A team of four enthusiastic sixth-form engineers from Emmanuel College blew the judges away and soared to victory in the Aviation Challenge 2022.

Held at Hartlepool’s College of Further Education, the Aviation Challenge brings together teams from across the region with the task of designing and modelling a glider which will travel the furthest.  

The day was packed with related activities, as the students enjoyed some fascinating lectures on engineering and career pathways, as well as a tour around the college.  They even had the chance sit in the cockpit of an aircraft and use the controls!

After lunch, the competition began, and students headed into the workshop to create their glider.  Our team modelled their craft from balsa wood, carefully incorporating engineering principles as they completed their design, the ‘YBK-001’.

The moment of truth came when the gliders were launched into the air.  The judges were astounded as the YBK-001 soared far beyond every other team.  We had won, beating 11 other teams from schools across the region!  Our trophy, together with our winning glider, are now on display in the Emmanuel College foyer.