2008 CASI Free Flight Competition

Objective:
The CASI Free Flight Competition was inaugurated in 1993. The main objective of the
Competition is to promote learning about the basics of flight. As teams design, build and fly
their aircraft, they will find that compromises are required between payload (weight) and
performance (endurance, stability). These are the same compromises one has to deal with
when designing a real aircraft. Since the Competition is being held outdoors it will be
essential that the aircraft have considerable stability in all three axes. This is especially
critical since the aircraft will be uncontrolled during flight.
The design of free flight aircraft is much more challenging than that of radio‐controlled
models. It is strongly suggested that students contact local model aircraft clubs for advice
regarding the Competition.

Description:
The goal of the Competition is to design, construct and fly an original, scratch‐built,
unpowered aircraft (heavier than air) that can carry the most weight in the air for the
longest time. The aircraft may not be controlled in any way during its flight other than as
specified below. Flight points are awarded as a function of the time that the aircraft remains
aloft and the payload carried, so that trade‐offs can be made in the design.
The Competition has three elements:
* a written report
* an oral presentation
* a flight event
A written report must be submitted that justifies the choice of configuration, rationalizes the
aerodynamic and structural design, and describes the benefits and drawbacks of the
selection. Each team will also be required to present a 15 minute oral briefing summarizing
the design philosophy for their aircraft (see Scoring Sheets for marking details).
For the flight event, a member of the team tows the glider aloft. The 50‐metre towline is
connected to the aircraft with a 2.5 cm diameter ring and hook arrangement (Figure 1).
There is a 20 x 20 cm flag attached to the end of the towline. The ring that is connected to
the aircraftʹs hook is located above the flag (Figure 2). A rudder‐centering device is usually
activated while the aircraft is in tow. After release the aircraft must circle while descending.
The Competition is held in a large outdoor area to allow for wind drift during the flight.

Registration Form: http://www.casi.ca/files/Free_Flight_2008_registration_form.pdf

Contest Rules:
http://www.casi.ca/files/CASIFreeFlightRules2007.pdf