Young Spirit

The Young Spirit project brings together around 70 apprentices from 13 different professions who are working together to build a two-seater Van's RV-7A aircraft – from the first component to the maiden flight.

With the distribution of the components, the project is now really picking up speed. The teams are taking on their work packages and assembling the aircraft step by step. Supported by experienced pilots, mentors, and project management, the students gain deep insights into technology, planning, and teamwork. Young Spirit offers them the opportunity to take on responsibility, gain practical experience, and develop initial leadership skills as they work together toward the finished aircraft.

Highlights of our project stages to date

Projektleiter Lino hält Präsentation am Unboxing-Event

project presentation

The Young Spirit project was successfully presented at both the strategy event and the vocational training conference. On stage, project managers Lino and Janis, who are learners themselves, gave a vivid presentation of the project's content and goals.

Unboxing event

To kick things off, the project management team invited vocational supervisors and trainees to an unboxing event. First, the aircraft kit and its individual components were presented, followed by the highlight: a tour of completed aircraft of the same type.

New project team

At the beginning of 2026, a new team took over and is enriching the project with fresh enthusiasm, inspiring ideas, and great energy.

Kick-off assembly

Construction of the RV-7A aircraft began in Alpnach at the start of February 2026 with the kickoff. The components are distributed to the vocational trainers, and the teams work on their work packages at various RUAG locations.

Ein Bauteil des YoungSpirit-Projekts wird von einem Lernenden, besprüht.

Design competition

Six apprentices developed and presented their own personal aircraft design projects. The result is an impressive variety of ideas that demonstrates just how inspiring the combination of technical expertise, creativity, and personal style can be.

Ein Lernender zeigt anderen Mitarbeitenden die YoungSpirit Datenbank auf einem Bildschirm.

Database

As part of the Material & Logistics subproject, an Access database was developed together with our IT and logistics apprentices. It simplifies the management of the approximately 640 individual parts of the kit and enables stock management, transfers between RUAG sites and the creation of delivery notes.

In mid-June, all employees were invited to vote for their favourite design in the design competition for the future look of the Young Spirit RV-7A. The voting was also shared on Instagram, giving the community the opportunity to cast their vote.

Janis' design received the most votes. Congratulations! His design will define the final appearance of the aircraft.

A big thank you to all six apprentices for their creative contributions. As a token of appreciation, all participants will receive a small gift.