FAA Gives Kids Opportunity to Design Airports

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Design Challenge took flight on April 1 with an extended enrollment period.
 
Students in grades K-12 get to leverage their Microsoft Minecraft skills to design virtual airports. The challenge provides an engaging and relevant way to connect students from across the globe to the aerospace industry and STEM careers.  

“We need to continue to reach out to youth in their areas of interest,” said Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen. “The Airport Design Challenges does this by combining gaming and aviation to develop our leaders of tomorrow.” 

Students will work together in small teams to learn about their local airports, compete in developmental tasks, and how to plan for innovative growth. More than 150 FAA employees will help facilitate the challenge by assessing the students’ progress and providing them with valuable feedback. Students are encouraged to form a team of up to 5 members, and or they may also participate individually.

The FAA encourages both U.S. and international students to participate in this virtual event. Last year, approximately 800 students took part. Check out their designs from last year’s Airport Design Challenge, learn more, and register here!