Build a plane and catapult system to launch your plane the farthest distance. Hand fly a plane. Enter 1 or both. REGISTER HERE.

The idea is simple: build a plane (fuselage, wings and a tail), release it from your catapult (throws the plane using potential energy), and compete to see who can fly the longest. It can’t be too big, it can’t be too expensive, and it can’t be too dangerous – the rest is up to you and your imagination! New this year is a hand fly paper airplane contest, perfect your design before and then use our materials to make your plane. Engineering can take on many forms and our prizes reflect those challenges. Cash prizes include distance flown, creative engineering, creative design for both plane and catapult.

Important Dates

Submissions  – Submit your entries by March 1, 2026

Final Photo- April 3, 2026

Competition –  Finals held April 11, 2026 at the San Diego Air & Space Museum