In addition to lecture and lab, there is a design competition every semester. Projects can vary from hand-launched balsa wood gliders to small rocket gliders carried high into the air by model rocket engines. Students typically work in small teams of two to three people. Each team works to create a design that will best achieve the objectives set forth when the competition is announced. For example, hand-launched gliders can be judged by the amount of time spent aloft or distance traveled from the launch site.

During the Fall 2002 semester, students designed and built rocket gliders. The goal was to create a glider that spent the greatest amount of time aloft. Teams had to create a design that could fly for an extended period of time, yet also survive the loads created when the rocket engine was ignited.

A rocket glider awaits launch	The motor ignition leaves a trail of smoke	The glider part of the rocket fails to deliver a soft landing
Students huddle around their top-secret designs	A brisk morning is just what the sailplane class needs	Nick and Pam give their entry a final look-over before launch