Tyler,

Last year our team spent the equivalent of about $10,000 CAN to get 9 people from Toronto to the Aero Design West event. By far the vast majority of that money was spent on travel, rooms and vehicle rental. Money doesn't go far when $1.00 CAN = 0.65 US. We did not spend an extraordinary amount on the two aircraft; most of our major equipment like the radio and tools were already taken care of. We did however feel it was necessary to finally buy some O.S. engines as our old K&B’s were about done. On our team, each member paid for their own airfare and food and $3000 of the total was financed amongst three members of the team. Some of our funding came through the University from a student funding allocation committee. We were not able to capitalize on a lot of sponsorship, although this year I understand the response is much better. Our sponsors helped us out with donations of money, goods and discounts. We could not have done it without them.

It was definitely worth it. I had a great time at the event as well as the two previous years at the Aero Design East event. Thank you goes to all that are involved with the organization of the event.

Ken Bird
Ryerson Aero Design Team
“Solution”
27.1 lbs