GOSHEN, Ind. — Local high school students will assemble a full-size airplane this fall through a new aviation education program at Goshen Municipal Airport.
The STEM in Aviation Youth (STAY) Indiana program launches Saturday, Aug. 16, in partnership with The Boys & Girls Club of Elkhart County, Goshen Community Schools, Viewrail and the airport. Students will learn science, technology, engineering and math concepts while building a Zenith 750 Cruzer aircraft under the guidance of experienced mechanics and pilots.
The student airplane build kickoff event is open to the public and will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors will gather for short remarks before walking together to the hangar for a reveal of thousands of airplane parts awaiting assembly. Anyone under 18 will have the chance to take a free airplane ride, weather and space permitting. Zenith will provide a small hands-on project for students, and a flight simulator will allow guests to try landing both an F-14 and a Cessna.
“This is about introducing a love of aviation to local teens through real-world, hands-on experience,” Airport Manager Randy Sharkey said. “We have four volunteer aircraft mechanics guiding students every step, and the community support has been tremendous.”
Building Skills for Careers
Students will take part in every stage of the build, from fuselage construction to systems installation. Lessons will cover aerodynamics, mechanics and flight operations, creating pathways toward aviation maintenance or pilot certification. The program will continue as an after-school course from 4 to 6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.
It is open to all high school grade levels, offering credit hours and test preparation toward an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification. Students will also complete online coursework toward their A&P general written exam, the first of three required for certification.
Tami Hicks, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Elkhart County, said the program reflects the organization’s mission to expand career access for youth.
“Our goal is to provide high pay, high demand career opportunities to teens and engage them in unique ways of gaining access to these careers,” Hicks said. “All those doing the build will receive membership to Boys & Girls Clubs as well.”
Sharkey said STAY chose Goshen for its hangar space, volunteer leaders and strong city support. He added that the program underscores the airport’s growing role in local education.
Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty said the project reflects the power of collaboration.
“This project shows what happens when we combine creative thinking and community partnerships,” Leichty said. “It proves the airport is more than a luxury amenity. It is a place where young people can explore careers, gain skills and expand their vision for the future.”
The public can follow the build’s progress through the airport and STAY Indiana’s online updates.
About Goshen Municipal Airport
Goshen Municipal Airport, 17229 C.R. 42, serves Elkhart County with a 6,500-foot runway and full-service facilities. It supports business, recreational and educational aviation, generating $6.5 million annually in economic activity.
About STAY Indiana
Founded in 2022, STEM in Aviation Youth (STAY) Indiana introduces teens to aviation careers by guiding them through the construction and flight of real aircraft. The current student airplane build project, a Zenith 750 Cruzer, is a full-size two-seat airplane capable of speeds up to 145 mph, with a 520-mile range. Students in the program gain up to 500 hours toward the 3,000 needed for an A&P mechanic certificate and hours toward a private pilot’s license. They also learn transferable skills in metal work, electrical systems, engine assembly, detailing and upholstery. Once complete, students have the opportunity to fly the airplane they built.
Event details
What: STAY Indiana airplane build kickoff
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: Goshen Municipal Airport, 17229 C.R. 42
Highlights:
- Walk to the hangar and reveal of thousands of airplane parts
- Free airplane rides for anyone under 18 (weather and space permitting)
- Zenith hands-on project for students
- Flight simulator with both F-14 and Cessna landing experiences