Several of District II’s clubs and members have taken on the rewarding opportunity of working with students on model aircraft projects. The age range of students varies, as do the opportunities. What is certain, though, is that the students benefit from their experience, and your work sows the seeds for creating future modelers, engineers, and aerospace professionals.
Each year, the Union College Aero Design team in Schenectady, New York, builds and flies a custom RC aircraft for the SAE Aero Design competition, facing off against more than 100 university teams worldwide. Union College is noted for its famous alumni, one of whom is George Westinghouse—a prolific inventor who is best known as the founder of Westinghouse Electric Corporation. The Union College Aero Design team has been flying for many years at the Flying Knights Model Aircraft Club field in Ravena, New York, under the guidance of Joe Messina, who is a well-accomplished RC modeler and an excellent flying instructor.
From aerodynamics to electronics and final flight tests, the student-run team tackles every phase of its aircraft’s construction and testing. It’s hands-on engineering that blends classroom theory with real-world experience. Along the way, team members sharpen technical and leadership skills as they work with accomplished aeronautical experts such as Joe. Each team member has a specific task—engine, structure, landing gear, controls, and testing. A team leader integrates all of the parts, and together they troubleshoot what comes along.
After numerous test flights and working with Joe, the team headed to the 2026 SAE Aero Design West Competition in Fort Worth, Texas. The students’ efforts paid off, with the team placing 10th in the Micro Class category and fourth among American teams! This was a record-setting year, marking the Union College Aero Design team’s best performance at the competition since 2018. The team extended a very special thank you to Joe for offering all of his amazing advice and years of flying experience.
Think about how you or your club can put your hobby to good use and excite and energize students who could be the next generation of America’s engineers and aerospace professionals. You might just create a new lifetime modeler too.
Remember, it’s not about what you fly, it’s about the friends you make.