AMA Inspires Youth Participation in Model Flying

December 21, 2016 - In 2017 the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) will hold its second year of UAS4STEM competitions, which help inspire an interest in STEM subjects through contests between teen-built drones.

UAS4STEM allows small teams of youth aged 11-18 to each build their own Quadzilla drone, which they will use at the competitions to conduct a search and rescue mission within assigned airspace.

AMA said the competitions are helping the organization expand its base of model aviators.

“We have found that the majority of the participants have no previous exposure to aviation,” said Jessy Symmes, AMA’s education assistant. “They get into the competition, help build the Quadzilla, and are enamored with the concept. Many of them are already flying model airplanes by the time the regional contests happen.”

AMA is currently finalizing 2017 competition dates and said they should be posted by the end of the year. Several teams from 2016 have already signed up to return.

“Through this program we are able to help inspire the next generation of employees in aviation and STEM related careers,” Symmes said. “That is something the AMA is very proud to be a part of.”