1. We participate in the Design, Build, Fly (DBF) competition: an annual competition in which over 60 universities from across the globe compete to design the most efficient radio-controlled aircraft to fly various missions, such as carrying several different payload configurations, remotely dropping various payloads, racing, etc.

This competition is the premier goal of our chapter and we spend two semesters designing, manufacturing, and test flying our aircraft as actual engineers would in the industry.  We are currently designing an aircraft to takeoff in less than 100 ft and carry softballs and baseball bats.  The airplane, including all assembly equipment and payloads, needs to fit inside of a 2ft x 2ft x 4ft case.  To see the competition requirements for the 2009-2010 season, please visit www.aiaadbf.org. 

2. In addition, our chapter has a team working on the UAV Helicopter Project: a design project focusing on the test flight and design of an autonomous helicopter capable of carrying 42 lb.  The team has assembled the helicopter and designed a safety system for flight testing.  The team is currently working on getting the engine started for test flights.

What are the requirements to join?

Please note that you do not have to be majoring in engineering to join us, but you need to be a nationally recognized AIAA Student member!

What are the Benefits of being an AIAA member that set us apart from other organizations?

1. We are a professional organization, not a club, and experts in the industry treat us that way.
2. 30 scholarships ranging from $2000 - $2500 are available each year to undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
3. Student membership allows you purchase aerospace-related books at a much cheaper price.  Some examples are:
• Introduction to Aeronautics: A Design Perspective (2nd ed.) by Steven Brandt, Randall Stiles, John Bertin, and Ray Whitford (Used in EGR 200)
• Introduction to Aircraft Flight Mechanics: Performance, Static Stability, Dynamic Stability, and Classical Feedback Control by Thomas R. Yechout (Used in AE 413: Airplane Stability and Control)
• Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach (4^th ed.) by Daniel P. Raymer (A supplemental text for your senior Preliminary and Detail Design classes)
4. Student Membership comes with a free monthly subscription to Aerospace America, a magazine that discusses experimental aircraft and spacecraft designs.