Local students to take part in Amelia Earhart STEM challenge
18 May 2023
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Students from the Royal Academy of Engineering will celebrate the 91st anniversary of the Queen of Aviation landing in Derry by taking part in The Amelia Earhart Stem Challenge, hosted by Ulster University. The Academy links local schools who deliver STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The Amelia Earhart Legacy Association Perpetual Trophy will be awarded to the winning team at the event at the Magee Campus on Thursday June 8th.
Students will compete in various design challenges ranging from Longest Flying Distance to Best Plane Aesthetics.
Pupils will also have the chance of a lifetime to take a helicopter ride over Derry with their teacher, sponsored by City of Derry Airport and Cutting Edge Helicopters.
The helicopter trip will take in the flight path of Amelia Earhart’s landing on Gallagher’s farm in Ballyarnett.
The Amelia Earhart STEM Challenge is an opportunity to celebrate the magnificent achievements of Amelia Earhart and her unique aviation link with Derry in a way that will be fun and educational for all students.
Last year’s winners Thornhill College will return to defend their title and be joined schools all competing for a seat on the cutting edge helicopter and a unique behind the scenes tour at City of Derry Airport.
Commenting on the event, City of Derry Airport’s Managing Director, Steve Frazer, said: "We are thrilled to show our support for the young emerging talent of the North West, and also to honour the memory of Amelia Earhart.
“We have teamed up with our airside partner, Cutting Edge Helicopters, who are based at City of Derry Airport, to offer an amazing prize for the winning group.
“The prize will include a VIP helicopter tour for the winners with Cutting Edge Helicopters and a private tour of City of Derry Airport's facilities."
Robert Cummings, Base Manager at Cutting Edge Helicopters, added: "Cutting Edge Helicopters is delighted to support City of Derry Airport and the Amelia Earhart Anniversary STEM Challenge.
“We wish all the teams the best of luck and look forward to taking the winning team on a fantastic helicopter flight from our base at the City of Derry Airport."