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Just Plane Awesome

Division: A- Elementary

NC Essential Standards Alignment: PS.5.2, PS.5.1, PS.4.1

SEP Practices: SEP 6

Event Rules: See 2025 Division A Rules Manual

Description:

Prior to the tournament, teams will construct up to two rubber-powered monoplanes. The planes will be tested to achieve maximum aloft time.

The event must be held indoors. Tournament Officials are encouraged to announce the room dimensions (approximate length, width, and ceiling height) before the competition. Tournament Officials and Event Leaders are urged to minimize the effects of environmental factors such as air currents. Rooms with minimal ceiling obstructions are preferred over very high ceilings.

Materials:

You must bring up to two assembled airplanes and associated rubber motors. A tool kit containing a winder, glue, tape, clay, and other similar items is permitted to adjust or repair the airplane. The tool kit may not include extra rubber for motors. Competitors must bring safety glasses!

Scoring:

  1. Highest official flight time wins.
  2. A team’s score is the highest of their official flight times.
  3. Ties will be broken by the higher second official flight time.
  4. Teams that violate rules under CONSTRUCTION PARAMETERS or THE COMPETITION will be ranked after all teams that do not violate those rules. 

Lesson Plans:

Rubber Band Airplane

Event Resources:

Free Spirit Plane Kit
Flight Resources List
Laser Cut Planes
Guru Engineering Tech
J&H Aerospace
Freedom Flight Models
The National Free Flight Society