Today, on National Aviation Day (U.S.), the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced that registration for the 2022 Aviation Design Challenge has opened. This annual competition, which enters its tenth year, promotes careers in aviation and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in U.S. high schools through aviation-focused curriculum.

“We are excited to once again open registration for GAMA’s annual Aviation Design Challenge, especially as the program enters its landmark tenth year. It is fitting that we make this announcement on a day in which we celebrate the history and promote the future of aviation – National Aviation Day. This valuable program provides students with the opportunity to learn about the science of flight, the mechanics of creating aircraft and the exciting career opportunities available in the general aviation industry,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO.

The Aviation Design Challenge is open to the first 150 schools that register to participate. Registered schools will receive free “Fly to Learn” curriculum, which is aligned with national STEM standards, to facilitate 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 and/or virtual settings. The teams will then virtually modify an airplane design and complete a mission in a fly-off using X-Plane software.

Completed challenge submissions will be scored by GAMA judges based on the fly-off and other performance parameters. 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, an industry leading manufacturer of aviation training devices and tools.

Since its inception in 2013, the Aviation Design Challenge has had over 600 teams participate, representing over 400 high schools from 46 states and Washington, D.C. The Aviation Design Challenge has inspired many students to get involved in general aviation and/or pursue a college degree or career path related to GA.

To register and to learn more about the challenge, please visit the GAMA Aviation Design Challenge webpage. Registration closes on December 17, 2021, or once all available slots are filled.