Page 13 - TransWISummer2025

Spring/Summer 2025 Transportation Today Wisconsin™ | 13

Westosha Central High School STEM Aviation Program

Started in 2014, Central High School’s
STEM Aviation Program (Falcon Avia-
tion) stands out as a remarkable educational
endeavor where students actively engage in the
construction of a Van’s RV-12 aircraft, guided
by experienced mentors. This program goes
beyond traditional teaching methods, immers-
ing students in hands-on experiences that foster
skills in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics, while also cultivating teamwork,
leadership, and determination.
The program is among several initiatives
supported by Eagle’s Nest Projects Wisconsin
(ENP WI), a nonprofit 501c3 organization.
James Senft is Falcon Aviation’s director of
aviation.
Not only does this high school aviation
program build it’s own fleet of light aircraft
(they’re on their 4th), but for some students, Members of Eagle’s Nest at Westosha Central High School are making great progress on the
Van’s RV-12 they are building. Every rivet and every detail brings them closer to the skies.
building the airplane is only the beginning.
Students who are part of the program can use dents gather weekly in this dedicated space for better in my career,” John Klenke, a student,
the plane free for flight instruction. Two flight meetings, build sessions, and ground school. said. “Being able to say I built a plane is great. pallets, and ever since my freshman year all the
instructors, also professional pilots, train the The municipal airport, KBUU, serves as home Not only that, though, it gives me that experi- way up to my senior year, we’ve been slowly
students at the highest level. base for all flight operations. The latest Van’s ence in life; it helps better myself.” putting it together, and we’ve gotten pretty far.”
This provides students with the unusual RV-12iS plane built by the Central High School Another student, Ben Haapanen, the presi- From an article by TMJ4 News
opportunity to learn to fly in an aircraft they STEM Aviation Club, F3 Tiercel, is located at dent of the club, has been part of the program Facebook https://www.facebook.com/
helped build. Those who earn their license also KBUU in a generously donated hangar. since his freshman year and reflected on the EaglesNestProjectsWI
have access to the aircraft. For many students, the program is a once- process.
They have a workshop at Westosha Central in-a-lifetime opportunity. “It’s been incredible,” Haapanen said. www.westosha.k12.wi.us
High School in Paddock Lake, Wisconsin. Stu- “This is what’s going to set me up much “This aircraft arrived in boxes, entirely in

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