On December 12th, The Alief Aviation program unveiled “THE Plane” at the Marshall Center for Advanced Careers. This celebration was a result of years of hard work and dedication by Alief Aviation students, Mr. Steward Bailey and various supporters. Working with their mentors, Alief students were able to build a Van’s RV-12S aircraft. This light sport aircraft can seat two pilots and is ideal for both training and recreational purposes.
The vision for this project began seven years ago as Alief CTE Director Jennifer Baker was approached by Steward Bailey, who was a teacher at Holub Middle School at the time. He made it clear that he wanted to teach students about airplanes. We were able to add the aerospace engineering pathway to our curriculum a year later. The classes would be taught by Mr. Bailey and hosted at Elsik High School. Under the leadership of Mr. Bailey and Program Manager Teresa Toliver, the classes evolved into a program that included both engineering and aviator instruction. Today, the program offers Alief students a pathway to various careers in the aviation industry.
Securing a kit for the students to build an aircraft was no easy task. There were numerous requirements and hurdles to overcome before the vision could become reality. One of the requirements included finding mentors from the industry that would help students build the aircraft. Three of these mentors stayed throughout the course of the build. These amazing men were Dr. Greg Beckner, Mr. Tom Boyett and Mr. Richard Baltera. Without their commitment, it would have been impossible to complete this project. Another major issue was funding. This is where our Business and Community Partner Coordinator, Delores Jones was able to step in. Through her connections and efforts, she was able to involve Mr. and Mrs. Olsen. When they were made aware of what Alief students were attempting to do, they quickly pledged their support. They made a very generous donation towards the project. Their contribution helped to pay for a good portion of the aircraft. After securing the mentors and funding, we were able to convince Tango Flight to provide Alief with a kit for the RV-12S plane.
For the next three years, Mr. Bailey and his students went to work. As you can imagine, building an aircraft is no easy task. There were various challenges that they encountered along the way. However, through hard work, dedication and the help of the mentors, Alief Aviation was able to complete the aircraft. It was transported from Elsik High school to the Marshall Center for Advanced Careers earlier this week. The unveiling ceremony was attended by various distinguished guests including mentors, students, school district personnel and board members. The aircraft will remain in the lobby of the Marshall Center until the end of January.
In addition to building the RVS-12S aircraft, the Alief Aviation program can claim several significant accomplishments. Over eighty Alief students have been drone pilot certified. Five former students have become pilots with two of those becoming certified flight instructors. Five students have attended aircraft mechanic schools, including Cindy Lee who became the valedictorian in her program. Two other students are attending the prestigious Embry Riddle University in Florida with one graduating in May.