Boeing, Royal Aeronautical Society and Aerobility Launch New STEM Build Challenge to increase accessibility to flying for disabled people

 

• The simulator build challenge for schools is announced on Futures Day at the Farnborough International Airshow
• Applications open now for schools to apply to take part

FARNBOROUGH,  July 20, 2018 - Boeing [NYSE: BA], together with the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and Aerobility, launched a new STEM build challenge for students in the UK today at the Farnborough Airshow. Falcon 2 is now open for applications for schools to invent a working flight simulator adapted for the needs of disabled people. From creating the flight simulator software and hardware, to developing accessibility aids to meet different user needs such as physical, hearing, visual or learning impairments, as well as looking at ways to transport the completed flight simulator to events and schools around the UK, schools can compete to design all or some parts of the simulator which will be subsequently used by the charity Aerobility in their outreach activities. Aerobility is a registered charity which brings the opportunity to fly an aircraft to disabled and profoundly ill people.

“Futures Day at the Farnborough Airshow is when we look to inspire tomorrow’s aerospace innovators,” said Sir Michael Arthur, President, Boeing Europe and Managing Director, Boeing UK and Ireland.  “Falcon 2 will offer young people opportunities to develop an interest in aviation, improve their employment opportunities and have fun.”

Boeing previously worked in partnership with RAeS on The Falcon 1 Initiative, an innovative project that aimed to inspire and motivate 13-18 year-olds by providing them with an opportunity to engage with a practical, fun and educationally-relevant engineering and business project.  Falcon 2 will build and extend these goals, enabling students to experience the practical application of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects in a real world context.  Through engagement with a targeted activity which relates directly to the current National Curriculum, the project aims to inspire students to pursue the further study of STEM subjects.

Rear Admiral Simon Henley, President, Royal Aeronautical Society added, “We are delighted to build on the success of Falcon 1, the Schools Build-a-Plane Challenge and our partnerships with Boeing and Aerobility to offer schools an exciting opportunity to apply STEM learning to real-world solutions and demonstrate the power of aviation to change people’s lives and raise aspirations. We hope that this programme not only inspires more young people to pursue STEM and aviation careers but also brings together young people from all backgrounds to show that engineers can play a crucial role in supporting greater inclusion and diversity in aviation and society as a whole”

"This exciting collaborative project brings together organisations that understand that access to STEM, aerospace and ultimately inspiring and having fun with aviation activities is very much for everybody. The moment when a young wheelchair user is able to roll up to the controls of the simulator and take flight for the first time will demonstrate that the project is not just a success for those participating but a demonstrative moment when aerospace and STEM focused activities are becoming ever more accessible for disabled people,” said Mike Miller Smith, Aerobility Chief Executive.

If you are a school in the UK interested in applying to take part, contact: careers@aerosociety.com or 020 7670 4325.

###

About Boeing

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems.  Boeing employs more than 2,200 people across the UK at numerous sites, from Glasgow to Gosport, and in 2018 Boeing celebrates 80 years of partnership with the United Kingdom, the Armed Forces, British manufacturing and the air transport industry.  Today the UK remains a critically important market, supplier base and a source of some of the world’s most innovative technology partners.  Since 2015, Boeing has spent £5.6 billion with more than 250 UK suppliers and the company supports an estimated 16,500 jobs in the UK supply chain, in the process enhancing skills, facilitating exports and generating intellectual property.  More information: www.boeing.co.uk or @BoeingUK

About The Royal Aeronautical Society

As the world’s only professional body dedicated to the aerospace community, The Royal Aeronautical Society exists to further the advancement of aeronautical art, science and engineering around the world.  Established in 1866, the Society has been at the forefront of developments in aerospace, seeking to promote the highest professional standards and provide a central forum for sharing knowledge.  A registered Charity, the Society runs a number of programmes and activities for all ages to encourage and support young people into aerospace and aviation reaching thousands of young people each year. More information: www.aerosociety.com or @AeroSociety and @RAeSCareers

About Aerobility

Aerobility is a registered charity that aims to use the challenges of flight and exposure to aviation as a tool for improving the lives of those with a disability. Whatever the age or whatever the disability, be it physical, learning or mental, or an injury acquired in conflict – Aerobility gives everyone the chance to fly and participate in aviation orientated activities.  Aerobility operates adapted aircraft, supporting equipment and specialist instruction to ensure access for all. The charity also acts as a representative body for disabled aviators working with regulators and the aerospace industry to promote access and awareness.  More information: www.aerobility.com or @Aerobility