RepAir: Advancing Aircraft Maintenance

The Gateways to Blue Skies (GBS) Competition, administered by the National Institute of Aerospace on behalf of NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD), is an annual student competition designed to advance innovative research in U.S. aviation. For 2026, the competition centers on the theme “RepAir: Advancing Aircraft Maintenance.” This challenge seeks to harness the talents of multidisciplinary teams of post-secondary students to envision groundbreaking maintenance technologies for commercial aviation—focusing on passenger and cargo airlines—deployable by 2035 or sooner. NASA’s ARMD leads the initiative by promoting aviation safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. GBS specifically engages students through conceptual systems-level studies. The competition encourages the exploration of technologies that are not yet mainstream but show promise in transforming how aircraft maintenance is managed. Focus areas include predictive maintenance, automated compliance systems, 3D-printed parts, advanced diagnostics, and artificial intelligence-based lifecycle management. NASA's broader goal is to foster socially responsible and forward-looking aviation solutions. Participation begins with Phase 1, requiring each team to submit a detailed 5–7 page proposal, a high-resolution graphic of the proposed concept, and a two-minute video by February 16, 2026. Prior to submission, teams are encouraged to file a non-binding Notice of Intent (NOI) by November 4, 2025, and can attend optional Q&A sessions on November 20, 2025, and January 27, 2026. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of NASA and industry experts based on innovation, feasibility, and alignment with GBS objectives. Eight finalist teams will be selected by March 13, 2026, each receiving a $9,000 award to advance to Phase 2. Phase 2 requires finalist teams to submit an expanded 8–10 page final paper, an infographic summarizing their concept, and a visual presentation. The culminating Blue Skies Forum, hosted May 18–20, 2026, at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, offers finalists the opportunity to present their work to experts and engage in a live Q&A. Winning team members will be eligible for competitive internships with NASA's ARMD during the Spring or Summer 2027 sessions. Eligibility is limited to teams from accredited U.S.-based post-secondary institutions, including technical colleges and universities. Each team must include a faculty advisor affiliated with the lead institution and at least two U.S. citizen or permanent resident students. The team may include up to six student members, who must take the lead on all project work. Proposed concepts must originate from the students themselves and not from outside individuals or organizations. Applications are submitted through the official GBS Competition portal. Required materials include the full proposal, video link, graphic file, faculty advisor attestation, financial documentation (e.g., W-9 or Vendor Form), and the signed participation agreement. Questions about the program can be directed to the organizing team at BlueSkies@nianet.org. This competition offers a high-profile platform for students to address real-world aviation challenges while advancing toward impactful careers in aerospace innovation.

Focus on concept feasibility, clearly outline deployment plan by 2035, and ensure all required sections and documents are submitted. Use visuals effectively.