Powered Drone Competition Rules Sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration PLEASE GIVE THESE RULES TO THE STUDENTS
Foreword This contest is limited to three entries per school.
Each school MUST complete a Fair Registration/Competition Entry Form online at oef.org by February 6, 2018. Prizes will be awarded to winning entries from registered schools (entries from unregistered schools will NOT be eligible for prizes).
Objective
Prior to competition, design and build a powered drone with intentions of creating the greatest lift capacity.
Design Statement
Each entrant will design, build and test a drone that is powered by an external source. A power supply of 3.7 volts DC will be available at the competition. Two wires must be provided to clip the power source to the drone. The wire ends must be stripped back approximately ½ inch to allow for connecting the power. The team may provide their own external power source to be used at the competition. The drone must have an attachment point (such as a ring or eyelet) to connect the hook of a scale on the underside of the drone. The judging will be based on the maximum lift capacity divided by the weight of the drone. The drone does not have to be maneuverable (no controls required) but must be able to lift vertically.. Drones must be constructed from materials available through local or on-line suppliers. [Drones made from kits will be disqualified.]
A parts list indicating the source, cost, and fabrication operations for each part must accompany the drone.
Materials & Restrictions
Cost in materials is restricted to a $100.00 or less per drone. If the team provides their own power source, the cost of the power source will not be included in the cost of the design.
The drone must have a ring or eyelet to connect a scale on the underside of the drone. The drone must be able to set on a platform that is 2-ft. in diameter but the circumference of the drone can be larger in size. A 1” diameter hole will be in the center of the platform to accommodate the scale.
Manufactured kits will not be allowed. However, a single assembly from a kit (e.g. motor with blades, frame) can be used to construct the drone.
Motors, blades, and other components readily available through local retail or mail order sources may be used.
NOTE: The parts list must indicate the source (vendor), cost, and / or machining and fabrication procedure for each component.
Rules 2018 OEF Engineering Fair Contest Rules - FAA The drones will not be flown, but must be able to lift vertically.
Each participant will have up to (5) minutes to set up their drone on the platform. If the drone does not function properly after the first attempt, they will receive an additional (2) minutes to resolve the issue. After such time, if the drone is still not operational the entry will be disqualified.
After the participant(s) sets up the drone on the platform, the judges will attach the power supply and scale to the undercarriage attachment point.
The drone can extend beyond the platform surface.
Vertical lift is not expected to exceed 3 inches.
The test will discontinue immediately if a drone appears to be out-of-control. If the participant cannot correct this condition within (2) minutes they will be disqualified.
The test will only last long enough to take the highest reading on the scale.
The objective is to achieve the greatest lift capacity in ratio to the weight of the drone.
No intervention with the drone’s operation is permitted during the competition.
NOTE: The parts list must be submitted at the time of check-in and inspection. The drone will be placed on the competition table and operated by the participant.
The judges will observe and inspect each drone prior to competition.
The competition area will be off limits to everyone except the competitors and officials.
Judging & Scoring
1. Students will receive an entry form at the registration desk. Students must submit this form at the contest registration before 11:30 am. Judges will then inspect the drone and assign an entry number indicating student’s turn in sequence of competing.
2. Awards will be given to first, second and third places. An Honorable Mention Award for most innovative design will also be awarded.
3. All entries must be registered at the contest location between 9:00 am and 11:30 am on Engineering Fair day. The competition will continue until all registered entries have competed.
4. Each drone will be inspected and registered at the contest area just prior to competition. Every drone shall be registered and operated by one and only one team. No re-registration is permitted. A team may register only one drone. After inspection by the judges, the drone will be placed in the contest queue.
5. A score will be awarded to those demonstrating the largest ratio pertaining to lift capacity in relationship to the weight of the drone. A penalty equal to 50% will be applied for any entry not providing a complete and accurate parts list.
6. Each entrant is responsible for providing their own supplies and tools as required. The judges will provide the platform, power source, and scale.
2018 OEF Engineering Fair Contest Rules - FAA 2018 Solar Powered Drone Contest – Continued
7a. Prior to the testing, each drone will be inspected and initialed by the judges to indicate compliance with contest construction specifications.
7b. Drones that complete the test will be weighed following the lift capacity test.
8. Each team is responsible for the security of its entry. No time will be spent looking for or waiting for teams not present when it is their turn. Teams not present will go to the end of the queue, only if time permits.
9. No one is allowed behind the test table except the judges.
10. Only two participants will be allowed in the test area – other students must stand back away from the test area.
11. Decision of judges, during all phases of the competition, is FINAL. In the event of a tie, the drone determined to have the most creative design will be declared the winner.
Prizes and Distribution
Contest winners will be announced on the Engineering Fair web page at www.ospe.org/engineeringfair. Those entries winning prizes will be notified through their teacher of record by mail by March 19, 2018.
First, second and third place winners, as well as an Honorable Mention will receive an award.
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2018 OEF Engineering Fair Contest Rules - FAA