On National Aviation Day (August 17), the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced that registration for the 2023 Aviation Design Challenge has opened. This annual competition, now in its eleventh year, promotes careers in aviation and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in U.S. high schools through aviation-focused curriculum.

“GAMA’s annual Aviation Design Challenge provides a great experience for students to learn more about aviation and the diverse career opportunities that the industry has to offer. We are proud to continue to offer this valuable program to interested high schools and look forward to seeing teams take on the challenge. We find it fitting to open registration on National Aviation Day, a day in which we celebrate the history and promote the future of aviation.” 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. 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, which includes a CubCrafters Manufacturing Experience. The second-place team will receive a Redbird Flight Simulations STEM Lab.

Since its inception in 2013, the Aviation Design Challenge has had over 650 teams participate, representing over 400 high schools from 48 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 general aviation.

To register and to learn more about the challenge, please visit the GAMA Aviation Design Challenge webpage. Registration closes on December 17, 2022, or once all available slots are filled.

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