Individual · Glider, portfolio, and on-site rebuild
Flight
You will design a glider that stays in the air as long as possible.
What you make or do
- Build and test gliders, then bring a completed competition glider.
- Prepare a printed portfolio with a full-size metric technical drawing, photos and flight logs for two test gliders, a detailed illustration, and a technical review of a flight log.
This year’s challenge
No separate annual theme is posted. The challenge is to build a rule-compliant glider that stays aloft after a catapult launch.
How the competition works
Before the event
Build and test your glider designs and complete the portfolio. Pack the approved tools and material blanks needed to rebuild your glider if you advance, along with safety eyewear.
First round
Fly your prepared glider four times using TSA's catapult. The three best flight times determine who advances; there is no extra trim time in this round.
If you advance
Rebuild a glider from your technical drawing in 45 minutes, then receive ten minutes for trim flights. Complete four official flights, and have your portfolio evaluated.
Know before you choose: You need both a finished glider and the ability to reconstruct it on site. A completed technical drawing is required to enter the semifinal construction round.
How your work is scored
Flight performance selects semifinalists. The semifinal score includes the documentation portfolio and points for flight performance; the current rubric calls the detail visual a Detail Illustration.
Check official rule updates
Flight
1/22/26
Official files to keep
- Download the full event guide (PDF)
- Download the official rubric or score sheet (PDF)
- Download the general rules (PDF)
- Download the complete guide with the forms appendix (PDF)
Read the guide, current challenge, and updates together. This overview helps you choose; the official documents give the full requirements.
Guide evidence: 179–190. Annual sources checked September 10, 2026. These are national competition rules; your teacher will confirm any regional or state changes.
Interested in this event?
Use the notes sheet to check what this choice would involve.
Start my competition notes