Learning to Design, Build, Fly

Takeoffs, landings, mishaps, and cleanups from the 2024 AIAA Design, Build, Fly competition in Wichita, KS - April 19-21 2024.

[@Eastsub]

Anything that flies in the sky makes my heart flutter.

[@aidanbilger5753]

I had the pleasure of flying the flutter plane

[@StudioJooj]

Aiden, it was genuinely good of you to volunteer your skills and support those teams that did not have pilots. I commend you on your excellent flying skills, even for aircraft that did not seem airworthy. You also deserve credit for helping guide them through fixes to pass tech or repairs after errant flight attempts. Good on you.

[@aidanbilger5753]

​@@StudioJooj It was a blast to attempt to fly and assist the teams. Looking forward to Arizona next year! Thank you for standing in harms way to capture some of the spectacular unplanned disassemblies.

[@garrykennedy5484]

@@StudioJooj It's mostly about the center of gravity and center of lift. Great projects here though. Love it!!!!

[@garrykennedy5484]

@@aidanbilger5753 Where in AZ is this going to happen? I live in Gilbert, and don't want to miss it! I will fly anything if I can check the CG first. LOL

[@Cliffcord23]

I was the pilot of the first plane taking off and the last plane landing, same plane, Notre Dame University. I'm wearing the red ball cap at the end of the clip. It's been an honor and a pleasure working with these brilliant, young people and I'm looking forward to Tucson 2025.

[@StudioJooj]

I somehow didn't realize that those were the same airplane while editing this video. Thank you sir for your support of the students at DBF. I was excited to end the video with that clip - the very last flight of the competition, and a great contrast between your humble stoicism and the students' hardly-contained excitement. See you in Tucson 2025!

[@tu_alum5619]

Learning curve, illustrated. Good job.

[@keepyourairspeedup]

Looks like some high winds !

[@StudioJooj]

You have the best username to be making that sort of comment.

[@sUASNews]

Well done all

[@MiguelPalaviccini]

Did you get to fly for any of the teams?

[@StudioJooj]

I flew for UMKC and RMIT. We finished all three missions for RMIT, but I botched the short field takeoff for UMKC and didn't get them any score for Mission 3.

[@emmanuelcadman3923]

Way to go

[@zoomie9134]

ERAU's plane was unincumbered by the wind

[@StudioJooj]

This reminds me of my favorite riddle. If a Riddle airplane was riding on a giant conveyor belt that was designed to exactly match the wheel speed, would the airplane takeoff before the pilot mentioned he was a Riddle graduate and that this is not how the riddle goes?

[@Bolkow105]

How bout build a gyrocopter, it will be fun... I had one, and now become statue.. 😁😁