A plane built by school pupils is almost ready to fly.
Kinross High School had a groundbreaking new goal when staff and pupils took delivery of the kit to build a plane last November.
Having built the light aircraft, a two-seater Eurofox, with Aero Space Kinross (ASK), they now need to get it looked over ahead of its first flight.
ASK is a subsidiary of the Kinross-shire community benefit society Asset, which seeks to create a flight-themed science and space centre.
And the plane project received a vote of confidence this week when WL Gore and Associates gave sponsorship for a trailer.
With it the Build-a-Plane team will be able to showcase the kit craft at airshows and events over the summer.
The trailer was handed over to the ASK team on Tuesday at the school.
Pupil Hanna (16) said: “This project was an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge and practical experience on working with planes. I loved it.”
Coco (14) agreed: “This experience has been spectacular. I never would have dreamed of being able to work on a plane so doing it in school is even better. Mr McShane has been amazing to make this happen.”
Robert (16) said: “Not only were we [able to] build the aircraft, we had the opportunity to travel to a technical aircraft college and learn skills that will help with this project and life.”
Aaron (15) added: “It’s been great to be involved in a project like this and I hope more people could find out what is going on here at Kinross High School.”
Headteacher Sarah Brown said: “It is truly immense to receive this level of sponsorship.
“It is especially exciting for the pupils and expert team who have been closely involved in the build and most importantly helps us highlight STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) education at a practical level.”
Keith Cuthbert from WL Gore said: “This is a highly innovative and educational aviation project and we are delighted to be able to support it.
“We recognise that the trailer will give the Build-a-Plane greater scope for outreach to other schools and events and consequently inspire more young people to consider a career in the field of aviation.”
The plan will now go through rigorous inspections at Fife Airfield. It could get permission for a flight test during July.
