Helicopters

Helicopter Duration is a National Event where students compete to build a balsa wood helicopter powered by a rubber band motor that has the longest flight time possible.

=Construction Process= A simple design you can build is the Wright Bat Flier.

It is important to emphasize that you cannot use commercially available propellers, as previously stated. This is to preserve the true spirit of Science Olympiad--the engineering creativity of students. Don't panic--take time to draw up plans and purchase the materials you need as quickly as possible. At times homemade helicopters can far outperform kit-built models.

=Scoring= Only the better flight (out of the 2) will be scored.

Bonuses
State: If 2 rotors are used, 15% of the flight time is added to the final score.

National: If 1 rotor is used, 30% of the flight time is added to the final score.

Penalties
=External Links=

2010 National Trial Rules

2010 B/C Division New York Pilot Rules

Illinois Science Olympiad Helicopter Construction Instructions

North Carolina Science Olympiad Helicopter Event Page