Georgia Team Tops 2026 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) named Cambridge High School of Milton, Georgia, the first-place winner of its 2026 Aviation Design Challenge. Corona del Sol High School of Tempe, Arizona, placed second, and Greenville Technical Charter High School of Greenville, South Carolina, placed third.

The project required teams to redesign the airplane to carry maximum cargo weight at maximum speed between two remote, high-altitude locations in the French Alps. Judges evaluated entries on simulated flight performance, a design-change summary, a video presentation, and a test-flight checklist.

Cambridge High School’s team—Clark Benner, Adam Gould, Morgan Smith, and Christian Seawright—adjusted the airplane’s wing aspect ratio, adopted a V-tail configuration, and fitted a larger propeller along with redesigned landing gear. More than 70 high school teams from 31 states entered the competition. Participants used the “Fly to Learn” curriculum to study flight principles and airplane design, then applied that knowledge to modify a Cessna 208 Caravan for a mission flown in X-Plane simulation software.

“The 2026 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge participants showcased some very creative and innovative design concepts,” said James Viola, GAMA president and CEO.

The International Aircraft Dealers Association Foundation funded a technology grant program supplying computers and flight controls to participating schools that requested assistance. The winning team will receive a CubCrafters manufacturing experience and demonstration flights.