Ascend Flight Training Summit September 8–10, 2026 · Dallas, TX

AviationStart is proud to be part of the inaugural Ascend Flight Training Summit. Ascend is a joint venture between AeroSummit and the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) — a new education-forward national conference that replaces the annual NAFI Summit. It combines AeroSummit's community-building and industry reach with NAFI's long-standing leadership in flight-instructor education to deliver a unified event that supports every stage of the pilot training journey.

Designed to support every stage of that journey, Ascend brings together student pilots, Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs), and flight school leadership in one unified learning environment. Programming includes classroom sessions, CFI development workshops, 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.

Expect Jamail Larkins, AviationStart Founder and FAA Ambassador for Aviation Education DreamLauch Presentation to help aspiring pilots discover ways to pay for flight training and accelerate their aviation career.