The 2026 Season is OPEN and projects are due August 31! 

Parents and guardians, download your student's registration forms to get started! 
They must be submitted before their final project.
Students, click the buttons below to access the Challenge Learning Modules and get started!
Questions? Reach out to avsed.challenge@faa.gov and students, be sure to cc your parent/guardian.
Lets take off!

Coming Soon

And be sure to stay in the loop! Subscribe Now for Challenge updates and reminders!
(We recommend subscribing all emails –parent/guardians and students!)

The Airport Design Challenge (ADC) is an interactive learning and collaboration opportunity for students in grades K-12. The FAA Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Aviation and Space Education (STEM AVSED) Program organizes and sponsors this exciting challenge.

Work with Aviation Professionals and Designers to Learn about the Aerospace Industry

During the Airport Design Challenge, students have the opportunity to design virtual airports in Minecraft based on guidance from FAA aerospace and engineering experts. Participating students meet aviation professionals, engage with other designers, and learn about the aerospace industry. The challenge offers first-hand experience in an aviation-related application of STEM concepts and helps students apply their academic knowledge and skills to professional simulations.

While participants are encouraged to form teams of up to five members, they may also participate individually. Instructional modules cover topics ranging from airport layout, to pavement and lighting, then on to structures, and finally, innovative growth. Module knowledge check assignments and screenshots of students’ designs are used to assess progress and provide feedback.

Congratulations to the 2025 winners!

Anything is Possible in the Airport Design Challenge

Click on each image below to see what past ADC teams have done to complete development tasks.