Design, Build, & Fly Airplanes (Formerly UAV Engineering)
Build your own airplane!
Embark on a journey of discovery in our Design, Build & Fly Airplanes course! Explore the history of flight, from the Wright brothers' pioneering achievements to the modern designs of aviation. Uncover the evolution of aerodynamics and learn why airplanes have their distinctive shapes. To ensure that you can be successful and experience the wonder of unpowered flight, we'll begin by building a simple glider. Next, you'll take flight to a new level as we move into groups and construct a simple powered RC airplane and learn the reasoning behind aircraft designs.
But the learning doesn't stop there! After building an RC airplane, we'll enter into the realm of 2D CAD (Computer-Aided Design). You'll begin your journey in the art of using CAD software to design and fabricate your very own custom plane design.
Throughout this hands-on learning experience, you'll also emphasize safety in RC flying, collaborate on group projects, gain insights from industry experts, and showcase your achievements with an end of semester exhibition. Whether you're interested in engineering or simply curious about aviation, get ready to take off and explore the world of flight!
This is a recommended course for students participating in the Erie High School Academy of Engineering and Aerospace.
Additional Benefits:
In this class you will be using Solid Professor AutoCAD tutorials to learn how to create 2D and 3D objects. Upon completion of the course, you will be able to take the Certification Exam and become CAD Certified. The Innovation Center also offers a unique opportunity for you to apply to become an SVVSD employee and join our Aero Team as an Aeronautical Engineer. Continue building your knowledge of Aeronautical design and get paid while having fun after school!
Course Information
- Course Subject
- Course Number
- CTE83520
- Course Duration
- 1 Semester
- Course Credit
- 0.5 Practical Arts
- Prerequisite
- Any of the Following: CTE83505 Intro to Aeronautics; CTE83150 Flight Concepts/Training; CTE83157 Pilot Ground 1; CTE83158 Pilot Ground 2; CTE83160 Aviation Discovery // Grades 10-12
Recent News
Take a look at some of our recent news.
Superintendent’s Update: Congratulations Class of 2026
Graduation is my favorite time of year, and this spring, as I have the privilege of celebrating my first graduation season as Superintendent of St. Vrain Valley Schools, I am overwhelmed with pride for the approximately 2,400 graduates who will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.
Student’s “Drones for Dreams” Inspires $25,000 OtterCares Grant for Innovation Center’s New Philanthropy Initiative
On Thursday, May 7, the Innovation Center received a $25,000 grant from the OtterCares Foundation to help expand opportunities for students to apply their professional skills in support of nonprofit organizations across the region. The grant was inspired by Silver Creek High School junior Braeden Macchia’s work through “Drones for Dreams,” a student-led initiative that […]
Innovation Center Welcomes Astronaut, Sparks Student Inspiration
Duane “Digger” Carey, a former NASA astronaut, visited the Innovation Center on May 5 for “An Audience with an Astronaut,” hosted in partnership with the Space Foundation. During his presentation, Carey reflected on his path to serving as the pilot of Space Shuttle Columbia on the STS-109 mission in 2002, a critical servicing mission for […]