BuildAPlane project comes to the Upper Susitna Valley

A new project and new school curriculum is being planned for students at Su Valley High School.

The project had an introduction party at the Talkeetna Roadhouse Wednesday evening with two dozen participants.  The crowd was largely students excited about aviation, and adults involved in aviation.

Resident Rebecca Fisher kicked off the event with an emotional tribute to Mike Fisher, saying that he was the cause of her interest in getting students involved in studying aviation.

The Build A Plane president, Lyn Freeman, flew up from the lower 48 for the event.  He described the non profit organization and what Build A Plane has done worldwide.

MEA’s CEO Joe Griffith was also on hand and announced that as a pilot himself, he was immediately drawn to the idea and the potential it had in store for students in the Upper Valley.  He said MEA is not only donating the space to build a plane from the ground up but the plane itself.  He has had a all the parts of a plane in his garage for years and wants to donate it to the students.  MEA’s building across from the airport will serve as the hanger in which the project will take shape.

Fisher announced the numerous entities supporting the project and that she hopes even more support will occur within the community.  Drew Haag will oversee the project that invites all students, including homeschoolers.  Ed O’Connor is already on board to teach the science class next fall that focuses on aerodynamics and other science. Any student involved with the project have numerous chances of complimentary flights with the air taxi companies, scholarships and other local aviation opportunities.

######