The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has appointed Mike Ginter, a leading general aviation (GA) advocate and retired Naval aviator, to head its Air Safety Institute.
Mike Ginter
“For more than 70 years, the AOPA Air Safety Institute has delivered life-saving information and education to pilots, and I am honored to be part of continuing that legacy,” said Ginter. “It’s important to meet pilots where they are with practical tools and information they can really use, and no organization does that better than ASI.”
Since 2018, Ginter has served as AOPA’s vice president of airports and state advocacy, spearheading efforts to protect airports, bringing 1,000 new volunteers into the AOPA Airport Support Network, and helping to successfully resolve more than 700 airport issues on behalf of AOPA members. Most recently, he led the effort to plan and execute the successful National Celebration of General Aviation Flyover of Washington, D.C., which highlighted the history and utility of general aviation aircraft.
Prior to joining AOPA, Ginter spent 27 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring with the rank of captain. During that time, he accrued more than 5,300 flight hours and 555 carrier landings, completed four deployments to the Persian Gulf, commanded a jet squadron, and served as operations officer for the USS John F. Kennedy. In 2003, he led the demonstration team responsible for showcasing the capabilities of the Lockheed S-3 Viking. That same year, his squadron won the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award.
Throughout his Navy career, Ginter, who earned his private pilot certificate at 18, continued to fly general aviation aircraft. He previously owned a T-6 Texan, and currently owns a 1972 Beechcraft A36 Bonanza and a Cessna 172, which his wife, Donna, is using for flight training.
“Mike is an active flyer who understands the real-world challenges GA pilots face,” said AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker. “His down-to-earth approach to making every flight safer resonates with pilots of all experience levels.”
The past few years have been among the safest in general aviation’s history, and in his new role as senior vice president of ASI, Ginter is committed to ensuring that trend continues by expanding the reach of ASI’s safety content, delivering data-driven analysis, and exploring new ways to support pilots.
With more than 10 million touches each year, ASI provides award-winning videos, podcasts, publications, reports, online courses, quizzes, CFI renewal programs, and more to help pilots fly safely. ASI’s work is supported by generous donations to the AOPA Foundation.
Effective June 30 the FAA reports all of the regulatory based documents of the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation will be available in an online one-stop shop. The Dynamic Regulatory System will serve as an archive for historical information and will be updated contemporaneously with current documents. The initiative is to improve communication with the industry as the FAA continues to enable safe space transportation. Watch a tutorial video for more information.
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced that Ben Baldanza is the recipient of the 2024 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy.
Ben Baldanza
Baldanza, who has nearly four decades of experience in the airline industry, is considered a leading visionary for introducing the ultra-low-cost model to the United States, which expanded air travel access to millions of Americans. In 1986, Baldanza began his career at American Airlines and helped to develop the first hub-and-spoke and frequent flier system. In 2005, Baldanza joined Spirit Airlines as President and CEO, intending to drive down prices for travelers and create an avenue for middle-class and working-class Americans to fly to leisure destinations. His success in promoting the “unbundling” airplane model made travel more accessible to millions.
“I know I speak for the entire Wright Brothers Trophy selection committee when I say how thrilled we are with Ben being this year’s trophy winner,” said NAA Board Chair Jim Albaugh. “Ben’s career is a storied one. He is universally respected for what he has done, not just at Spirit Airlines, but for how he has impacted the industry over the last several decades. We look forward to celebrating his selection later this year.” Since stepping down as CEO of Spirit Airlines in 2016, Baldanza has continued to be a leading voice in aviation. He currently serves on the Board of JetBlue, is the Chairman of Six Flags Entertainment, and co-hosts the Airlines Confidential podcast, further cementing his status as a respected figure in the industry.
“The Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, established by the NAA in 1948, is a prestigious honor commemorating the memory of Orville and Wilbur Wright,” said Amy Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “It is awarded annually to a living American who has made significant contributions of enduring value to aviation in the United States. This esteemed trophy serves as a timeline of the most innovative inventors, explorers, industrialists, and public servants in aeronautics and astronautics, making Ben Baldanza’s selection a testament to his remarkable career.”
“Words can’t express how humbled and honored I feel about this amazing award,” said Baldanza. “To be thought of in this broad aviation field that includes business luminaries, visionaries, government officials, top military officers, and astronauts is truly an honor that I never expected. I’d like to thank the committee and all my friends and colleagues who personally supported my nomination.”
Baldanza will receive the Wright Trophy at the Aero Club of Washington’s 76th Annual Wright Memorial Dinner on December 13, 2024, in Washington, DC. For more information about the award or a list of past recipients, please visit www.naa.aero. For updated information regarding the presentation of the Wright Trophy, please visit www.aeroclub.org.
The 2024 Selection Committee Members are:
James Albaugh, Board Chair, National Aeronautic Association
Nicole Battjes, Chair, Vertical Aviation International
Marion Blakey, 2013 Wright Trophy Recipient
Andy Cebula, Vice President, Air Traffic Management & Operations, Airlines for America
Eileen Collins, 2022 Wright Trophy Recipient
Daniel Dumbacher, Executive Director, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Jon Ostrower, Editor-in-Chief, The Air Current
Dorothy Reimold, Vice President, Civil Aviation, Aerospace Industries Association
David Richardson, President, Aero Club of Washington
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced more than $123 million for airfield, safety and other improvement projects at 235 airports in 35 states and the District of Columbia.
This second round of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants fund a variety of projects such as construction of new and improved airport facilities, repairs to runways and taxiways, maintenance of airfield elements such as lighting and signage, or purchasing equipment needed to operate and maintain airports.
“This $123 million investment helps airports across the Nation sustain and improve critical infrastructure to advance the safest, most efficient airport system in the world,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E.
Examples of airports receiving grants include:
$1.9 million to Buckeye Municipal Airport in Arizona: This grant funds the reconstruction of Taxiway J pavement to improve safety.
$3.8 million to John Wayne Airport – Orange County in California: This grant funds the purchase of a new escalator in Terminal A and new escalator in Terminal B.
$3.5 million to Kit Carson County Airport in Colorado: This grant funds the reconstruction of Taxiway A pavement to improve safety.
$6.8 million to Miami International Airport in Florida: This grant funds final phase of the rehabilitation of the existing apron which will minimize foreign object debris and improve safety.
$4.6 million to Eastern Iowa Airport in Iowa: This grant funds the replacement of the existing airport lighting vault equipment and the design and construction phase for reconstructing Taxiway D.
$2.2 million to Topeka Regional Airport in Kansas: This grant funds reconstruction of the pavement on Taxiway A to improve safety
$2.4 million to Cape Girardeau Regional in Missouri: This grant funds reconstructing of the existing lighting and pavement on Taxiway D to improve safety.
$1.3 million to Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport/Forney Field in Missouri: This grant funds the construction of a new terminal building to increase passenger capacity.
$3.5 million to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri: This grant funds the reimbursement for construction of a terminal building.
$2 million to Billings Logan International Airport in Montana: This grant funds reconstruction of Taxiway J lighting and construction for a new cargo apron.
$417,958 to Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Nevada: This grant funds reconstructing pavement for several taxilanes to improve safety.
The Airport Improvement Program receives approximately $3.3 billion in funding each year. A complete listing of grants is on the FAA website.
The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has announced the appointment of Gregory Bowles and Inmaculada Kusnierek to its Board of Trustees.
Gregory Bowles
Gregory Bowles brings a wealth of experience in aerospace engineering and aviation policy work to the NAHF Board of Trustees. Currently serving as the Head of Government Policy at Joby Aviation, Bowles has a distinguished career advocating for safety and innovation in the aviation industry. His expertise in shaping global aviation policy landscapes and dedication to innovating the next generation of aviation technologies will be invaluable to the NAHF’s mission.
“We are honored to welcome Greg to our Board of Trustees,” said Aimee Maruyama, President and CEO at NAHF. “His insights into government policy and his commitment to pioneering aviation advancements align perfectly with our goals of celebrating and fostering excellence in aviation.”
Bowles shared his excitement about joining the National Aviation Hall of Fame Board of Trustees, stating, “I am thrilled to be a part of the Aviation Hall of Fame. It is humbling to be a part of honoring the pioneers of the first century of aviation who transformed the world we live in and inspiring the next generation of leaders who will shape the next 100 years.”
Inmaculada Kusnierek
Inmaculada Kusnierek joins the NAHF Board of Trustees with a rich international relations and cultural diplomacy background. She is known for her efforts in promoting cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. Her vision for building bridges between diverse communities will enhance the NAHF’s outreach and inclusivity efforts.
“We are pleased to have Inma join our Board of Trustees,” said Jim Cooling, NAHF Trustee Board Chair. “Her extensive experience in cultural diplomacy and international relations will bring a unique and valuable perspective to our board, helping us to connect more deeply with diverse audiences and honor the global impact of aviation.”
Kusnierek expressed her enthusiasm about joining the National Aviation Hall of Fame Board of Trustees. She stated, “I am honored to join the National Aviation Hall of Fame Board and contribute to its mission of celebrating aviation’s pioneers and inspiring future generations. The aviation community’s dedication and innovation are remarkable, and I am eager to support the NAHF in preserving and promoting this rich legacy.”
When the crew of a DC-3 from Western Airlines joined the D-Day Squadron’s 2024 Legacy Tour, they knew they had a long, challenging journey ahead. But just as they completed the historic Northern Atlantic crossing, thieves broke into their plane and took five Bose aviation headsets.
The fleet, which includes 11 vintage WWII-era DC-3s and C-47s from North America and parts of Europe, started its journey on May 18, retracing the “Blue Spruce Route” across the Northern Atlantic on the journey from the United States to Europe. The tour included a stop in England to participate in a series of events led by partnering organizations. But on one of their first nights there, the Western Airlines crew discovered several pieces of equipment stolen from their DC-3-119E, including four Bose A20s and one A30.
“When we arrived in the UK, had our airplane broken into and our Bose headsets stolen, it was a blow to our mission to honor the veterans of D-Day and the Berlin Airlift,” shared Tim Savage of Western Airlines DC-3, with Vintage Flying Machines.
The crew contacted local police to report the theft, but with little hope of getting their headsets back and two months left on the tour, they had no choice but to replace them. Lyndse Costabile, the executive director of the D-Day Squadron, reached out to Bose, a longtime supporter of the organization, to see if the company could help. The Bose team responded quickly by donating five new A30 aviation headsets to the Western Airlines crew.
“For warbird pilots and crew flying one of the most legendary and loud vintage aircraft of our time, the Bose product is unmatched,” Costabile expressed. “Bose Aviation remains a strong partner in our annual commemorations and historical programming to honor the greatest generation. We’re grateful they answered the call, a rescue to our efforts and a very deserving crew who worked tirelessly to get Western Airlines aboard this mission and across the pond.”
The A30s were waiting for the crew when they arrived in Germany on June 14.
“Bose recognized the importance of our mission and stepped forward to provide replacements,” said Savage. “The Western Airlines crew can’t say enough about Bose and their desire to remember our past.”
Bose Vice President of Global Marketing Sean Rossi said it was an honor to help the crew complete their mission. “There was no question we needed to help,” said Rossi. “These pilots were flying in an extremely strenuous environment, and we didn’t want the burden of replacing the stolen headsets to impact their participation in the Legacy Tour in any way. We are honored that the D-Day Squadron turned to Bose for assistance and hope the crew’s new A30 aviation headsets bring comfort and clarity to the remainder of their journey.”
The D-Day Squadron returns to the United States later this month. Many of the squadron aircraft that participated in commemorations across Europe and those who remained in the United States will make their way to Oshkosh in late July.
“The Berlin Airlift 75th anniversary commemoration was a success and thanks to Bose Aviation, the Western Airlines DC-3 crew felt right at home again equipped with A30s for a memorable Jelly Belly Candy drop, 75 years later,” shared Costabile. “We are looking forward to reuniting with our Bose family at this year’s EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., as a collection of DC-3 and C-47 aircraft fill the skies for scheduled DDay80 commemorations.”
After 13 years of service as the Executive Administrator for the Michigan Department of Transportation, Office of Aeronautics, Mike Trout is retiring effective July 5, 2024. He began his state service in 2011 after serving in various roles in the aviation industry.
Mike Trout
Mike was initially attracted to aviation, because the industry has always been about innovation and that, “makes it cool and exciting.” He was attracted to the many facets of the industry and aspired to be an airport manager during his early career. Mike told the State Aviation Journal that the airport managers in Michigan had a significant influence on him. “Folks like Jim Rice, Jim Kosloski, Dave VanderVeen, Mike Lynn, Kenn Potts and many others were always willing to share their knowledge and experiences freely and that was awesome.”
Michigan has a strong airport association and according to Mike, they have worked closely with the state aviation agency to host conferences and training across the state. “These are great opportunities to build a professional network and I was attracted to how all the various airports, consultants, federal, state, and local agencies, airlines, and businesses work together for the common goal of making flying safer for everyone and benefitting the communities they serve.”
Mike has had an interest in aviation for most of his life. “My Dad worked for the FAA during my childhood, and I think that had a big influence. I recall he took my cub scout troop on a tour of the MSP tower when I was in second or third grade and that may have sparked something early on,” said Mike.
His first foray into aviation was in the early 80’s working at an FBO in Lansing and during that time he took ground school through a local community college. After going back to get his master’s degree he worked for the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments as an aviation planner working on the Regional Aviation System Plan for the metro Detroit region. “I did that for about three years until I was hired to be the Deputy Director at City Airport (now Coleman A. Young) in downtown Detroit.”
When asked if he ever thought that one day he would lead a state aviation agency, Mike said, “I’m sure most would say no but interestingly I remember my dad asking me that very question. It could have planted a seed, who knows but as an ADO Manager he had interacted with the state aviation agency for many years. In fact, a former director (Bill Gehman) once worked for him. My parents always encouraged me in whatever endeavor I pursued, and I remember how proud they were when I finally became an Accredited Airport Executive A.A.E. I think my dad also helped remove some of the mystique about the profession which made me realize I could do this job.”
There have been many highlights for Mike’s career with MDOT, first and foremost, the people he’s had the opportunity to meet and work with. “Being able to attend some awesome events like operation Northern Strike and witness the military landing a jet on a state highway.” Also, serving as Director of the Aeronautics Commission has been extremely rewarding for Mike. “I’ve had some great Commissioner’s over the years that have worked together to support several major initiatives including our system plan update in 2017, studies of essential air service and our UAS efforts.”
Additional highlights Mike listed included being recognized by the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), for their AFFF testing cart program; Chairing the Governor’s UAS Task Force and the implementation of new rules because of that effort; Managing through Covid and how incredibly well the staff transitioned to remote work and delivered all the new airport development programs over the last few years since; Serving on NASAO committees and helping craft the new block grant MOU, and the growth and success of Michigan airports large and small.
While at MDOT, some things did surprise Mike. “I knew things took time in state government but the pace of industry versus the pace of state and federal agencies, quite often don’t align. Also, the civil service system was and still is an antiquated system. The other surprise is how much influence one can truly have if they get involved in things like committees and groups.”
As Mike prepares for the next chapter in his life, he reflected on what might be the biggest steps for whoever follows in his footsteps. “I think it would be finding and keeping good staff. While I know my predecessor will blaze their own trail, there are still many things that can be challenging going forward. I think working with FAA has and will continue to be a challenge due to changing people and policies in both our agencies. I frankly think environmental issues are a huge challenge particularly when you have inconsistent, or no guidance from the responsible federal agencies.” Mike noted that PFAS is the prime example where the federal government mandates something and then is slow to act when it comes to liability issues. “This in my opinion has allowed airports to become a target for overreach by state officials.”
Reflecting on his time working with NASAO, Mike said he has had the opportunity to meet and know some outstanding people in this industry and that includes Henry O, who introduced him to NASAO. “The organization has had some challenges over the last 13 years, but it is on a steady course now. Greg [Pecoraro] and his team do an outstanding job serving state agencies in a highly effective manner.” Mike said he appreciates how NASAO has helped him stay engaged in the issues that affect aviation which has allowed him to be better prepared when addressing issues impacting Michigan.
Mike is quick to acknowledge the importance of networking with his fellow state aviation directors and with the industry. “I have served on the Legislative and Block Grant committees for NASAO since nearly the beginning and that has been extremely rewarding,” says Mike. “The other directors on those groups were always very easy to work with and even when I was new, they made me feel like my opinion mattered and were fantastic role models for me. I think until we get a chance to see and hear how other states function, we can become frustrated at times.” Mike shared that he was relieved in many cases to know that he was not alone in the challenges they faced in Michigan and that the other directors were open to sharing solutions to those challenges.
Thinking about where he goes from here, Mike says he has many interests and will explore opportunities that come his way. “I’m not riding off into the sunset. I intend to stay as active as possible.” Mike shared that he is an avid golfer and will likely incorporate some travel into being able to do more of that. Will he seek to continue to work in the industry? “If I can have a positive influence and make a difference, then it will appeal to me. Being able to pick what I work on and who I work with sounds pretty good!”
Senior leaders from state, federal and Tribal agencies gathered in for the 2024 Western Regional Partnership’s (WRP) Principals’ Meeting in Beaver Creek, Colorado. This was the first WRP Principals’ Meeting in Colorado and was considered a great success.
WRP Principals
WRP Co-Chairs Dr. Annalise Blum, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, DOI; Mr. Ron Tickle, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Environmental Management and Restoration); and Mr. Mike Mower, Senior Advisor, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, welcomed the 163 senior policy-level leaders and supporting staff in attendance. Colors were presented by Coolidge (AZ) High School’s Marine Corps JROTC. Colorado welcoming remarks were provided by the Honorable Dianne Primavera, Lieutenant Governor of Colorado.
“The 2024 WRP Principals’ Meeting was a fantastic opportunity to connect with other senior leaders, including those representing states, tribes, and other federal agencies,” said Dr. Annalise Blum, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, DOI and WRP Co-Chair. “Partnerships developed at these meetings will be essential to enhance our collaboration and build our resilience as we face complex natural resources challenges across the West.”
Throughout the meeting, Principals were updated on accomplishments detailed in the 2024 report on Enhancing Resilience to Avoid Cascading Disaster. The bulk of the meeting was focused on the WRP’s Deep-Dives through the following plenary sessions:
Wildland Fire (Response/Prevention)
Water Security/Resilience
Aviation/Airspace Needs
From left are, Arjuna Fields, Colonel (Ret.) Stephen Luxion, and Colonel (USAF) Geoffrey J. Roche.
The Aviation/Airspace Needs Plenary Session was moderated by Colonel(USAF) Geoffrey J. Roche, Senior Military Representative to the FAA, HAF/A3OJ, and included Mr. Arjuna “Tuna” Fields, AAM & UAS Integration, Commercial Space, & Contingencies, FAA, and Colonel (Ret.) Stephen “Lux” Luxion, Executive Director, ASSURE (Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence). Colonel Roche detailed the WRP Aviation/Airspace Needs Deep-Dive Teamefforts, which included three focus areas in the WRP Region to explore:
Congested Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) as it Relates to Airspace
Dynamically Managed Airspace – including the need for enhanced collaboration among all NAS users; better understanding of space operations (Space Ports, Rocket Launches, Commercial Space Vehicles) and locations in the west and potential impacts; and greater DOD Airspace Needs (Larger Volumes of Airspace, Greater Access, Long Range Airspace Corridors, etc.)
Potential New Technologies/Entrants
The plenary session explored the latest policy and emerging issues impacting NAS users in the west.
Col (Ret) Stephen Luxion “Lux,” Executive Director, ASSURE FAA Center of Excellence for UAS, noted, ”it was a pleasure to participate with leaders across Federal, State, and Tribal agencies working difficult aerospace issues.” ASSURE presented the over 40 FAA and NASA projects its 29 research universities, and business/government partners are working to safely integrate uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into the nation’s airspace for the commerce, public safety and benefit. The FAA Center of Excellence for UAS has also stood up ASSUREd Safe to educate, train, test, certify, and credential first responders’ use of UAS to reduce lose of life and damage to property.
Mr. Mike Mower, Senior Advisor for Utah Governor Spencer Cox, and WRP Co-Chair noted that the 2024 Western Regional Partnership Meeting brought together many of the best and brightest from the federal, state and tribal governments to focus on key challenges facing the West. “A lot of great discussion took place that should help address many challenges facing entities across the Southwest.”
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is questioning the rationale for a government plan to develop far-reaching new regulations, on alleged safety grounds, for certain on-demand public charter carriers that are often key to aviation service in small communities.
The plan, announced yesterday by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials, applies to public charter operators regulated under FAA Part 135 safety rules and Department of Transportation Part 380 economic requirements.
“Safety is the top priority for business aviation, and our sector has an impeccable record of leadership in working with government agencies and other stakeholders in the development of regulations that address safety concerns and put operational needs first. The FAA’s announcement suggests an intention to sidestep both considerations,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
“Specifically, the plan to impose new requirements on these carriers has been introduced without an apparent data-based safety rationale. Additionally, the FAA’s approach to developing the requirements has the potential to relegate to the sidelines the citizens in small communities and other important voices most impacted by this process.
“We call upon the FAA to step forward with a data-driven basis that explains the need for this change and detail its intended process for engaging with all voices in a meaningful dialogue about the agency’s approach to public charter policy.”
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced that the team from Raisbeck Aviation High School in Tukwila, Washington, is the winner of the 2024 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge. The team from Porter High School in Porter, Texas, was awarded second place and the team from Gonzaga College High School in Washington D.C. was awarded third place.
2024 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge first-place team from Raisbeck Aviation High School (from left to right: Kenji Gonzales, August Johnson, Colin Renberg, Gavin Johnson, Alex Mill, Colin Harrison, Oliver Swanson, AJ Poon and Emilie Woo; not pictured: Charles Atchinson and Brent Jansen).
“Once again, the teams participating in the GAMA Aviation Design Challenge continue to amaze us with their dedication and enthusiasm for aviation and unique perspectives on aircraft design. We congratulate the Raisbeck Aviation High School team for their outstanding first-place submission and also recognize the teams from Porter High School and Gonzaga College High School for their respective second and third-place submissions. We applaud all the schools for participating and are particularly proud of the hard work that they all put into their submissions. We look forward to furthering the reach of the program and sparking student interest into the rewarding opportunities within general aviation,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO.
Over 60 high school teams, representing 28 states, entered the 2024 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge. During the first portion of the challenge, teams used complimentary “Fly to Learn” curriculum to learn the principles of flight and airplane design, consistent with national STEM standards. During the second portion of the competition, teams applied their knowledge to virtually modify an airplane design and compete in a fly-off using X-Plane software.
This year’s mission was to modify a Cessna 208 Caravan to fly from Homer to Seaward, Alaska, as quickly and efficiently as possible. The teams needed to design their aircraft to maximize speed and efficiency and successfully navigate between two remote locations with high terrain. Judges scored the teams based on performance parameters, a checklist of steps involved in the demonstration flight and a video submission in which the team summarized what they learned.
Members of the first-place team from Raisbeck Aviation High School include Charles Atchison, Kenji Gonzales, Colin Harrison, Brent Jansen, August Johnson, Gavin Johnson, Alex Mill, AJ Poon, Colin Renberg, Oliver Swanson and Emile Woo. Their entry optimized the aircraft to carry a maximum payload in the shortest time with an elaborate design process which included low two-section wings with fast airfoils, a streamlined fuselage and increased horsepower. The team’s first-place prize includes a CubCrafters Manufacturing Experience, demonstration flight opportunities and much more.
When asked about this year’s competition, the Raisbeck Aviation team advisors said, “The GAMA Challenge is one of the highlights of the school year for team members at Raisbeck. This year’s team really had a fun leaning experience with the bigger turbine powered Caravan flying in Alaska. They were really excited to learn their design had won first place and are looking forward to the CubCrafters Manufacturing Experience.” With the team adding, “No plane, no gain.”
The second-place entry from Porter High School illustrated an intricate design with an extended high-aspect ratio wing, larger propeller, reduced engine RPM, T-Tail design and an airfoil shaped fuselage. They will receive a two-day Redbird Flight Simulations STEM Lab.
The third-place entry from Gonzaga College High School demonstrated an intricate design and testing process with slightly decreased wing area, decreased horsepower, a four-blade propeller and an aerodynamic fuselage to reduce drag. They will receive one-year ForeFlight Performance Plus subscriptions and a flight simulator experience with Joby Aviation.
The 2024 Aviation Design Challenge sponsoring companies include Bombardier, Camp Systems, Cirrus Aircraft, Click Bond, CubCrafters, Embraer, ForeFlight, Garmin, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Hartzell Propeller, Jet Aviation, Joby Aviation, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Redbird Flight, Signature Aviation, Textron Aviation and Wipaire. Sponsors provide financial support for the curriculum, software and prizes as well as in-kind donations.
“We are grateful for the tremendous support of the program’s sponsors – their commitment to furthering youth outreach allows us to be able to offer and grow this program and its incredible experiences.” Bunce said.
