Students to mark Earhart landing anniversary with flying challenge

Students from the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Connecting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Teachers programme will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Queen of Aviation landing in Derry by taking part in an aviation challenge next week.

The Amelia Earhart Stem Challenge, hosted by Ulster University, will see students competing for the Amelia Earhart Legacy Association Perpetual Trophy and a chance of a lifetime helicopter ride over Derry, sponsored by City of Derry Airport and Cutting Edge Helicopters.

Student teams can compete in various design challenges ranging from Longest Flying Distance to Best Plane Aesthetics.

They will get the chance to physically demonstrate their talents on Friday May 20th at the University’s Magee Campus.

The Challenge aims to celebrate the achievements of Amelia Earhart and her unique aviation link with the city in a
way that will be fun and educational for all students.

Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Christopher Jackson, will join representatives of Atchinson Amelia Earhart Foundation who are visiting from America for the event.

The presentation of certificated prizes will be made by Scott Atkinson of the Royal Academy of Engineering
City of Derry Airport Managing Director, Steve Frazer, commented:

“We are genuinely excited to show our support for the young emerging engineering talent of the North West and honour the memory of Amelia Earhart, an iconic figure for our team at the Airport and, across the world.

“We have teamed up with our airside partner, Cutting Edge Helicopters, who are based at City of Derry Airport, to offer an amazing prize for the winning group.

“The prize will include VIP helicopter tours for the winners with Cutting Edge Helicopters and a private tour of City of Derry Airport’s facilities.”

Robert Cummings, Base Manager at Cutting Edge Helicopters, added: “Cutting Edge Helicopters is delighted to support City of Derry Airport and the Amelia Earhart Anniversary STEM Challenge.

“We wish all the teams the best of luck and look forward to taking the winning team on a fantastic Helicopter flight from our base at the City of Derry Airport and over the landing site at Ballyarnett.”

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