EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016: Experimental Aircraft - Eagle's Nest Project and H.A.W.K. Aviators

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016 again featured experimental aircraft assembled and flown by organized groups.  On display in the Homebuilts Area were some of the Eagle's Nest Project RV-12 LSA aircraft that were built by high school students mentored by Eagle's Nest Project STEM leaders.  Since 2010, Eagle's Nest Project teams have been building RV-12 aircraft, with the incentive of awarding up to 20 hours of flight instruction to student participants who complete the program.  The Eagle's Nest Project provides a positive, character-building experience for high school students in addition to the acquisition and application of valuable skills.  

A similar program, H.A.W.K. Aviators, or High Country Aviation Workshop, is part of EAA Chapter 800 at Mack Mesa Airport in Colorado.  Members assist high school age students in building and flying the aircraft, and participate in the Young Eagles flights.  On display was the Dakota Hawk that was first flown just weeks before following a rebuild by team members.