Aviation students at Fuqua School have completed their first semester of the inaugural Aviation 101 and Airplane Construction class.

Through a partnership between Fuqua and local Chapter 1202 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), students were able to complete an online aviation class offered by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The students also worked with EAA members to begin construction on a Zenith CH 750 Cruzer kit-built aircraft, according to EAA Chapter President Morgan Dunnavant.

“It’s been a real pleasure working with the kids,” Dunnavant said. “They all gained a working understanding of aviation.”

He said a total of 10 kids are enrolled in the class this semester and two class sections were offered. Enrollment is already at the same level for next semester.

“It’s really rewarding,” said Dunnavant.

Instructor and EAA member Bud Kennedy said the students were very enthusiastic about the first semester of the program for the most part. “I think it went quite well,” he said.

Currently, the first semester of students have completed the horizontal stabilizer, elevator assembly, rudder and part of the fuselage for the plane, Dunnavant said.

The wings of the plane have not been assembled due to funding.

“The kids have really embraced the program,” Dunnavant said. “Funding is a driving force.”

According to Dunnavant, the local chapter of the EAA and a few of its members provided the initial money needed to get the program started and purchase subsections for the aircraft construction.

However, more money is needed to buy subsequent pieces for upcoming classes.

“We need funding to continue the program,” he said.

The second semester of the program will pick up where the first semester of the program left off.

Completion of the plane will take about two years.

Additionally, Dunnavant said math, reading, engineering and science were essential components of the course.

Due to the success of the first aviation course, Dunnavant said the possibility of offering an additional higher-level aviation course has been mentioned. 

He said the course, an FAA-approved ground school, would put students in the position to possibly pass an FAA written private-knowledge class.

“If these students choose to continue in the aviation program, they are eligible to begin courses leading to completion of private pilot ground school requirements,” said Linda Davis, Fuqua’s director of communications.

“This course will involve the physics of flight — how and why an airplane flies, engines and propellers, night flight and flight relying solely on instruments, navigation, communications, weather, physiological effects of flight and the rules and regulations governing flight.”

Aviation 101 and Airplane Construction will begin its second semester on Tuesday, Kennedy said.

Davis said Fuqua appreciates the support from the members of the local chapter of the EAA.

“This aviation course provides opportunities for our students that few schools offer and is another example of Fuqua School’s uniqueness,” Davis said.