GAMA Announces Second-Place Prize for 2018 Aviation Design Challenge

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) today announced the addition of a prize for the high school team that places second in the 2018 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge, GAMA’s annual competition to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills through aviation education in U.S. high schools.

The second-place team will receive a two-day STEM Lab hosted at its high school campus, courtesy of Redbird Flight Simulations. Redbird will provide six Jay Velocity simulators, along with an instructor and lessons incorporating flight missions. Students will have a hands-on experience flying the simulators while learning aviation-themed STEM subjects.

“We can’t thank Redbird enough for its generous support of the Aviation Design Challenge,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. “It’s inspiring to see the dedication of our member companies, who continuously offer their resources to make sure young people experience the wonder of aviation, and ensure our industry has a strong future.”

Each day of the camp will consist of five, one-hour classes with 12-to-18 student slots, allowing students beyond those that participated in the Aviation Design Challenge to experience the STEM Lab. Classes will range from aerodynamics, to weather and aeronautical decision-making, to navigation.

“We’re excited to help GAMA share aviation with the next generation,” said Redbird President and Chief Operating Officer Charlie Gregoire. “Aviation is an ideal platform to introduce STEM concepts and simulation is a great way to give students a hands-on experience of the ideas they’ve been studying.”

Learn more about the Aviation Design Challenge, and opportunities for internships and careers with GAMA member companies, at GAMA.aero.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.