Oshkosh, WI—Visitors to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Exhibit (Booth #299) at EAA AirVenture July 25-31 will have an opportunity to fly a virtual Glasair Sportsman airplane with software powered by X-Plane and win a model general aviation aircraft. In addition, AirVenture attendees can also view banners featuring employees from GAMA member companies on why general aviation manufacturing is such a rewarding career.

Guests can use the same simulation software used by U.S. high school teams that compete in the annual GAMA/Build A Plane Aviation Design Challenge. They will have an opportunity to modify an airplane’s design, such as wing span and engine horsepower, and to fly virtual airplanes featured in the STEM curriculum and in the competition to see how these factors affect the airplane’s performance.

Since 2013, more than 150 schools and after-school clubs have received complimentary copies of “Fly to Learn” curriculum and software powered by X-Plane. The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) competition helps students master the basics of aerodynamic engineering, such as the four forces of flight, center of gravity, and aspect ratio. They then apply that knowledge by making adjustments to the airplane to fly a specific mission with a maximum payload as quickly and efficiently as possible. Each year, the winning team receives a two-week, all-expenses-paid trip to Glasair Aviation in Arlington, WA to build a real Sportsman airplane, courtesy of GAMA member companies and Glasair.

Attendees who register at GAMA’s booth to learn more about next year’s Aviation Design Challenge will automatically be entered into a daily drawing during AirVenture to win a free model general aviation aircraft. More information about the competition will be released this fall; e-mail STEMcompetition@gama.aero to be placed on the Aviation Design Challenge mailing list.