Registration is now open for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) 2021 Aviation Design Challenge.
This is the ninth year for the competition, which promotes aviation jobs and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in U.S. high schools through an aviation-focused curriculum and a virtual fly-off.
A team from Riverwood International Charter School in Sandy Springs, Georgia, won the 2020 challenge. A team from Harkness Career and Technical Center in Cheektowaga, New York, was the second-place winner.
“This valuable program provides students with the opportunity to learn about the science of flight, the mechanics of creating aircraft and the career opportunities available in the general aviation industry,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO.
More than 80 high schools entered the 2020 challenge, spanning 35 states.
During the first part of the challenge, teams use the free “Fly to Learn” curriculum to learn the principles of flight and airplane design. During the second portion of the competition, teams apply their knowledge to modify an airplane design and complete a mission in a virtual fly-off using X-Plane software, a flight simulator for personal computers.
Judges score the teams based on performance parameters, a checklist of steps involved in the demonstration flight, and a video submission in which the team summarized what they learned.
Members of the first-place team from Riverwood International Charter School include Coleman Alvarez, Lucas Daniels, and Jessica Keen. Their design included a substantially increased wingspan, winglets, retractable gear, and two additional propeller blades. The team was taught by John Friske.
While past winners were flown out to Washington state to help build a Glasair Sportsman aircraft, the pandemic created a different kind of experience for the 2020 winners. They were given a tour of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation; demonstration flights by Cirrus Aircraft; a tour of a Signature Flight Support FBO; virtual experiences including live demonstrations and career panel discussions presented by Dassault Falcon, ForeFlight and Garmin; and more.
The 2021 Aviation Design Challenge
The 2021 challenge is open to the first 150 schools that register. Registered schools will receive free Fly to Learn curriculum, which is aligned with national STEM standards, to aid in the learning of flight and airplane design principles.
Teachers can guide their students through the curricula in approximately four to six weeks through in-person or virtual settings.
The teams will then modify an airplane design and complete a mission in a virtual fly-off using X-Plane software.
The winning team will receive an all-expenses-paid general aviation experience. The second-place team will receive a STEM Lab Camp provided by Redbird Flight Simulations.
To register and to learn more about the challenge, go to the GAMA Aviation Design Challenge webpage. Registration closes on Dec. 17, 2020, or once all available slots are filled.
Since its inception in 2013, the Aviation Design Challenge has reached more than 3,500 students, from more than 400 high schools, spanning 47 states and Washington, D.C.