I am Gautam Mehra, a 14-year-old student whose interest in robotics began in 6th grade and later expanded into FTC and RC aviation. I began learning through Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects using a robotics kit my parents bought me. I designed simple projects, such as a small robot buggy, and learned to use electronic components on a breadboard. Though I started my journey by taking small steps, I learned several fundamentals that propelled my fascination with robotics.
At the start of 7th grade, I founded a robotics club at school where students learned to program Arduino microcontrollers. The projects that club members worked on were similar to projects I had previously explored, so my STEM teacher and I worked together to teach students. One of the members ended up building a robotic arm from popsicle sticks after learning to program a servo.
After starting the robotics club, I joined an FTC (First Tech Challenge) robotics team. As an intern, I practiced Java programming on simulations and test robots. When a team member left, I had the opportunity to move to the main team where I contributed more directly through writing autonomous code.
During my second year on the FTC robotics team CTRL-X, I learned the mechanical side of robotics, such as using bearings, belts, CAD, and 3D printing. Our team designed features for the robot, such as a rotating turret, a drivetrain, a spindex, and an intake. Our team advanced to the State semifinals and nearly qualified for the world championship.
As my interest in robotics grew, I began to see strong connections between robotics, mechanics, and aviation. After completing 7th grade, I wanted to build an RC airplane using an Arduino as a flight controller. I did not have experience constructing a plane or any other form of RC aircraft, but I created a rough design. I attempted to fly the plane I built but the aircraft was not generating enough lift.
Through a friend and an RC pilot named Oliver Lei, who would later become my flying instructor, I learned about the CCRCC (Champaign County Radio Control Club). The members of the CCRCC and their president Bill Spencer helped me acquire an AeroScout trainer aircraft.
When I began training as an RC pilot, controlling the plane was difficult, but adapting the flight based on wind direction and environmental factors was another obstacle. The most challenging part of training as an RC pilot was landing. Aligning the aircraft with the runway, slowing down, and making constant adjustments for the wind made landing especially difficult.
Through my training, I crashed my AeroScout many times. One early mistake during a low pass caused me to crash and damage the landing gear, reminding me how minor piloting errors can have major consequences. These crashes were setbacks because I had to fix damages to the AeroScout, often ending the flying session for that day.
With training from the CCRCC and persistence, I eventually succeeded in piloting an RC plane. My experience with the CCRCC not only deepened my understanding in aviation, mechanics, and control, but also strengthened my interest in robotics and improved the way I approached FTC.
For the future, I hope to pursue my interest in robotics and one day start my own company.
I want to thank all the CCRCC and FTC members, mentors, and students for assisting me along this journey. Most of all, I want to thank my family and especially my dad. Without their help and support, I would not have achieved as much as I have.
I encourage others to explore RC flying, robotics, or any hands-on activity that pushes them to learn and grow. You never know where it might lead. For me, it opened the door to new skills, new challenges, and a deeper passion for aviation and engineering. I hope my experiences will inspire other students to explore engineering through activities that encourage them to learn, build, and keep on improving.
