Wichita Public Schools high school students unveiled a fully functional, single-engine aircraft on December 16 at the Future Ready Manufacturing Center, marking a major milestone in a hands-on aviation project made possible through a partnership between Wichita Public Schools and WSU Tech.

Students from the district’s Manufacturing FutureReady Center, along with students from North High School’s aerospace engineering program, collaborated throughout the year to construct the Van’s RV-12iS aircraft. Guided by WSU Tech instructors and supported by mentors from Airbus, the students gained extensive real-world experience in aviation, precision manufacturing, engineering principles, and teamwork, skills that directly reflect Wichita’s deep aviation heritage.

“Wichita Public Schools students are Future Ready when they graduate. This plane build is a shining example of what happens when education meets industry,” said Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld. “Our students gained skills that can launch them directly into the aviation workforce or propel them into advanced post-secondary studies.”

“Watching these students bring an aircraft from concept to completion is a powerful reminder of what is possible when we invest in young people,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, President, WSU Tech. “This project equips them with skills that open doors to college, careers, and the aviation industry that built our city. We are honored to stand alongside Wichita Public

Thanks to the State of Kansas’ investment in Excel in Career and Technical Education (CTE), high school students can participate in technical training at WSU Tech tuition-free. Excel in CTE removes financial barriers and opens the door for students to gain real skills, explore career options, and enter Wichita’s aviation and manufacturing workforce with confidence.

The aircraft build opportunity was provided through Tango Flight, a national program that helps students gain hands-on experience in aircraft construction. The completed aircraft will now return to Tango Flight for FAA inspection and certification.

With the success of this year’s project, Wichita Public Schools students will begin construction on their next aircraft in January, continuing a growing tradition of applied learning, industry partnership, and future workforce development.