Mueller College to defend national aviation title

Following last year’s victory at the UAV Challenge – Outback Rescue, Mueller College is determined to defend their title.

The Challenge held in Kingaroy 23-25 September, features UAVs, pilotless aircraft either remote controlled or flown autonomously with a pre-programmed flight plan.

Students design and build their own UAVs, which then mount an Outback rescue mission, delivering emergency supplies to someone lost in the bush. They compete for an ultimate prize of $10,000.

Minister for Regional Development and Industry Desley Boyle said the Challenge was an amazing opportunity for students to get involved in aviation.

“The Challenge will broaden the students’ horizons, providing them with industry contacts and potentially open doors to careers in aviation,” Ms Boyle said.

Mueller College teacher Anthony Banks said the Challenge had definitely been on everyone’s mind since last year, when the school took out first and second places.

“After all, we have a title to defend,” Mr Banks said.

“This year we’ve had enough students to sign up three teams to enter in the Challenge, one more than last year and this is a testament to the student’s keenness.

“All of the students have been working really hard, meeting everyday for the past two months.

“There is always work for them to do on the UAVs and this also allows them to be cross trained in all related roles.

“Most importantly though they have been having fun. They enjoy playing around with all the gadgets and especially love flying,” he said.

The UAV Challenge is a joint initiative between the Queensland Government, the Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation (ARCAA, a partnership between QUT and CSIRO) and Boeing Australia Limited.

For further information on the UAV Challenge – Outback Rescue visit www.uavoutbackchallenge.com.au

28 August 2008

Media contact: 3225 1005 or 3224 2007
Mueller College teacher Anthony Banks: 3897 2746