World War One Aircraft Competition

Aviation Institute of Maintenance

The AIM Squadron World War One competition took off without a hitch as eight campuses from the Aviation Institute of Maintenance began forming teams, formulating plans and choosing planes for the WWI aircraft building competition. Aircraft teams from Atlanta, Dallas, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Virginia Beach and Manassas will compete to see who can build the best airworthy replica aircraft.

The goal of the contest is to instill teamwork, learn advanced aircraft maintenance techniques and give AIM students an overall view of aircraft safety, usability and operations from a “real world” perspective. The other goal is to help students gain the knowledge needed in the integration of airframe, powerplant and electrical systems during aircraft production phase.

Judging criteria will be based on airworthiness and safety, craftsmanship, historical authenticity and operational characteristics. Each aircraft will be a full-scale replica of an aircraft that flew in World War 1 and school instructors, who will also assist with required FAA paperwork, will oversee the work at each campus. Warbirds will be transported to the nearest airport for pre-flight and airworthiness tests where they will also be available for local display, air shows and other events.

After completion, all eight aircraft will be disassembled and transported to the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, where the Fighter Factory will reassemble them to airworthy status. Each aircraft will then be flown and evaluated to demonstrate their capabilities and quality. Judges will select an aircraft and award the student team with a trophy as the winner of the WWI AIM Squadron.

For inquiries, please contact:
David Jones
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
Corporate Aviation Education Director
directoredaim@aviationmaintenance.edu