Published in Midwest Flyer – February/March 2017
Central High School student, Declan Steinke, has taken the controls of “Falcon One,” an RV-12, which was the school’s first homebuilt aircraft construction project. The project is part of the Westosha, Wisconsin high school’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program, one of many such programs throughout the U.S.
On November 15, 2016, Steinke flew Falcon One solo around the Burlington, Wisconsin airport. Just a month earlier, Steinke also completed an intense training course and became the youngest known certified independent Rotax Maintenance Technician (iRMT) in the world. Under the leadership of the school’s aviation program director, James Senft, the school is now building its second homebuilt aircraft
Senft said: “On behalf of students involved in the aviation program, I extend a sincere thank you. By your donation and support of our program, we are able to give a chance to improve the educational opportunities available to our students and encourage those with technical abilities to pursue STEM careers. Together, we can ensure that the excitement, challenge, and fun of personal aviation carries on to the new generation.”
Persons interested in making a donation to the project may email Senft at senftj@westosha.k12.wi.us