Aero Design Challenge
Grades 4-8
School Groups
Field Trip Dates by Reservation Only, October 2022 – May 2023 – Groups of 30 or More
General Public
Saturday, February 18, 2023
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Aero Design Challenge is an exploration into design and engineering. Each 2.5-hour program explores concepts in aeronautics that challenges participants to construct a working prototype.
Each student in the Aero Design Challenge participates in a series of discovery experiences in the Hiller Aviation Museum’s main gallery, including:
- Invention Lab glider experiments
- Examination of full-scale aircraft
- Flight simulation
- Exploration of Museum Gallery
Following the exploration period, students join a small team to construct, test, improve and present a model glider able to satisfy the design requirements.
Held annually since 2013, the Aero Design Challenge is part of the Bay Area Science Festival and celebrates the design thinking process in the world of flight. Offered at no cost to participants through the generous support of sponsors and the engagement of scores of volunteers from local technology businesses and universities, the Aero Design Challenge has engaged over 3,500 participants since its inception.
Aero Design Challenge generously sponsored by:
Glider Challenge
For this year’s Aero Design Challenge, participants investigate the four forces of flight while designing, building and flying an elastic powered glider capable of flying the maximum possible distance with a calibrated amount of thrust.
Aero Design Challenge participants work in small groups to explore glider flight. Discovery stations include the Invention Lab and Flight Simulator Lab, and the Museum’s collection of historic air and spacecraft.
How to Register
Aero Design Challenge programs are provided to students at no charge, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. One adult is admitted at no charge for every eight students, with additional adults admitted at $10.00/adult. School groups may complete a field trip reservation request using the Museum’s convenient online request system. Individuals and small groups may enroll using the Aero Design Challenge registration portal.
All Aero Design Challenge participants will receive a confirmation email and additional information regarding the program approximately one week prior to program date. Make your plans now to join an exceptional hands-on aerospace engineering experience.
Exciting News!
The California Association of Museums and State Superintendent’s Office of Public Instruction have awarded the Hiller Aviation Museum the Excellence in Museum Education Award for its Aero Design Challenge.
Imagination Playground
Temporarily Closed – Alternate Hands-On Exhibits Available
Included with Museum Admission
*Imagination Playground closes periodically for facilitated education events.
Drone Plex
Every Saturday and Sunday
Regular Schedule
Saturdays & Sundays
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Also open select weekdays 11:00 am – 3:00 pm December 26 & January 2
Drone Demonstrations and Drone Simulation
All Drone Plex activities included with Museum admission.
Demonstrations suitable for all ages. Children must be 5 years of age or older to use drone simulators, and 8 years of age or older to fly drones. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Open only when Hiller Aviation Museum open to the public.
Drones are one of the most significant advances in aviation of the 21st century. Observe flight demonstrations conducted in a safe arena with an instructor who will show you techniques for safe drone piloting, including rules, regulations and “do’s and dont’s” practices for responsible drone flight.
Discover the fun and challenge of drone flight!. Observe drone demonstrations and experience the adventure of autonomous aviation!
FAA Drone Safety Video
Flight Sim Zone
Open Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Also Open Monday, May 29
Take a virtual flight across the Bay and see the world from the unique perspective of a pilot.
Pass Required.
- $5 per Pass (in addition to museum admission).
- Pass is free for Members.
- Two people can fly on one Pass (pilot and co-pilot).
- Obtain Passes at museum Gift Shop.
- Each Pass good for up to 30 minutes of flight time.
- Seating is limited.
Flight Sim Zone workstations consist of the following:
- large 4K screen, 3,840 x 2,160 pixel display
- Logitech/Saitek flight yoke and throttle quadrant
- Saitek rudder pedals
- X-Plane 11 simulation software
How Sessions Operate
We follow a flight instruction model. Each session begins with an introductory demonstration. Our instructors are real pilots and they will show you how to properly control an aircraft, like the Beechcraft Baron 58, including the all-important landing procedure. Once proficiency has been achieved in basic procedures, enjoy a sightseeing flight around the Bay!
The Flight Sim Zone is wheelchair accessible.
FMX Flight Simulator
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 11 am – 2 pm
Purchase your flight ticket at our gift shop.
$10 for 10-minute flight.
$8 for museum Members.
Additional discounts offered to Museum members at the Pilot, Barnstormer, and all Premium levels.
Try Flying!
The FMX flight simulator’s fully functional cockpit features the latest in “glass cockpit” avionics technology, the Garmin G1000, including a Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multi-Function Display (MFD) with integrated autopilot.
- 6 screen “wraparound” windshield display.
- Full simulator movement in yaw, pitch and roll.
- Force feedback flight yoke and throttle quadrant.
- Rudder pedals.
- Simulation software: Lockheed Martin Prepar3D.
Invention Lab
INVENTION LAB OPEN WEEKENDS
Activities Available 11 AM - 3 PM Saturdays & Sundays
Also Open Monday, May 29
Included with Museum Admission
Complete amazing hands-on projects in flight!
Weekend Invention Lab Activities
May 6-29
Build-an-Airplane
Use kid-sized fun tools to bolt together and then disassemble a whimsical table-top airplane! Recommended ages 2-7.
Welcome to Sector 33
Use a unique Air Traffic Control simulation developed by NASA to guide airliners through a checkpoint and on to their destination. Recommended ages 8+.
Imagination Playground
Temporarily Closed – Alternate Hands-On Exhibits Available
Included with Museum Admission
*Imagination Playground closes periodically for facilitated education events.
Drone Plex
Every Saturday and Sunday
Regular Schedule
Saturdays & Sundays
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Also open select weekdays 11:00 am – 3:00 pm December 26 & January 2
Drone Demonstrations and Drone Simulation
All Drone Plex activities included with Museum admission.
Demonstrations suitable for all ages. Children must be 5 years of age or older to use drone simulators, and 8 years of age or older to fly drones. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Open only when Hiller Aviation Museum open to the public.
Drones are one of the most significant advances in aviation of the 21st century. Observe flight demonstrations conducted in a safe arena with an instructor who will show you techniques for safe drone piloting, including rules, regulations and “do’s and dont’s” practices for responsible drone flight.
Discover the fun and challenge of drone flight!. Observe drone demonstrations and experience the adventure of autonomous aviation!
FAA Drone Safety Video
Flight Sim Zone
Open Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Also Open Monday, May 29
Take a virtual flight across the Bay and see the world from the unique perspective of a pilot.
Pass Required.
- $5 per Pass (in addition to museum admission).
- Pass is free for Members.
- Two people can fly on one Pass (pilot and co-pilot).
- Obtain Passes at museum Gift Shop.
- Each Pass good for up to 30 minutes of flight time.
- Seating is limited.
Flight Sim Zone workstations consist of the following:
- large 4K screen, 3,840 x 2,160 pixel display
- Logitech/Saitek flight yoke and throttle quadrant
- Saitek rudder pedals
- X-Plane 11 simulation software
How Sessions Operate
We follow a flight instruction model. Each session begins with an introductory demonstration. Our instructors are real pilots and they will show you how to properly control an aircraft, like the Beechcraft Baron 58, including the all-important landing procedure. Once proficiency has been achieved in basic procedures, enjoy a sightseeing flight around the Bay!
The Flight Sim Zone is wheelchair accessible.
FMX Flight Simulator
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 11 am – 2 pm
Purchase your flight ticket at our gift shop.
$10 for 10-minute flight.
$8 for museum Members.
Additional discounts offered to Museum members at the Pilot, Barnstormer, and all Premium levels.
Try Flying!
The FMX flight simulator’s fully functional cockpit features the latest in “glass cockpit” avionics technology, the Garmin G1000, including a Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multi-Function Display (MFD) with integrated autopilot.
- 6 screen “wraparound” windshield display.
- Full simulator movement in yaw, pitch and roll.
- Force feedback flight yoke and throttle quadrant.
- Rudder pedals.
- Simulation software: Lockheed Martin Prepar3D.
