AILERON at Virginia Tech consists of 10 undergraduate students and several aircraft mechanic advisors. Most team members are students studying mechanical and aerospace engineering.
AILERON focuses on developing members' engineering skills through CAD modeling and educational TechTalks. Using Siemens NX, students design and analyze aircraft components, gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard software. Additionally, a structured learning approach in a practical setting helps build strong technical foundations.
Team members immerse themselves in the practical world of aircraft mechanics and engineering. From hands-on assembly components to troubleshooting real-world aviation challenges, members gain invaluable experience maintaining, repairing, and understanding the intricacies of aircraft systems.
The team is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of aviation enthusiasts by engaging with the community. Members visit local schools and organize workshops that introduce students to aviation concepts and hands-on activities to spark curiosity about aviation.