Ascend Flight Training Summit: A New Era in Aviation Education Begins in Dallas
The inaugural Ascend Flight Training Summit has taken flight this week, from September 8–10, 2026. The event is being held at the Crowne Plaza Dallas Market Center, in close proximity to Love Field (KDAL). The iconic Frontiers of Flight Museum was the venue for the Welcome Reception on the opening night.
This event is a collaborative effort between AeroSummit and the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), with sponsorship from Stratus Financial. The Ascend Summit replaces the long-standing annual NAFI Summit, marking a new chapter in aviation education.
Designed as a national, education-forward conference, Ascend brings together a diverse group of aviation enthusiasts and professionals. This includes student pilots, Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs), and flight school leadership. The summit offers a variety of educational tracks, hands-on workshops, industry-expert panel discussions, and an exhibit hall showcasing the latest training tools and technology.
A standout feature of the summit is its focus on career-readiness. This includes interview preparation, résumé and communication coaching, and potential on-site interviews with airlines and training organizations. Attendees are given a direct pipeline into professional aviation careers. According to the organizers, the summit is not just a conference, but a significant leap forward for aviation education in the United States.
Source: Aero-News Network – AeroSummit Gets Underway This Week