The Royal Aeronautical Society on 1 February 2023 were announced as one of 11 recipients of the ‘Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund’ by the Department of Transport (DFT) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the Falcon 2 STEM outreach programme.
The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) has inspired many generations of aviation, aerospace and space enthusiasts into various careers. The RAeS aims to inspire younger generations through a variety of STEM education and outreach programmes.
For many the dream to fly or undertake a career in aviation and engineering are not easy. Promoting an inclusive aviation and aerospace industry of tomorrow, raising awareness of disabilities and accessibility needs is what the RAeS most recent outreach programme Falcon 2 aims to achieve.
The Falcon 2 programme is a STEM outreach challenge for young students aged 6-19 years. The programme provides an opportunity for underrepresented groups, especially students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, to design, conceptualise and build an accessible mobile flight simulator as well as increasing disability awareness.
The aim of Falcon 2 is to create a learning platform for all students to collaborate with their peers to address accessibility issues in the aviation and aerospace industry, paving a way for the future workforce to provide unique solutions to current limitations, all whilst experiencing the wonder of flight.
Nicholas Davis, RAeS Education, Skills & Diversity Manager said:
Maria Laine, President of Boeing in the UK, Ireland and Nordic Regions said:
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:
The Falcon 2 Programme
The programme is conducted in two phases:
Phase 1: Design brainstorm poster challenge and Phase 2: The Big Build
The poster challenge is open to all students aged between 6-19 years. Students are encouraged to work in small teams to showcase their ideas and concepts on what an accessible flight simulator should be focusing on one or more disabilities (hidden and visual) and accessibility needs
The Big Build is open to students aged between 11-19 years. The build comprises of three elements:
- The Bid where teams will submit a proposal for one of nine available work packages.
- The Build, successful bidding teams will progress to develop and manage their work packages
- The Flight Sim Camp, a weeklong residential where teams will come together to assemble and integrate the nine work packages.
Participation in this programme introduces students to STEM subjects and prospective career paths within the industry, developing and demonstrating the key skills future employers and training providers see. They learn about, innovation, disability awareness, project management, teamwork, many transferable skills and technical skills.