National Free Flight Society

NFFSU

Entry deadline is December 5, 2022

A national model airplane competition for aviation students.
Sponsored by the National Free Flight Society, with cooperation from San Diego State University Department of Aerospace Engineering.

Open to students in aviation or aerospace engineering programs at the middle school, high school, or college level.

Prizes
1st Place – Apple iPad WiFi 64GB
2nd Place – One by Wacom, Medium Graphics Drawing Tablet, 10.9 x 7.4 inches
3rd Place – One by Wacom, Small Graphics Drawing Tablet, 8.3 x 5.7 Inches

For details, model specifications, and how to enter, download this PDF file

On this Page:

AE24 Model Specifications
AE24 Model Kits
Model Construction Resources
Model Trimming Resources
How to Make a Simple Winding Stooge (holder) for Rubber Models

For details, model specifications, and how to enter, download this PDF file

AE24 Model Specifications for the 2022 Contest
  1. This free flight model may be from a kit, published plans, or of your own design – be creative!
  2. Wingspan shall not exceed 24 inches (61cm) when it is in assembled condition. The wing is the largest flying surface on the model no matter the configuration. Fuselage length is not limited. The flying surfaces shall provide the sole source of lift (no balloons etc.), and may be made from foam, balsa, and/or tissue paper.
  3. The propeller shall be an unmodified commercially available plastic freewheeling propeller up to 8.5 inches (22cm) in diameter. Weight may be added to balance the propeller. The propeller will be the sole source of thrust for the model.
  4. A wound rubber motor shall be the sole means of energy to turn the propeller (No R/C, electric motors, engines, catapults)
  5. Flights will be timed from the moment the model is launched to the time it lands, measured in seconds.

NEW for 2022: Bonuses for balsa and tissue construction.
A. Final score will be flight time multiplied by 125% for all balsa wood or balsa wood & tissue airplanes with a stick fuselage. No foam flying surfaces.

B. Final score will be flight time multiplied by 150% for all balsa wood or balsa wood & tissue airplanes with a built-up fuselage, where the rubber motor is inside the fuselage. No foam flying surfaces.

Model Kits for AE24

Sig Cub $19.20 from SIG

Maxout IX Embryo Endurance $35 from J&H Aerospace

Sky Lion, Party Trick P20, or Rocket Man P20 $18-$34 from Lasercut Planes

Guillow Javelin or Lancer $25.99 from Guillows

AMA Alpha or Beta $14.95-$29.95 from AMA

Raven $10.95 from Pisco

VMC Pilot $48.23 from Vintage Model Co.

Baby Flea $23.95 from Easy Built Models

Download Model Kit List

Model Construction Resources

1. Glue and Glue Management for Indoor Models

2. Mike Kirda’s Youtube Channel “AMA Alpha Video Series” Parts 1 – 7

3. Mike Kirda’s Youtube Channel “AMA Beta Video Series” Parts 1 – 7

4. Mike Kirda’s Youtube Channel “Building Boards, Forms and Stiffness Gauge”

5. How to Build a Rubber Powered Model Airplane – Part 1

6. How to Build a Rubber Powered Model Airplane – Part 2

7. How to Build a Rubber Powered Model Airplane – Part 3

8. How to Build a Rubber Powered Model Airplane – Part 4

9. Free Flight Rubber Powered Airplane – Widgeon Full Build Process


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7OT_z7uP-U

Model Trimming Resources

1. 1939 Spartan Bomber – Anatomy of a Trim Session #1

2. 1939 Spartan Bomber – Anatomy of a Trim Session #2

3. J&H Aerospace Gypsy Vintage Wakefield

4. J&H Aerospace P-51 Rubber Powered Scale


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAzjkufuN-A

5. AMA Alpha: Center of Gravity (CG) and Model Data Sheet

Download Model Construction and Trimming Resources

 


How to Make a Simple Winding Stooge for Rubber Models