Harkness Student Aviators Prepare For National Competition
The work of students in the Aviation Technology program at Erie 1 BOCES’ Harkness Career and Technical Center was shared by WIVB-TV as they prepared to compete in the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s Aviation Design Challenge.
"A great thing that this class offers is hands-on learning, and the chance to talk to other like-minded people and see how they're trying to pursue their career in aviation," said Nathaniel Brown, a senior at Williamsville Central School District.
Students will begin their work for this year’s event later this month. Instructor Tom Leach said his students assign themselves roles like managers and test pilots to ensure the success of their entry.
"I train it like an engineering consultant firm," Leach told the TV station. "My students take on the project themselves."
Students in the program won first place in the national competition last year, allowing students to travel to Washington to see aviation design in person. That experience helped shape the career plans of students like Erin Hinphy, a senior from Hamburg Central School District.
"I definitely think that this class got me really committed to the idea of being a pilot, really showed me the behind the curtain information that I might have needed to know, and showed me how much I really love it," Erin told the news station.
Watch the WIVB-TV segment at https://fb.watch/j1OfQYDsCM/. Learn more about the Aviation Technology program at https://www.e1b.org/en/k-12-education-programs/aviation-technology.aspx.