JACKPOT! The Story of Today’s Youth and Tomorrow’s Aerospace Workforce
By Bill Berle
EAA Chapter 40 at Whiteman Airport has combined the magic of flight, aircraft technologies both new and old, some clever educational components, and old-fashioned pride in accomplishment. The result, “Project: JACKPOT” (Joint Aircraft Construction for Kids, Parents, Opportunities & Training), checks a whole lot of boxes for all parties. It’s a youth aviation program that can be replicated nationwide.
A few years ago, our chapter was approaching its 10,000th “Young Eagles” introductory youth flight. A chapter airplane project had been completed, but failed to generate the level of excitement we’d hoped for. At the same time, real estate developers and politicians had begun questioning the benefit of the airport for the local residents and their kids.
We had discussed starting another aircraft-build project; one that was better suited for our membership, and could be more easily used in our Young Eagles program. The “a-ha! moment” came when our Young Eagles program manager at the time (the author’s wife) suggested that an airplane build project would be a perfect next step for our Young Eagles participants to continue their aviation journey.
A fireworks show of rapid-fire epiphanies arrived, as if ad-libbed on stage by a manic Robin Williams… We want to keep young people involved in aviation after their Young Eagles flight, but most parents can’t just buy flying lessons for their kids; Most high schools no longer have “shop class” that teaches hands-on mechanical skills; Aerospace and manufacturing industries are in desperate need for a skilled workforce; Aviation inspires young people to make positive life choices and pursue education; Building an airplane also builds self-confidence and resilience, which are primary factors in character development; Today’s entire, diverse community needs to know that aviation is accessible and welcoming.
And then there was the Wow Factor. The idea that a young person will first experience the magic of flight through Young Eagles, then be part of building an airplane, then learn to perform the airworthiness and safety inspections, and then learn to fly in the airplane they built. Finally, that young pilot would use the airplane to fly the next generation of Young Eagles youth outreach flights… the great ‘circle of flight.’
The idea resonated with everyone, and so we set out to capture lightning in a bottle. First, we needed an airplane kit that was fast and easy to build, but one that presented the fewest safety risks (chemicals, materials, processes) while building it. We needed an airplane that would be durable, easy to inspect and repair. It had to be easy and safe to fly, especially for eventual flight training use.
The Zenith Aircraft all-aluminum aircraft met all of our parameters, with thousands built around the world. They’re American made, using the latest CNC technology to simplify construction and guarantee a safe outcome. Their CH-750 model was able to fly slower and land shorter than the majority of aircraft, a safety feature we insisted on.
Zenith Aircraft CEO Sebastien Heintz was impressed with the potential of our plan, and his generous support is what allowed us to launch the project. A decision had been made to begin with the largest components of the aircraft, the wings, rather than the traditional rudder or tail “starter kit.” This would generate more visually impressive results as soon as possible, create more excitement in the youth (and the parents), and hopefully get the entire community excited.
One of the program’s unique core values was that we wanted the parents to be there as equal participants from the start, learning to build an airplane alongside their kids in real time. It’s a shared educational opportunity that proved to be a big win. Parents are there in person to watch as their child becomes a confident achiever, and reaches for the sky. More importantly, it makes aviation a family activity, with a much higher probability of long-term participation.
We knew that our Young Eagles program would be the ideal venue to get the word out about the new aircraft build program. In early 2021, we finally started promoting the upcoming launch… EAA Chapter 40’s Project: JACKPOT youth aircraft building program was on!
Ideas and intentions are all well and good, but it was an outpouring of community support that made JACKPOT actually happen. Our success was built upon the generosity of forward-thinking people who saw the chance to create a life-changing opportunity for youth. Zenith Aircraft, the top manufacturer of ‘light sport’ aircraft construction kits, was the founding donor and continues to provide financial and logistical support. Vista Aviation, a leading flight school and avionics dealer, donated an entire aircraft that we could sell to raise critical funds. Aircraft Spruce and Specialty, whose catalog is in virtually every aircraft shop worldwide, is a major sponsor of the program. Galpin Motors Group, a consistent supporter of community programs, also made an early donation.
Valley Nonprofit Resources (VNR), a think tank and resource center that helps small nonprofits build solid infrastructure and capacity, made three highly experienced consultants (Jan McElwee, Susan Dunn, and Dr. Thomas Backer) available, thanks to funding from Dwight Stuart Youth Foundation. VNR’s involvement then helped facilitate grant funding from the Mark Hughes Foundation, and secured invitations to submit funding requests to other foundations.
And Project: JACKPOT itself? The first build session took place Oct. 23, 2021. Thirty people showed up for the first three-hour session on a Saturday afternoon. We started with a very brief introduction, getting right to the fun part of assembling airplane parts as soon as possible. A balance was struck between the excitement of putting an airplane wing together, explaining the purpose of each part, and the fundamental imperative of safety and quality control.
All instruction was hands-on workshop based; anything resembling a “classroom” would take away a lot of the magic we all knew was being created. By the end of the very first build session, the group had assembled the main skeleton of an entire wing, young and old cheering with pride as they held it in the air.
As of this writing, 165 young people have had a significant aviation education experience through the program, with a “core cohort” of 15-20 consistently attending every Saturday. A nearly equal number of young men and women participate. Their level of excitement, interest, and engagement has exceeded all expectations.
As of June 2023, the first Project: JACKPOT aircraft, “The Spirit of Los Angeles” is about two-thirds completed, and the only major component still needed is an engine. We are always in need of, and welcome volunteers, regardless of aviation experience. First flight is expected next Spring. FMI: jackpot@eaachapter40.com
Photos By Clyde Carpenter
About the author: Bill Berle is the founder and lead instructor of EAA Chapter 40’s Project: JACKPOT youth build program. Bill soloed in 1977, and has since set national speed records and top 10 placings in sailplane competitions, raced in the Formula One class at the Reno Air Races, and currently manufactures an STC-PMA safety upgrade device for aircraft with manual flaps.