2025 SOAR Into STEM Fall Session 4: Aircraft Maintenance and Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles

By Carmelo Turdo

High school students from the St. Louis area participated in the fourth fall session of the Wings of Hope SOAR Into STEM Program on Saturday. SOAR Into STEM provides opportunities to apply science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills in the context of the Wings of Hope humanitarian aviation mission. Topics covered include Airplane Basics, Mechanics and Engineering, Navigation and Communication and Drone/Flight Opportunities.

In Session 4, led by Wings of Hope Education Programs Manager Lee Ann Nolte and a team of volunteer mentors, the students were introduced to aircraft mechanics by guest speaker Amanda Hill, an A&P/IA in high demand for her specialty in avionics installation and repair. Throughout the session, they gained practical experience installing and removing Cleco fasteners, adjusting control cable tension, gapping and testing spark plugs, applying safety wire and inspecting aircraft for defects and corrosion. 

The students also learned to operate the Tello app-based, camera-equipped quadcopters to demonstrate the flight characteristics of most small uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). Once internet communication with the UAVs was established, a buzzing swarm took to the air. After a little practice, most of the students were maneuvering through the hoops of an obstacle course.

SOAR Into STEM will continue on November 15 with Discovery Flight/Career Fair Day. The Aero Experience thanks Wings of Hope and everyone who contributed to another great SOAR Into STEM session.