A Change in Flight Plans: How a decommissioned plane is being repurposed for STEAM education

A decommissioned Boeing 727-300, left in storage for nearly twenty years has recently found a new home and second act in El Paso, Texas thanks to the vision, drive and determination of a local educator. What started as a quirky find on a surplus website is quickly evolving into a game-changing, community focused project that is earning recognition for its creativity and impact.

The ultimate goal for Ismael Lara and STEAMspirations is to transform this aircraft into a hands-on educational resource that inspires children who have never flown, creating a local attraction that blends innovation, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning, and multicultural engagement. They are proving that with passion and a plan one bold idea will make a difference!

Discovery and Purchase

In the world of surplus aviation, many believe that if a plane is no longer flight worthy, it is pretty much only good for the viable parts, fuel, and metal. Ismael Lara and his brother, both educators with a passion for aviation and STEAM, discovered the aircraft auction by randomly searching for available auctions near them. Rather than seeing it as scrap, they envisioned its potential as a community attraction and a learning tool.

The plane was in the possession of the city of El Paso, and due to the long period of time that the aircraft sat in the hanger all maintenance records, flight logs, and the title were missing. The main objective was to have the plane removed from the airport.  

The plane was listed for auction on GovDeals in December 2024, with a starting bid of $1,000 with the stipulation that the new owner would be responsible for the complete removal of the aircraft from its location. The retired Boeing was built in 1966, could hold up to 129 passengers when flying commercially, and was considered abandoned. After a three-week auction and 56 bids, Mr. Lara successfully won the plane auction for $9,360.

The Removal

Transporting large items is never an easy task, and the removal of this Boeing 727 became a story within a story. The city required the aircraft to be removed from the hangar by a specified date. This is a common practice among sellers, and Lara and his team believed that their initial plan of attack would work. The sheer size of the jet meant it would need to be dismantled into large pieces and hauled to their nearby property to be reassembled.  

 During the initial breakdown, almost all the screws and bolts across the entire aircraft were rusted, which derailed the initial timeline and slowed the removal process down to a crawl. 

But the surprises didn’t end there. During the breakdown, the team discovered seven full tanks of jet fuel in the cargo bay. The old fuel had to be treated as hazardous waste. This unexpected find required hiring a specialized hazmat crew to safely defuel the plane, adding significant cost and complexity to the project. These challenges have become a learning experience, and despite these hurdles, the team pressed on, motivated by their vision. Every obstacle brought them one step closer to transforming the aircraft into a space where children could explore, learn, and dream.

Community and Educational Impact

Ismael and his team at STEAMspirations, plan to transform the retired Boeing 727 into a hands-on learning hub to make aviation and STEAM exciting and accessible, especially for local kids who may have never flown. The refurbished plane will host field trips, child-friendly STEAM focused activities, and flight simulators to spark curiosity and inspire careers in aviation, robotics, and even esports. In the long-term Lara imagines the space could include murals, exhibits, and possibly converting the aircraft into a restaurant or educational center. For Ismael, the true impact is opening doors for thousands of children and proving that even a retired jet can soar again.

"This project is more than restoring an aircraft; it’s about creating a lasting legacy for the children in our community", says Lara.

Ismael envisions the Boeing 727 as a local attraction that brings people together and inspires future generations. By involving schools and families, the team aims to make the plane a central place for learning and creativity. For Ismael, success is measured not in dollars but in lives changed, showing that bold ideas, fueled by collaboration, can truly take flight.

Looking Ahead

The team is excited about future possibilities. There is interest in acquiring additional aircraft or related items to expand hands-on learning opportunities, and a desire to collaborate with other organizations and educators. By sharing this process, they hope to inspire others to pursue innovative projects that benefit their communities.

Ultimately, the story of the Boeing 727 is a testament to what can be achieved when creativity, teamwork, and a commitment to education come together. The lessons learned will guide future endeavors, ensuring that each new challenge is met with the same spirit of innovation and hope.

As the aircraft continues its journey from storage to centerpiece, it stands as a symbol of hope and possibility, reminding us that with determination and teamwork, we can turn obstacles into opportunities and dreams into reality. We will continue to follow their journey and share updates as they unfold.

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