NASA Opens 2026 RepAir: Advancing Aircraft Maintenance Competition

NASA has announced the 2026 theme for its Gateways to Blue Skies student competition: RepAir: Advancing Aircraft Maintenance. This year’s challenge invites student teams to design innovative systems and practices that improve the efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of commercial aircraft maintenance.

The competition focuses on critical issues facing the aviation industry, including aging fleets, staffing shortages, and rising operational costs. Teams are encouraged to look beyond today’s mainstream solutions and propose concepts in areas such as predictive maintenance, advanced monitoring and diagnostics, 3D printing for replacement parts, automated compliance checks, and data analytics.

Teams of two to six students will begin with a 5–7 page proposal and two-minute video. Up to eight finalists will each receive $9,000 and advance to the Gateways to Blue Skies Forum in May 2026 at NASA Langley Research Center, where they will present their concepts. Final winners will be offered internship opportunities with NASA Aeronautics.

NASA strongly encourages participation from students of all majors and levels — including those enrolled in aviation maintenance and trades schools. ATEC members are urged to share this opportunity with their students and consider supporting team participation.

Notice of intent due: Nov. 4, 2025
Proposal deadline: Feb. 16, 2026

For full details, visit Gateways to Blue Skies.