One of the best aspects of being part of an organization like the National Association of Flight Instructors is that it helps instructors access resources to become better teachers of flight.
This year NAFI is joining AeroSummit, an aviation community-building leader, to deliver the Ascend Flight Training Summit in fall 2026. Described as an “education-forward” conference, the event is scheduled for September 8-10 in Dallas.
The event replaces the annual NAFI Summit.
“[The NAFI Summit] has served our community well,” said Karen Kalishek, board chair of NAFI. “Ascend allows us to expand the educational experience and reach far more students and instructors. NAFI is proud to be a foundational partner in Ascend and to bring our CFI-focused programming, instructional depth, and professional development mission to this new national summit.”
Added Anthony Geraci, co-CEO and co-founder of AeroSummit: “AeroSummit and NAFI share the same belief that the flight-training community deserves a dedicated space focused on education, progression, and long-term career success. Ascend represents the next step forward for our industry, and it is truly being built together. We are excited to move into this joint venture as one united team.”
How It Will Work
Both entities have defined roles in the launch of Ascend Flight Training Summit. The goal is to take individuals from student pilots in training all the way to industry professionals.
NAFI brings CFI-centered programming, instructional expertise, and professional development strengths. Ascend will include classroom sessions, CFI development workshops, and an exhibit hall featuring training tools and technology, structured networking, and career advancement opportunities that connect attendees with instructors, training organizations, and employers throughout aviation.
“This joint venture reflects the very best of what our industry can accomplish when we work together,” said Paul Preidecker, president of NAFI. “Ascend will offer deeper educational opportunities, stronger instructor development, and clearer pathways for pilots as they prepare for their professional futures.”
Ascend will introduce a strong career-readiness component, including interview preparation, résumé and communication coaching, and networking with training organizations and airlines, which includes potential on-site interviews that provide attendees with a direct path into professional opportunities.
“This collaboration allows us to channel our combined strengths into an event that puts education at the center,” said Brandon Martini, co-CEO and co-founder of AeroSummit. “Ascend brings students, CFIs, and flight school leaders together in a setting designed to help them learn, grow, and move confidently toward the next step of their aviation careers.”
Additional details, including registration, sponsorship, and exhibitor opportunities, will be released at a later date.
More information can be found here.
