Glider

Students will design and build a glider made of balsawood, which will be launched outdoors using a hand-held catapult provided by the host center. The goal of the contest is to keep the glider aloft for the longest period of time. Hand launching is the simplest way to get a model glider into the air. Depending on craft design and the conditions at launch - the pilot or an assistant need only to gently 'throw' it into the wind, at an angle deemed best suited, usually between horizontal and 45 degrees of zenith. In this manner a successful launch is possible with very little effort. This method is usually utilised when slope soaring, where with a little experience, it is possible to simply hold the craft above the head at the correct angle and let go.