September 8–10, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Crowne Plaza Dallas Market Center Love Field
Welcome Reception • Frontiers of Flight Museum
Ascend Flight Training Summit is a joint venture between AeroSummit and the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI)
September 8–10, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Crowne Plaza Dallas Market Center Love Field
Welcome Reception • Frontiers of Flight Museum
A joint venture between AeroSummit and the National Association of Flight Instructors
The Ascend Flight Training Summit is a national, education-forward aviation conference launching in 2026. Designed to support every stage of the pilot training journey, Ascend brings together student pilots, Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs), and flight school leadership in one unified learning environment.
Built as a true joint venture, Ascend expands upon the foundation of the NAFI Summit while introducing broader programming, deeper academic content, and a stronger focus on career readiness and professional progression across the aviation training ecosystem.
This is not just a conference—it is a next step for aviation education.
The Ascend Flight Training Summit is designed for individuals and organizations committed to advancing aviation education and professional excellence.
Gain clarity, confidence, and direction through education, mentorship, and exposure to instructors, training organizations, and career pathways that support your progression from training to profession.
Advance instructional excellence, professional development, and leadership readiness through CFI-centered education rooted in best practices, safety, and long- term career growth.
Ascend is built on the belief that education drives progression at every level.
Programming will include:
Every track is intentionally designed to support growth—from first flight to advanced instruction and into sustainable aviation careers.
Ascend is backed by two organizations deeply invested in the future of aviation training.
AeroSummit brings a national platform focused on community-building, operational education, and collaboration across flight schools, instructors, and industry partners.
The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) brings decades of leadership in instructor education, professional development, and advocacy—setting standards that elevate instructional quality and safety across aviation.
Together, these organizations have created Ascend as a unified, education-first summit that blends instructional depth, operational insight, and career-focused programming in one national event.
Ascend goes beyond traditional conference education by integrating career advancement directly into the experience.
Attendees can expect:
Ascend is designed to help attendees move forward—confidently and intentionally.
Ascend will feature an exhibit hall showcasing training tools, technology, and resources that support modern flight training and instruction. Industry partners will engage directly with students, CFIs, and flight school decision-makers in an education-centered environment.
The inaugural Ascend Flight Training Summit takes place September 8–10, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, with a Welcome Reception on September 8th at the Frontiers of Flight Museum.
Additional details on registration, programming, speakers, and travel will be released in the coming months.
