Three brothers from Tampa Bay recently celebrated their impressive victory in the FAA’s student airport design competition by visiting Tampa International Airport (TPA) on January 10. The Patel brothers—Shaan, 16, Sahil, 15, and Krishiv, 13—had the opportunity to meet with the Airport Planning and Development team and present their award-winning design, which was developed for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Design Challenge.
During their visit, the brothers enjoyed a comprehensive behind-the-scenes tour of TPA, exploring key areas such as the Airport Operations Center, the SkyCenter One office, the airfield, and the baggage handling system. For these young aviation enthusiasts, the experience was nothing short of a dream come true.
Shaan Patel shared his passion for aviation, stating, “Growing up, I used to love making model airports and collecting model planes. Now planes have become a part of me, and I love it so much. Being able to come to TPA and see all this after all our effort is fantastic.”
The Airport Design Challenge encourages students from kindergarten through high school to design virtual airports using Minecraft, drawing from the expertise of FAA aerospace and engineering professionals. The competition has various categories, including Primary and Non-Primary Airports for different age groups. The Patel brothers, competing as the Aviator Bros, clinched first place in the Primary Airport design category for grades 7-12 by basing their entry on Tampa International Airport.
In their design, the Patels incorporated a number of innovative features, such as unique dining options, a rooftop garden and observation deck atop the Economy Parking Garage, and an efficient cargo port designed for delivery drones. This project not only allowed them to explore their creativity but also to learn about the aviation industry, all while engaging with experienced professionals.
This remarkable achievement highlights the potential and talent of young minds in the field of engineering and aviation. Their success serves as an inspiration to other students, showcasing how passion and hard work can lead to significant recognition and real-world applications in their dream careers.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, initiatives like the FAA’s Airport Design Challenge play a crucial role in fostering interest in STEM fields among future generations. It’s exciting to see how these young innovators envision the future of airports while gaining invaluable knowledge and experience along the way.