decision that we were going to move it to Ohio State.” said Bob Clement, President of Alpha Eta Rho and member of the Loening Trophy judging committee.

• “Ohio State has everything. We have a great airport, great airplanes, certified flight instructors and great aviation professors.” said Noah Alapat, an air transportation major at Ohio State.

• “There are a lot of things that students here take for granted that other universities don’t have. It’s a very well-put-together organization. The university is well known and has a high alumni base. I can go up to any airline, and I know that there is a pilot flying there from Ohio State.” said Alapat.

• “We have plans to have an interactive AI-generated history of collegiate aviation, with the Loening Trophy being the permanent centerpiece at the Ohio State Airport.” said Clement.

Source: Ohio State University
Photo Credit: Ohio State University