The winning team of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) 2021 Aviation Design Challenge, from Raisbeck Aviation High School, recently participated in its general aviation manufacturing experience. The team visited GAMA member companies to learn about general aviation manufacturing, which included hands-on experiences and demonstration flights.
“It truly was a pleasure putting together a memorable and exciting experience for the team from Raisbeck Aviation High School. This team was full of bright, talented students who were enthusiastic about aviation and learning more about the industry. They all have bright futures, and we look forward to following their prospective journeys in aviation,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO.
The team began their general aviation experience with a tour of Eviation in Arlington, Washington, to view the progress of the development of “Alice”, an all-electric commuter aircraft, and learn about magniX’s electric propulsion units. The team then spent four days at CubCrafters in Yakima, Washington, learning and receiving hands-on exposure to composites, metal fabrication, machinery, welding and the manufacturing assembly line. The team also participated in a Component Design Challenge, in which they worked with designers and engineers to design, prototype and test a sample headset hanger to be used in CubCrafters aircraft.
“Everyone at CubCrafters was amazed by the team’s passion for aviation, eagerness to learn more about the entire manufacturing process and the enthusiasm they showed throughout the Component Design Challenge. This team of students showed great promise and we were proud to be able to offer them a one-of-a-kind experience which further intrigued their interest in general aviation. Programs like GAMA’s Aviation Design Challenge do great work to promote the exciting and rewarding careers found in aviation to future generations,” said Pat Horgan, CubCrafters president.
The Aviation Design Challenge second-place team, from The Pennington School, was also recently awarded its prize. The students participated in a two-day STEM Lab Camp provided by Redbird Flight Simulations, which included learning on flight simulators.
“The students really enjoy the fun, engaging learning environment that is created through the hands-on training of a flight simulator, which engages their creativity and fosters their interests in STEM outside the classroom. We value the opportunity to offer our STEM Lab Camp as a part of the GAMA Aviation Design Challenge and look forward to continuing to be a part of this valuable program,” said Charlie Gregoire, Redbird Flight Simulations COO and President.
“The CubCrafters, magniX, Eviation and Redbird Flight Simulations teams did a remarkable job showcasing the diverse and rewarding jobs that encompass general aviation. We are grateful for their commitment, as well as that from our tremendous sponsors, to inspire students to pursue opportunities in our industry. We look forward to continuing this incredible experience especially as it enters its tenth year of promoting the future of general aviation,” Bunce added.
Sponsors of the 2021 Aviation Design Challenge include Bombardier, Cirrus Aircraft, Click Bond, CubCrafters, Daher, Embraer, Eviation, Garmin, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Hartzell Propeller, magniX, Redbird Flight Simulations, Signature Flight Support, Textron Aviation and Wipaire.
Registration for the 2022 Aviation Design Challenge is currently open. To register and to learn more about the challenge, please visit gama.aero. Registration closes on December 17, 2021, or once all available slots are filled.