Four years after the project began, students involved in the Naples Youth Aviation Project (NYAP) recently unveiled the Sling 2 Light-Sport Aircraft they built.

Based at Naples Municipal Airport (KAPF) in Florida, the Naples Youth Aviation Project is led by officials with Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1067, who provide guidance and support to the students, who range in age from 10 to 20.

Garrett Sutton, a 20-year-old NYAP member and commercial pilot, will fly the Sling with NYAP President Bob Zaleski to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 this month. Builders Keagan Hallock, Luis Jimenez, and possibly others will meet Zaleski and Sutton at AirVenture.

“I have been involved in the NYAP plane build since we began in the early summer of 2019,” Garrett says. “When the project first began, I was attending high school, playing football, and working as a lifeguard. Now, I am working as a contract pilot flying King Airs when not working with the Naples Youth Aviation Project.”

From Young Eagles to Aircraft Builders

EAA Chapter 1067 members Bob and Joan Zaleski led the way for many of the students to join the project.

“I was first attracted to aviation after a Young Eagles flight at Naples Airport,” Garrett explains. “Shortly after, the Naples EAA Chapter 1067 advertised the Naples Youth Aviation Project plane build, and I filled out an application. From there, my interest grew, and I decided to earn my private pilot’s license and then went on to earn my instrument and single/multi-engine commercial ratings.”

Ali Amini, 16, also came into the project through the Young Eagles program, which he participated in when he was 10.

“There, I met Joan and Bob and all the mentors,” he recalls. “They started planning to build the Sling 2 and included 30 kids who were interested, including me. They made it possible for us to meet at the hangar and get all the parts and pieces together.”

“It feels great to see the Sling 2 in the air completed,” he continues. “I’m very proud of this project. It’s beautiful. Lots of riveting went into it! It feels great to know every part or panel was put together by us. I feel very lucky to be part of this group of mentors and students and formed great friendships and learned so much about everything. I would tell other students who are interested in aviation to come and join us for the next build. It’s an experience that they will never forget and is lots of fun, as well as lots of learning for a future career.”

“I love flying and everything related to airplanes,” he adds. “I’m committed to getting my pilot’s license before I go to college. I’m currently training at RexAir at the Naples Airport and, hopefully, I can do my solo this summer before school starts.”

Keagan Hallock, 18, also found his way to the project through a Young Eagles flight.

“After my first flight at my first Young Eagles rally, Joan approached me about the Naples Youth Aviation Project,” he says. “I thought it sounded interesting, so I went to the orientation and signed up. A few weeks later, we started working on the plane, and the rest is history.”

Keegan has plans to earn a pilot’s certificate and a degree in mechanical engineering.

“It’s very exciting to see the finished product in action after many, many hours of hard work and problem-solving, but at the same time, it’s melancholic for us to sell the plane and move on,” Keegan continues. “For some of us, this project is the last time we’ll ever see each other as we move on to college, flight school, and other endeavors. I’ve had a lot of fun, and I’m going to miss working with the NYAP builders.”

Sean Leeber, 18, heard about the airplane building project when he was 14.

“I had a great passion for aviation, but more the flying portion,” he says. “However, I couldn’t train yet, so I decided to join the plane build group because building a plane was the next closest thing to flying one. I’m so glad I decided to do the plane build because I met so many great people and had so many great experiences. I am currently training to get my pilot’s license and am in the process of scheduling my check ride now.”

Advice From The Builders

“Don’t give up no matter how tedious or hard the work is,” advises Luis Jimenez, 15. “The people around you are always super supportive, and this experience will be something you cherish for the rest of your life.”

There are always tasks that must be done that no one wants to do, Keegan notes.

“Whether it’s slowly sanding down the cowling to ensure a perfect fit or corrosion-proofing dozens of parts by hand, these tasks are not fun, but don’t quit when you get to them,” he says. “Stick with it, and soon enough, you’ll get back into the fun of building an airplane.”

“Going into the build, I didn’t realize how unique and awesome the experience was going to be and how few people have ever accomplished such a task,” adds Sean Leeber. “Keep grinding until the end, and do not give up when something goes wrong. Even when the actual building portion starts to slow down, and the smallest tasks seem laborious, do not give up because you’re almost there.”

“Stay determined and focused and celebrate small accomplishments,” Garrett concludes.

Look for the Sling 2 (N1067A) in the Light Sport Aircraft area at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 and celebrate the youth from Naples, Florida, who built it.