The FAA is giving kids the opportunity to design airports.
The agency’s Airport Design Challenge, which took off April 1, 2023, helps students design virtual airports using the Microsoft game Minecraft.
“We need to continue to reach out to youth in their areas of interest,” said Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen. “The Airport Design Challenges does this by combining gaming and aviation to develop our leaders of tomorrow.”
During the competition, students collaborate in small teams to learn about their local airports and to complete developmental tasks in Minecraft. They participate in organized lesson plans covering topics ranging from airport layout, pavement and lighting, to structures and more, according to FAA officials.
Program facilitators, including more than 150 FAA employees, will use weekly knowledge-check quizzes and screenshots of students’ designs to assess progress and provide feedback.
Last year, approximately 800 students took part in the challenge.
For more information: FAA.gov/airport-design-challenge