Aerospace Engineering Camp

The AIR Institute supported and hosted the Aerospace Engineering Camp through UNC Charlotte’s Camps on Campus on June 23-27, 2025. Six scholarships were awarded by the AIR Institute to talented students demonstrating need.

Aerospace Engineering Camp immersed students in a week of hands-on activities and field experiences covering aircraft propulsion, UAV technology, aerodynamics, atmospheric science, aerospace structures, and rocket science. Campers built and tested propeller cars, robots, zip-line gliders, balsa wood gliders, and both water and model rockets; piloted drones, marine robots, and R/C aircraft simulators; launched and analyzed a tethered weather balloon; and tackled aerospace-themed engineering challenges. They toured UNC Charlotte’s advanced facilities including the AIAA Design/Build/Fly team’s fabrication bay, the machine shop, the Center for Precision Metrology, and the Kulwicki Motorsports Laboratory—meeting student teams who compete in international aircraft and race car competitions and learning about tools like CNC machining, laser-cut airfoils, composite materials, and aerodynamic simulation software. Off campus, they visited the American Airlines maintenance hangar at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the Sullenberger Aviation Museum, gaining direct exposure to aviation operations and history. Throughout the week, campers applied engineering concepts to real projects, from optimizing glider wing placement to testing rocket stability, ending the program with an engaging mix of science, teamwork, and memorable aerospace experiences.