What have we yet to do ? Our challenges with the 701 lie in two areas: First we need to finish the construction. Wiring, plumbing, hooking up the controls, testing, fitting, rigging, and more testing will take time. Second, we still do not have an engine or instruments. The engine we have settled on is a Rotax 912. We chose this model for it's high reliability and low weight. With those attributes, however, comes a price tag. The engine will cost just over $10,000. We have an offer of instruments at cost and help installing them but they will cost about $2000
      Raising these funds will become (after our primary educational goals) our top priority. Our aim has always been to construct an aircraft, fly it, and show other schools that it is possible. We want to publicize the fact that schools all over the country are closing shops and that technical skills are being neglected for the next generation of students. We want to offer aircraft construction as an innovative, exciting, attractive addition to curriculums, and show how it can be done. Our aircraft will be our advertising and flying it will be vital.

      How long will it take?We have learned not to predict a first flight day. We need goals, but it's difficult to consider all the tasks, setbacks, training, completions, etc. that go into a project of this magnitude. If we can purchase, or find a donated engine, we could be flight testing by the winter of 2002.

      What cool things have happened lately? Our pool of mentors has expanded into the ranks of parents and grandparents. This class is a wonderful opportunity for parents to work next to their children in a different setting for 2 or 4 hours per week.
      We found another partner in the West Sound Technical Center's paint shop. High School students got the chance to work on a different sort of project. They received the experience and we got our airplane painted.

      What happens next?Exciting things in many directions and areas, most of which we never would have imagined when we started the project four years ago.
      In the short term: Again we say: We will finish the 701 and start building the 601 in earnest. We will find funds, purchase an engine, complete construction and begin a test flight program for the 701 and ensure it is safe, reliable, and meets all requirements.
      In the mid-term: During the summer of 2002 Mr. Steed will fly the 701 around the country, touching down in every state, and attempt to land in Oshkosh, Wisconsin during the Experimental Aircraft Association convention in late July. He will take a laptop, a digital camera, a cell phone, and document the trip, day-by-day and state-by-state as he flies.
      In the long term: We have big plans. As schools are being built without shops and traditional metal and wood shops are being pushed and phased out of curriculums, students are unable to receive technical training of that sort. We plan to raise funds and build a hangar, workshop, office, and classroom complex at the local airpark. This complex will be used as a community aviation education resource in conjunction with local school districts, aviation organizations, and other community groups.

      What do we need now? Partners. We are seeking donors for an engine, instruments, a GPS, navigation software, and materials to start our second aircraft. We can offer donors a tax deduction (the IRS has recognized our non-profit status under section 501(c)3), as much publicity as we can generate, their name emblazoned on our aircraft, the knowledge that they are supporting students actively investigating aviation and learning lifelong lessons in the progress, and our undying thanks.

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