We are an organization of cross-discipling students with a great diversity of skills and talents. We believe that everyone is qualified to help us in our mission, and we maintain that we are students led by other students.We love big ideas. SAB projects have inspired countless students to develop and pursue innovative ideas. From a dynamic set of instructions to incorporating augmented reality into quality assurance, member ideas have expanded and enriched the SAB experience.

In the end, SAB will provide opportunities for member growth by maximizing the learning potential of engineering projects, encouraging personal development, and creating a productive club atmosphere.

Our Vision

Through the design and construction of aircraft, SAB will stand as a source of inspiration and a vector through which students innovate, learn, and pursue their dreams.

Our Mission

SAB will provide opportunities for member growth by maximizing the learning potential of engineering projects, encouraging personal development, and creating a productive club atmosphere.

Core Values

Everyone is qualified.
SAB is structured so that people with any level of experience are able to participate in hands-on projects. SAB welcomes novice and has a robust training program for every technical sub-team. All that SAB asks is that a person come into the organization ready to work, learn, and have fun.

We love big ideas.
SAB projects have inspired countless students to develop and pursue innovative ideas. From a dynamic set of instructions to incorporating augmented reality into quality assurance, member ideas have expanded and enriched the SAB experience.

We are run by students, for students.
Because SAB is managed by students, members have an opportunity to develop a variety of skills. When a member masters the basics of a subteam, they have the opportunity to apply for a leadership position and develop management skills alongside technical skills. Leaders advocate for members that have the desire to take on more responsibility and create opportunities that meet the goals of the members.

Origin of SAB

SAB was founded when a group of aviation-enthusiasts students at the University of Illinois had a BIG idea. They wanted to apply the skills and concepts they learned in the classroom to a hands-on project that matched their interest in aircraft design and flight. They networked with multiple aircraft manufacturers, kit and composite companies, and aerospace companies to create SAB and put their plan into action. In 2013 we acquired the Zenith 750 kit, in 2015 we started work on the Vision Composite, and we are well on our way to making our founders’ dream a reality.