Students' dreams come true with technological project

Five De La Salle Sixth Formers decided to take originality and innovation to a new level with the unusual idea of constructing a microlight aircraft - an X-Air, the first of its type to be constructed in Malta - their Systems of Knowledge project.

In the undertaking of a project of such magnitude the group were met with a series of challenges and obstacles, such as age, lack of experience and technical expertise as well as funding.

None of these made their already highly ambitious task any easier, but after a great deal of thought and research, the areas in which they required aid were identified, assistance was sought, problems were solved and solutions were found.

Through the generous monetary contribution from Laferla Insurance Agency Ltd, which purchased the entire aircraft construction kit, as well as Middlesea Insurance plc, which kindly sponsored the purchase of the aircraft instrumentation and also part of the engine, financial assistance was obtained and utilised to its best capacity.

The Island Microlight Club, from where the group also purchased the aircraft construction kit, offered all the necessary logistical support and technical advice needed for the assembly of such an aircraft.

Captain Mark Said, the club's president, was a particularly great help to the group, as well as club member and microlight owner and pilot Leon Xuereb.

The group - Andrew Fabri, Damian Agius, Jennifer Pullicino Orlando, Marc Rizzo and Mark Laferla Jr - five students bursting with enthusiasm, are looking forward to finishing the aircraft project within the coming weeks.