2023 SOAR Into STEM Spring Session 2: Aircraft Mechanics and Engineering

By Carmelo Turdo

High school students from St. Louis area districts participated in the second of four spring sessions 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 in the program include Airplane Basics, Mechanics and Engineering, Navigation and Communication and Drone/Flight Opportunities. 

In Session Two, the students were introduced to a systematic approach to aircraft design through a series of activities covering powerplant and electrical system layout, flight testing a known design and sheet metal construction methods. Here we begin with some introductory briefings addressing aviation industry professions and aircraft electronics (avionics).

The first activity on the Mechanics and Engineering topic was the installation of an electrical system on a foam aircraft cutout. One objective was to mount a circuit to the aircraft so that two electric motors would run their propellers powered by a battery pack with a switch. Another objective was to add a circuit running navigation lights on the wingtips and tail controlled by a second switch off the same battery pack. The students worked on this project and then rotated through the other activity stations.

The students also constructed standard balsa wood, rubber band-powered aircraft and attached them to a line from a stationary post. The object was to measure the distance flown as a factor of the circuits passing a fixed observation point, each trial using a different number of turns to the rubber band powering the aircraft. This activity illustrated the effects of structure, weight and balance, and propulsion.

Representatives from the St. Louis Community College Boeing Pre-Employment Training Program provided an impressive exhibit and hands-on activity for the students. Items made in the Composites Mechanic course were on display, and the SOAR Into STEM students took turns at the riveting station used in the Sheet Metal Assembly Mechanic course. Over 1,000 graduates of the program have been hired by Boeing, and the need for skilled aircraft assembly workers continues to increase.

SOAR Into STEM will continue next Saturday with Session Three, Navigation and Communication. Session Four, Drone Education, will follow along with a Discovery Flight and Career Fair on April 22.