Platinum Plane Project

Project Background

I’m Jack Hanson, a student at Billings West High. As a freshman I opted to participate in the Platinum Program. The program requires completing 4 years of challenging courses with a culminating capstone project to demonstrate academic growth. My capstone project is the Platinum Plane Project which involves procuring airplane parts, repurposing them into items for sale, selling the items and donating the profits to the Minnesota Aviation Career Education camp. Click here to learn more about the Billings West High Platinum Project.

Plane Parts

The items that will become available for sale will be made from plane parts obtained from private owners. The support of these owners is making this project possible. I appreciate their desire to support future aviation professionals through this project.

Minnesota ACE Camp

The Minnesota ACE camp inspires and supports the next generation of aviation professionals. Founded in 1991 by a group if industry professionals with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the camp promotes, educates and exposes high school students to a wide variety of aviation careers. In 2023 I attended Minnesota ACE camp with other students from 12 different states. While based in Minnesota, this camp has a far reach and a significant impact on the aviation industry. Visit Minnesota ACE Camp for more information.

About Me

Where It All Started

My love of aviation began at 4 when I was given the opportunity to sit in a cockpit of a commercial plane. One of the flight attendants discovered I had just celebrated my birthday and was heading home to Montana after visiting family in Minnesota. She told me she had a fun surprise for me and invited me to join the pilots in the cockpit before takeoff.

First Step to Flying

Where It All Started

On a flight home at age 15 my mom met a Delta pilot who was flying home to Montana. Through their conversation he offered his contact information so that we could connect. He helped me get setup with my introductory flight and has been an incredible mentor to me since. I started taking flying lessons after that flight and hope to earn my Private Pilot License by Spring 2024.

Minnesota ACE Camp

Where It All Started

Minnesota ACE Camp

This amazing camp provided unprecedented access to all of the different aviation careers. I was able to connect with so many incredible people. I knew immediately that I wanted to find a way to give back to this camp in the future. I am excited to use this project to provide a donation to Minnesota ACE camp.

Project Overview

Concept

This project began with an overall concept of finding a way to combine my passion for aviation and providing others with a unique opportunity by donating funds to the Minnesota Aviation Career Education camp to be used toward scholarships for kids.

Project Approval

The project was approved in August 2023. The approval gave me the green light to begin procuring plane parts and preparing to create items for sale.

Procuring Plane Parts — Current Stage —

I am currently in the process of procuring plane parts to be made into new items which will be sold. I have connected with private plane owners who have been very supportive of this project.

One of a Kind Repurposed Plane Items

Each of the items for sale will be unique, one of a kind items. As individual items are created they will be added to the website to be sold. I anticipate having items for sale by November 2023. Check back often!

Donating the Proceeds to Minnesota ACE Camp

All net profits will be donated to the Minnesota ACE camp at the conclusion of the project.

Presenting the Project

The final aspect of my Platinum project will be to present the project to Platinum Project Adjudication Panel. This will include the details related to each item created and sold as well as the donation to the Minnesota ACE camp.