How the competition works

Schools interested in the competition will receive complimentary “Fly to Learn” curricula, which comes with flight simulation software powered by X-Plane.

Teachers will guide students through the science of flight and airplane design, completing the curricula in either a typical classroom pace of approximately two weeks or one week through an accelerated program.

Each high school will apply what they have learned by modifying the design of an airplane. The schools will then compete in a virtual fly-off, which will be scored on aerodynamic and performance parameters while flying a specific mission profile.

Judges from GAMA will select the winning school based on that score and other factors.

The Challenge

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is sponsoring the 2019 Aviation Design Challenge to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education through aviation in high schools across the United States.

The Prize

The prize will include an all-expenses-paid trip for up to four high school students, one teacher, and one chaperone to experience general aviation manufacturing firsthand.

Resources

Software Installation Instructions Student High School Curriculum Teacher High School Curriculum

Resources including webinars, presentation slides and videos

         

Timeline

Now through January 31, 2022

Registration period open for teachers at eligible schools to sign up for the GAMA 2016 Aviation Design Challenge.

January-March, 2022

Teachers receive Fly to Learn curricula and software powered by X-Plane from GAMA.

January 9-10, 2019

Online introductory seminars hosted by Fly to Learn.

March 2022

Teachers receive competition instructions from GAMA.

April 2022

All competition entries must be received by GAMA.

Beginning of May 202

Winning high school announced; all other high schools notified.

Register Today

Teachers interested in the contest should register by emailing STEMcompetition@gama.aero immediately, space is limited to the first 150 high schools. Only 1 teacher per high school may register. Each team must have 4 students to be eligible for the contest and each team must include at least one male student and at least one female student.