Fly Your Ride! 2014

Last year, I endeavoured to participate  in the San Diego Aerospace Museum's "Fly Your Ride" competition, and succeeded in doing quite well in the middle school. While not an actual class assignment, I still pursued the competition this year, in an attempt to do well in the High school bracket.

The competition "Fly your ride" is designed on the intent of having students design "roadable" aircraft to compete against one another in a test of effectiveness. I initially submitted a file to the competition administrator to display mmy planned model and to request entry into the competition. It depicted expected dimensions and pricing of my planned roadable aircraft, as well as various other pieces of information about the aircraft.

After being accepted into the competition, I was set to begin work on my aircraft. I initially set to work constructing the fuselage, which was composed mainly of balsa wood. I planned to construct the rest of my model out of balsa wood as well. I used LEGO bricks as clamps during the gluing process.

After a period of time away from my work due to school work and other conflicting obligations, I was able to complete work on the aircraft. I created my own airfoils and constructed a four-wheel landing gear system.

After completing work on the primary airfoil and the land gear, I was able to attach the rear airfoil, make final modifications, and effectively complete my aircraft.

The competition was to be a number of rounds, in which teams would bring up their vehicle and release it from the top of a ramp. Teams attended from all across San Diego, including teams from La Jolla high and High Tech High.

 
 I personally did not succeed in placing this year, but was able to consult with a number of experts on the subject about my aircraft, and felt that the experience was quite beneficial.