One of my favorite experiences each year is getting to meet and work alongside the winners of the annual GAMA/Build A Plane Aviation Design Challenge as they build a Glasair Sportsman. This year was no different. Our winning team, from Weyauwega-Fremont High School in Weyauwega, WI, included a group of exceptional students — Derrick Cleaves, Logan Feltz, Austin Krause, and Natasha Stemwedel — led by their wonderful teacher Mike Hansen and enthusiastic chaperone Jerry Graf.
They won the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) competition for U.S. high school students by excelling at the basics of aerodynamic engineering. All 76 high schools from 31 states that entered received free “Fly to Learn” curricula and software powered by X-Plane to learn about topics such as the four forces of flight, center of gravity, and aspect ratio.
After familiarizing themselves with the software, the teams set out to modify and fly a virtual Cessna 172SP. Their designs were evaluated and scored for a maximum payload delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible. They also had to submit a summary of modifications made to the airplane, a checklist of steps involved in the demonstration flight, and three videos that culminated in sharing what they learned throughout the competition.
Given the coursework required as part of the Challenge, all of the students who entered the competition increased their knowledge of STEM and aviation. The winners got to put their new skills to use firsthand by building a Glasair Sportsman during two weeks in June at Glasair Aviation in Arlington, WA, thanks to the generosity of GAMA member companies.
Throughout the build, the value of the Aviation Design Challenge was obvious. The students became more comfortable knowing the proper use of tools in basic airplane and powerplant applications. High school junior Natasha Stemwedel said the experience will help her in her planned career as a Medevac nurse. “I can be saving lives and if the helicopter ever goes down in a remote area, I can help get it back in the air as soon as possible,” she said.
But the best part was watching the students’ confidence grow. Teacher Mike Hansen described the four high schoolers as introverts, but a week into the build, he noted one student had said more to him during a single day at Glasair than he had during the past two years in the classroom. The students nervously talked about their educational experience with U.S. Congressman Reid Ribble (R-WI), who represents them in Congress, during a visit to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation’s Appleton, WI, facility before the build. But when Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA), who represents Arlington, WA, traveled to the Glasair facility to watch the build in the second week, the kids were extremely animated. To channel that newfound enthusiasm, the teenagers then spoke before half a dozen lieutenant governors at EAA AirVenture in late July.
As the new school year begins, we’ll be working toward the 2017 competition and hope AMT readers will recommend the Aviation Design Challenge to U.S. high school teachers, students, and parents. Just ask them to e-mail [email protected] and we’ll provide more information this fall.
After all, next summer is just nine months away.
Pete Bunce is President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
