Student-Built Sportsman Awaits FAA Inspection

On Friday, the Formula X team from Sunrise Mountain High School in Las Vegas, Nevada watched the plane they built taxi down the runway. After two weeks of hard work, the winners of the GAMA/Build A Plane Aviation Design Challenge have finished building their Sportsman, and as soon as the FAA inspection is complete, the plane will be ready to fly.

The build took place in Glasair's Two Weeks to Taxi program, with the students responsible for building 51% of the airplane. It was an intensive, hands-on learning environment that few high school students ever get to experience -- not to mention a fun and exciting time for both the students and the Glasair staff.

"It's amazing to see what these students have accomplished," Nigel Mott, President of Glasair Aviation, said. "We hope that this experience will compel them toward careers in aviation as pilots, engineers or mechanics.”

During the two weeks, the team visited several other aviation sites in the area, including Boeing's Everett plant and the Museum of Flight. The students also had the chance to experience flying in a few different general aviation aircraft, including the Sportsman. For some, this was their first time flying in a non-commercial airplane.

"It was cool," Freshman Joshua Carlson said. "I got to make a left turn, and a right turn, and even level it out."

The competition was organized by GAMA and Build A Plane, and is designed to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) skills among high school students. The team from Sunrise Mountain High School included students Alberto Carlos Alvarado, Joshua Carlson, Kenneth Ellis, and Jose Rodriguez, Jr, as well as teacher Thitiya Pathakkhinang and advisors Reza Karamooz and John Kanuch.

Glasair is committed to educating young people about the field of general aviation in order that the next generation develop a passion for this exciting industry.

(Image provided by Glasair)

FMIL www.glasairaviation.com