Object:

To build a glider which will soar for the longest time before hitting the floor or stopping on another object.

 

Rules:

1.        Gliders made from only one piece of folded paper are not permitted. They may be made from any materials or combination of materials (such as paper, balsa wood, mylar, etc.) as long as size and weight requirements are met.

2.        The projected area of the supporting surface(s) of gliders must not be more than 650 sq. cm.

3.        The maximum weight of a glider must not be more than 30 grams. A glider, which meets this weight limit, but appears to the judge(s) to pose a danger to persons or property, will be disqualified at the sole discretion of the judge(s).

4.        Each contestant will be permitted a maximum of three gliders at the contest. The three gliders used may be of different design.

5.        All gliders must be permanently marked with the flier's name, school, and a unique plane number (eg 1, 2, 3).

6.        The launch shall be made with force sufficient to cause the glider to immediately gain altitude equal to at least three (3) times the contestant's height or half the available ceiling height, whichever is less.

7.        Launching must be by means of a hand-held catapult consisting of a dowel not more than 15 cm long and a rubber band(s) of any size and length. One end of the rubber band(s) shall be attached to the end of the dowel and the other end is hooked onto the glider for launching. During launching, the competitor must hold the catapult dowel in one hand and release the model from the other hand.

 

 

Scoring:

      All flights timed by an official are official flights, regardless of duration. A flight during which any part of the airplane is dropped off shall be declared an official flight with zero time.

      Each contestant shall be allowed a total of no more than 9 official flights. The actual number of flights allowed will depend on the number of contestants, the number of officials, and the time available for the contest.

     Scoring time will be the total elapsed 2 best official flights of the same plane. Flight duration shall be scored in tenths of seconds.

 

 

Comments:

      Purchased kits are allowed.

       Paper as a component of the glider is allowed. Gliders made from only one piece of folded paper are not permitted.

        Damaged gliders can be repaired on site.

 

Resources:

      Model Aviation - this magazine can be reviewed at public libraries.

      Gitlow, Lew. Indoor Flying Models. Available from Indoor Model Supply, Box 5311, Salem, OR 97304.

       Further help and suggestions are available from Charles Schaaf, 360-374-5124;

      caschaaf@orca.esd114.wednet.edu

        What If... Airplanes, ISBN 1-56294-946-2.

        How Things Work: Planes, Gliders, Helicopters and Other Flying Machines, ISBN 1-85697-869-9.

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The Flight Contest