This year’s winners of the annual GAMA/Build A Plane design challenge are at work this week in Arlington, Washington, helping to build a brand-new Sportsman airplane at Glasair Aviation. The four students, plus a teacher and chaperone, traveled from Weyauwega-Fremont High School in Weyauwega, Wisconsin, after beating out 76 other teams from around the country. “Building the Sportsman with our Aviation Design Challenge winners is one of the highlights of the year for me personally and for the GAMA staff,” said GAMA President Pete Bunce. “Over the past four years, it’s been an incredible experience to watch how very talented and enthusiastic young students develop their skills and increase their confidence in just two weeks as they build an airplane.”
The Aviation Design Challenge, Bunce added, is not just about inspiring kids, but addresses a real need for more aviation workers. “The general aviation manufacturing industry—which includes manufacturers, engineers, pilots, mechanics, and many others—is facing a shortage of skilled employees in the coming years as a large segment of our current workforce approaches retirement,” Bunce said. Glasair Aviation President Nigel Mott agreed. “Everyone at Glasair Aviation looks forward to sharing what we can about building great airplanes with students who are excited and eager to learn,” he said. “If we do well, some may return to Glasair in time as engineers, A&P mechanics, or composite techs—maybe even company president!” Besides working on the Glasair project, the students also will tour Boeing’s facility in Everett, Washington, and the Museum of Flight, in Seattle.
