Help us build our hangar and classrooms for use by our Warren and surrounding County High School Aviation STEM students! There is a critical shortage of skilled aircraft technicians and pilots.
OUR MISSION
Students will learn how a wing creates lift, and they will help build a complete aircraft! They will learn about aircraft powerplants, electronics, instrumentation, airport operations, air traffic control, aviation administration, and much more.Students will earn dual-enrollment credits for a full year of aerospace credits at Middle Tennessee State University (they will enter as sophomores rather than freshmen). Alternatively, if students choose to go to a trade school, they will have already earned a technician certification. Due to COVID and the thousands who retired from the aviation industry during that time, there is a critical shortage of skilled aircraft technicians and pilots.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Students will work on projects with their friends and instructors, from radio-controlled fixed-wing aircraft to drones and full-sized aircraft. Some of the work will demonstrate aviation theory by building and flying working models. Many students do not realize they have the resources right here in the Upper Cumberland in Tennessee to train for high-paying jobs such as airframe and powerplant technicians, electronics technicians, critical tolerance sheet metal fabrication, and even repair and refurbishment of vintage aircraft. If they want to fly, they will complete their ground school in our program. They can begin flying in a CFR part 61 flying school that will be located at the airport next to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Campus. Students in other schools in Tennessee participating in this program have earned their private pilot rating by the time they become seniors in high school.
OUR APPROACH
It is estimated that 200 – 250 students will apply to participate in the Aviation STEM program when we begin accepting students for the 2026-27 school year. The program is free to the schools and the students and is being accredited by the Tennessee Department of Education. EAA Chapter 1700 in McMinnville, a 501 (c) (3) Educational Charity, is one of the program's primary sponsors and provides the building for classes, flight simulators, and hands-on fabrication of various aircraft. We currently have four donated aircraft and three radio-controlled fixed-wing aircraft to be built and flown by the students. We also have several drones that have been donated, on which the students will learn.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
You can make a tax-deductible donation directly to our 501(c)(3) Educational Charity via GoFundMe below or send a check/money order to:
EAA Chapter 1700
48 W Airport Drive
McMinnville, TN 37110
Attn: STEM Program
