The Flying Start Challenge is a STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) initiative in the South West of England that aims to spark the imagination of students aged 11 to 14, by developing their awareness of the fascinating field of flight and aerospace. Students design, build and test their own hand-propelled model glider, creating presentations that explain the engineering decisions they have made over the course of their glider build, supported by mentors from the aerospace industry, such as Leonardo.
The contest is initially held in regional finals for the Bristol, Gloucester and Yeovil regions in March, culminating in a Grand Final hosted in Bristol in May.
The initiative is organised and sponsored by trainees from aerospace companies in the South-West: Airbus, AtkinsRéalis, Dowty, GE Aerospace, Leonardo, MBDA and Safran, with Roxel Propulsion System recently joining the initiative.