Teens learn to build an airplane through the Teen Aviation of New Jersey program

A group of teenagers in South Jersey are learning to build an airplane through a program called New Jersey Junior Aviation.

Teens ages 13 to 18 meet every Saturday at the Flying W Airport in Medford.

“Three years ago, if you had told me I would be building an airplane, I would have laughed,” said student Dishita Singh.

The group is filled with aspiring pilots and engineers and is led by experienced instructors with aviation experience.

“I really like airplanes,” Singh said.

The program started several years ago. Michael Lester was one of the first. For him, there is no place where he wants to be.

“It’s like the highlight of my week,” Lester said. “I did almost every meeting.”

The students spent weeks building the plane piece by piece. Eventually, it will become a single-engine two-seater aircraft.

“The first thing we did was build a toolbox,” said Joseph Zetkulich, program manager.

Zetkulich said it was a simple project that helped them learn the basics, but it wasn’t the only one. He said they are also building a friendship.

“The biggest thing I see is them learning to work together,” he said.

Working together to complete a project they can all be proud of. The group is still a few years away from building the plane, but they can already imagine how special the day will be.

“It’s going to be really good, that’s all I know,” Lester said.

The plan is to sell. And if they’re brave enough, they might get a chance to fly in it.

“It will be just magical,” said Anai Berma.

Talented kids who literally prove that the sky is the limit.

Zetkulich said the donation-funded program is looking to raise money to keep the program going.

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