fantastic outing for a lucky teen By Jarion Richardson Let's face it, regardless of the subject matter, most school projects are slow developments that require hours of dedication, ploughing through huge piles of research material and checking facts and figures.

And while some students may be fortunate enough to tour a museum or perhaps spend time at their parents' jobsite in order to gather material and get out of the classroom, most studying is carried out in stuffy, dust-laden libraries. Sure, hard work sifting through papers undoubtedly does have its own reward, but most would admit, it can sometimes be a slog.

But not for one Berkeley student, whose idea for a school presentation really took off.

Looking for something a little more original as the subject for his project, fourth year student Keivin Crane put in a call to British Airways -- and promptly landed himself in the cockpit of a new Boeing 777 passenger aircraft.

Recalling his amazing day out, Keivin smiled as he told Young Observer how his feet still haven't touched the ground.

After being given a security pass and passport by BA customer service representative Gavin Kennedy, Keivin watched the massive aircraft taxi in from the tarmac ramp at Bermuda International Airport.

A crewmember then took the enthusiastic sixteen-year-old through the paces of the passenger aircraft.

Keivin toured economy, business and first-class compartments before venturing to the more sensitive areas like the cockpit, tyre check and even one of the impressive jet's four powerful engines.

Keivin spent nearly eight hours with Mr. Kennedy and the British Airways aircraft, examining almost every part.

"It took a lot of research.'' said Keivin, even after an upclose and personal relationship with the twin-engine, 264-passenger plane.

The school project culminated in Keivin going through a question-and-answer session with his classmates -- dressed in a British Airways uniform with microphone, hat and intercom which he made himself.

And a special guest was also invited to the presentation. Mr. Kennedy went to Berkeley Institute on his day off, and watched as classmates put questions to Keivin.

"He didn't hesitate and answered all their questions -- I was impressed,'' Mr. Kennedy said.

Keivin smiled when he talked about his teacher, Ms. Thorn: "She was stunned.

Every time I see her she can't believe all the work I put into it.'' Berkeley principal Michelle Gabisi went to the special session of class where students presented nearly four weeks of research.

Keivin said that he hopes to make use of the experience and will draw on them when he reaches his goal in life.

"I want to be a member of Parliament.'' The young man told Young Observer he is already a member of the Youth Parliament and has ambitions like traveling the world, and becoming a male role model.

All-in-all, Keivin said: "Its been a stepping stone.'' Air school: After completing a successful presentation with Gavin Kennedy (left), Berkeley Institute student Keivin Crane (right) stops by the International Airport for a chat.