AMA Inspires Youth Participation In Model Flying, Which Continues To Provide Exciting Challenges

It can accurately be said that all aspects of Aerospace endeavors started with experimentation through model aircraft. The story goes that the Wright Brothers first became interested in flight by playing with a simple vertical lift toy, and it’s well known that rocketry started small and grew to what it is today. Model aircraft continue to intrigue us, and more than a few model aircraft flyers have become pilots and even major contributors to aerospace progress.

Here’s a report that was released by EAA, who holds a close relationship with the Academy of model Aeronautics (AMA). In 2017 the AMA will hold its second year of UAS4STEM competitions, which help inspire an interest in STEM subjects through contests between teen-built drones.

UAS4STEM allows small teams of youth aged 11-18 to each build their own Quadzilla drone, which they will use at the competitions to conduct a search and rescue mission within assigned airspace.

AMA said the competitions are helping the organization expand its base of model aviators.

“We have found that the majority of the participants have no previous exposure to aviation,” said Jessy Symmes, AMA’s education assistant. “They get into the competition, help build the Quadzilla, and are enamored with the concept. Many of them are already flying model airplanes by the time the regional contests happen.”

AMA is currently finalizing 2017 competition dates and said they should be posted by the end of the year. Several teams from 2016 have already signed up to return.

“Through this program we are able to help inspire the next generation of employees in aviation and STEM related careers,” Symmes said. “That is something the AMA is very proud to be a part of.”

It should also be remembered that EAA participation with model aircraft comes to the forefront each year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. We at ANN will be keeping you posted about model aircraft events that you can plan to see, and participate in, at AirVenture 2017.

(Image from EAA press release)

FMI: www.eaa.org   www.modelaircraft.org/