Registration is now open for Build A Plane’s 2016 design competition, the nonprofit group announced this week. The program, which is co-sponsored by GAMA, aims to promote science, technology, engineering and math education in U.S. high schools. In its first three years, the program has reached more than 150 schools in 38 states and Washington, D.C. “As we continue to look for innovative ways to attract more young people into the aviation field — whether as pilots, engineers, maintenance professionals, or manufacturers — the Aviation Design Challenge has been a resounding success,” said GAMA President Pete Bunce.
GAMA will provide teachers with a “Fly to Learn” curriculum and five copies of X-Plane design and simulation software. Students will design and fly their own virtual airplane in a fly-off. The winning team will win an all-expenses-paid trip for up to four high school students, one teacher and one chaperone to experience general aviation manufacturing firsthand. Each team must comprise four students, including at least one boy and one girl. Each school can enter only one team. Teachers must sign up by Jan. 31, and entries must be complete by April 30. The competition is open to the first 100 schools to enter.
