Centro de Estudos Aeronáuticos da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (in English: The Center for Aeronautical Studies) or simply CEA, is a Brazilian research organization part of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the School of Engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais.

[1][2][3][4][5] It is similar to the Akafliegs of German Universities in that students make designs with advice from staff to give practical experience before seeking employment.

[3][2] The Gaivota was a basic instruction glider, built in wood, from a simple project developed by the recently graduated engineer Cláudio de Barros.

This high performance aircraft was the first fully developed (national design, calculation and construction) in composite materials in the country.

The UFMG Aeronautical Studies Center Hangar is located in Conselheiro Lafaiete, 96 km from Belo Horizonte.