What building an airplane is all about:

We are here to add to your education in a way that is challenging and fun! The Federal Aviation Administration says you can build an airplane for only two reasons: 1) for your education, and 2) for your enjoyment. That is why we do it!

The plane you will build is a Van's RV-12 Light Sport Aircraft. You can look it up at http://vansaircraft.com/public/rv12.htm . Be sure to click on the performance and specs tabs! Do not think this is a simple airplane! It is not. It is very sophisticated, having more computer power than some airliners. It has autopilots, on-screen weather, synthetic vision, audio systems warnings, and complete scenery maps of the entire united states. It has a modern engine, unlike your everyday Cessna which is powered by something designed in the 1940s. The kit is built by the most successful aircraft kit company in history, with over 40 years in business, and over 9000 planes flying. The founder of this company is on our Advisory Board.

We have been doing this since 2010. Some students have gone on to aviation careers, but that is not our goal. We want each of you to become confident problem-solvers, and well rounded adults. We will encourage you to go on to college. We also encourage you to participate in things that could make you uncomfortable, like meeting new people. Amazingly, you will often find yourselves celebrities, stars of a new community. You will also make many new friends. Most of all, you will learn a lot, and have a lot of fun!

It is not difficult, but it does require your complete attention and considerable dedication. Errors are inevitable, and you will learn how to avoid them, by learning how to fix them. We will ask that you attend most build sessions. Unlike most school courses, we can ask you to leave, if you do not follow some basic rules. In that regard, it is no different from being in a sports program.

We may ask a few of you to attend AirVenture at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the last week of July. To get an idea of it, see AirVenture.org and view http://eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=1381694270 which is an older video (2008) that tells it very well. You can meet people like Harrison Ford, Gary Sinise (his band performs there) and heroes you didn't know existed. Next year, you should all get to go.

We will have other outside activities, things like pizza parties and trips to the local airport. You will be able to get free airplane rides. Later in the course, you will be able to take flight ground school, also free. We are striving to get you flight training in the plane that you build, if you want it!

So, if you have any interest, come to our orientation meeting. You will meet your future instructors, and students in the program, and one who is now in college. We hope to be able to answer all your questions, and hope you decide to take part in this fun project. The meeting will last about one hour. It is at 3:30, Wednesday, May 4, in room 1004.