Register

GAMA, BuildAPlane Launch Educational Initiative

** Glasair Sportsman**
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and BuildAPlane are hosting a national competition for student teams to design aircraft.
  • Two winning student teams will earn the opportunity to travel to the Glasair factory and build a real Sportsman kit plane through the "Two Weeks to Taxi" program.
  • This initiative supports GAMA's commitment to STEM education, aiming to expose young people to careers in general aviation and the broader aerospace industry.
See a mistake? Contact us.

From virtual flight to reality, eight students and their science teachers will travel to the Glasair factory to build a pair of Sportsman kit planes. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association is teaming with BuildAPlane to conduct a nationwide competition for the slots. Teams of students can compete by designing their own aircraft, using free “Fly To Learn” software provided by the competition.

Two winning designs will be chosen by a panel of GAMA-member engineers, and each of the teams of four students will win the opportunity to participate in Glasair’s “Two Weeks to Taxi” program and build a very real Glasair Sportsman 2+2 utility airplane. “Two Weeks to Taxi” is a builder assistance program allowing kit builders to use Glasair’s factory facilities and staff expertise to bring their Sportsman to ready-to-taxi status in two weeks.

Mark Phelps

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE