Flying High: The Build-a-Plane Project at Strathallan

In a testament to innovation and hands-on learning, senior pupils in close collaboration with two trustees from aerospace Kinross and three stem heads of department have taken education to new heights with the build-a-plane project at Strathallan.

This unique initiative which has seen pupils construct a microlight aircraft in a hanger on the grounds of the school has transformed the traditional classroom experience, offering them a fantastic opportunity to soar beyond textbooks and lectures into the realm of practical aeronautics. Under the guidance of experienced mentors and aviation professionals, pupils have embarked on a journey that combines STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) principles with real-world application. The aircraft has been pre-registered with the CAA as G-OLOV reflecting the Strathallan School motto — Labor Omnia Vincent — "Work Conquers Everything".

The first mission was to bring the airframe from Kent to Strathallan. The airframe and wings were built in Nitra in Slovakia and transported to Eurofox UK in Kent. Microlight aircraft are under 600kg so can be transported by trailer. By December 13th the plane build had begun.

As you would imagine (and hope!) aircraft are manufactured and tested to a very exacting standard. Meticulous preparation for the fitting of each component is required. Each nut and bolt must be set out according to the build manual. Nothing must be missing or spare at the end of a build session. Therefore, the first weeks of the build were slow as pupils needed instruction on tool control, hangar safety, and the basic principles of construction. Many parts of the plane are fragile, so a calm and ordered approach was required. Good communication and teamwork are essential. Pupils were split into three teams, building on either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday afternoons under the guidance of a STEM head of department and our trustees: Robin Chisholm (ex RAF Tornado navigator), and Mike Pearson (pilot and airport designer).

By February 2023 with work now complete on the firewall of the fuselage, the engine could be fitted. The honour of mounting the engine on the plane went to the Tuesday team, and more demanding work on plumbing the engine for fuel and oil could begin. By Easter, the focus had switched to the cockpit controls — brakes, the handbrake, flying control rods and the instrument panel. The wings could now be folded away and re-attached securely so the plane could leave the hangar and be viewed on sports day.

A huge milestone for the Build-a-Plane project came in November 2023 as G-OLOV came alive under her own power with all electrics and instrumentation operating as expected, and the engine responding as planned.

The legacy of the build will be manyfold.
Over 400 pupils from Strathallan Prep School and Senior School visited the hangar in small groups to experience the build process first hand. Strathallan Prep School and Forgandenny Primary School children loved seeing and touching the plane, moving the wings and tail with the flight controls as well as learning about forces and flight, and holding the lightweight propeller. Their energy and enthusiasm were a delight. Their questions reflected unbridled curiosity. The 2nd Form in SPS got involved in designing the artwork on the cowling of the nose cone and 3rd and 4th Form Physicists also got a hangar visit and a forces of flight lesson as part of British Science Week activities in January.

Over the summer break last year the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA), completed its inspection under the auspices of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) — part of the transport department of the UK government. All Strathallan pupils will get the chance to experience flight in our microlight for at least the next five years. In essence, the Build-a-Plane project at Strathallan School embodies a spirit of innovation, exploration, and lifelong learning. By empowering students to dream big and pursue their interests with passion and purpose, it not only prepares them for success in the 21st-century workforce, but also cultivates a culture of curiosity and discovery that will shape the leaders of tomorrow. As they soar to new heights, these young aviators carry with them the lessons learned and memories forged through this transformative educational journey.