In an effort to
give students insight into the world of engineering and manufacturing in the context of
post-secondary career and educational opportunities, an Ontario high school has developed
an aerospace manufacturing course around the construction of the Murphy Maverick. The
three credit program at Sutton District High School, entitled Aerospace
manufacturing/Physics of Flight provides an exciting opportunity to study an integrated
technology and science program while assembling the two seater Maverick from a kit.
As students assemble the aircraft components, they also study the physical science of flight. The program includes the application of manufacturing techniques such as measuring, jigging, squaring and truing of major structures, system design and installation, quality control and even time management. The manufacturing experience gained by students in this course will be valuable tools for those who decide to pursue aviation as a career.
As part of an overall effort to provide their students with the best preparation possible for post-secondary education and careers in technology, Sutton District High School has been establishing links with a number of local colleges offering aviation programs ranging from Avionics and Maintenance to Multi I.F.R. flight training. As part of development of the aerospace program, the school has also formed a partnership with Murphy Aircraft Mfg. Ltd. from which they purchased the Maverick kit.
In answer to why the selection of the
Maverick, Sean White, one of the architects of the new program comments: "Murphy
Aircraft are of good design and high quality. These are attributes that the
program requires in order to grow. From the start, I have found the Maverick to
have outstanding performance for its cost. The fact that the construction was modern
riveted aluminum rather than plywood ribs and tubular spars, was a big selling point with
me." Mr. White, whose 14 years of experience in the aviation industry included time
as a maintenance controller and QA inspector on Boeing 737's and Airbus A320's is one of
the key individuals involved in development of this program.
The short term plan for the program is to acquire another Maverick kit for assembly in next years classes. Upwards of a 200% increase in the number of student applicants for the program is expected. The long term goal is to start a flight training program offering ground school and ultralight pilot licenses to the students as well as light aircraft maintenance.
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