Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • School's Build a Plane Challenge G-GWFT completes first Presidential Flight

Aerospace

School's Build a Plane Challenge G-GWFT completes first Presidential Flight

Ercall Wood Technology College's Rans S-6ES Coyote II light aircraft (G-GWFT), built as part of the School's Build a Plane Challenge, has officially completed its first 'Presidential Flight' at the Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport, on 23 April 2016.

Lee Balthazor, a Past President of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) from 2011-2012, finally had the opportunity to keep the promise he had made when President. Lee said: “When I was President I said publicly that when the students had built their aircraft, I would very much look forward to flying in it. This was primarily to show them that I had confidence in what they were doing.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

"This programme has proved an inspiration to many of those involved - students, teachers, volunteers, and to others who have been inspired to start their own build a plane programmes, as well as the many thousands of young people who have seen the aircraft at displays and shows. It is a real privilege for me to have been involved”.



Above: Past President Lee Balthazor with Pilot Graham Wiley.

The RAeS hopes that this flight, along with additional School’s Build a Plane activities, will encourage others to continue building more light aircraft and inspire future generations into engineering, STEM and aviation.
 

Advertisement
ODU RT

For more information on School's Build a Plane Challenge, click here

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Flying to become more accessible for disabled people

Aerospace

Flying to become more accessible for disabled people

16 July 2025

An industry and consumer expert group, tasked by the UK Government to advise on how to make flying more accessible for disabled people, has unveiled its suite of recommendations today.

Doncasters expands Groton site with new shell line

Aerospace

Doncasters expands Groton site with new shell line

15 July 2025

Doncasters today announced the successful commissioning of a brand-new, fully automated shell line, at its Groton facility in the US - a major milestone within its 2025 Performance Improvement Plan and a key advancement in the company’s long-term manufacturing strategy.

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft to explore hydrogen eVTOL propulsion

Aerospace

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft to explore hydrogen eVTOL propulsion

15 July 2025

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft today announced plans to work together on developing regional hydrogen-electric VTOL air travel.

Bombardier’s paint facility at Biggin Hill set for 2026 opening

Aerospace

Bombardier’s paint facility at Biggin Hill set for 2026 opening

14 July 2025

Bombardier's development of a new 51,000 sq. ft. paint facility at the London Biggin Hill Service Centre is progressing with several key processes completed, including ground stabilisation and foundation work on the hangar.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT
AAIB launches investigation into incident at Southend Airport

Aerospace

AAIB launches investigation into incident at Southend Airport

14 July 2025

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has started an investigation into an incident near Southend Airport on Sunday 13th July, involving a 12-metre plane that crashed shortly after take-off.

First electric flight lands at Gatwick

Aerospace

First electric flight lands at Gatwick

14 July 2025

The first ever electric flight to land at London Gatwick took place last Thursday as part of the VINCI Airports Network Elektro Tour.

Advertisement
Teledyne