What’s that in the sky? It’s a bird. It’s a plane…wait, it actually is a plane – built by South Jersey teens. 

Every week at the Flying W Airport in Medford, a group of teens comes together and literally builds a plane. It takes about a year, sometimes longer, to complete the two seat experimental aircraft, and the students – a new group are recruited each year – are supervised, mentored and assisted by volunteers with Teen Aviation of New Jersey. 

It’s called the Aircraft Build Program, and the aim is to help students in need build (pun intended) an interest in STEM and aviation-related career fields. Even better, none of the students, all ages 13 through 18, pay for the program. Financing is instead provided by donations to the program and partly by the funds from selling the previous year’s finished plane. 

Through the program, students also hear guest speakers from various STEM and aviation-related career fields. 

Prospective student orientations are held twice a year for the program, and participants must live within an hour driving distance of Flying W Airport. Check the website for upcoming orientation dates.