AeroSummit and the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) have partnered to launch the Ascend Flight Training Summit.
The new “education-forward” conference will replace the annual NAFI Summit beginning in 2026, according to officials.
Ascend is designed to strengthen the pilot pipeline, featuring educational tracks for student pilots, CFIs, and flight school owners and leadership; hands-on workshops; expanded academic content; professional development sessions, and an exhibit hall featuring training tools and technology.
Ascend will also introduce a strong career-readiness component, including interview preparation, resume and communication coaching, networking with training organizations and airlines, and potential on-site interviews that give attendees a direct path into professional opportunities, organizers noted.
“The NAFI Summit has served our community well but Ascend allows us to expand the educational experience and reach far more students and instructors,” said Karen Kalishek, Board Chair of NAFI.
The inaugural Ascend Flight Training Summit will take place Sept. 8-10, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Dallas Market Center Love Field, with a welcome reception at the Frontiers of Flight Museum.
For more information: AscendfFlightTrainingSummit.com
My only comment (as an aging, independent “has been” CFI), is more of a question: Who wants a career as a CFI? My impression of late it’s a path to the airline flight deck. I still stay current, but I can’t seem to find my brand of passion anymore …