ENGINEERED TOGETHER. UNITED IN FLIGHT.
For three decades, the Design/Build/Fly (DBF) competition has stood as a proving ground where students transform classroom theory into hands-on aerospace engineering. DBF allows student teams from all over the world the opportunity to design, fabricate, and demonstrate the flight capabilities of an uncrewed, electric-powered, RC aircraft that can best meet each year’s specified mission profile. The goal is a balanced design possessing good demonstrated flight handling qualities and practical and affordable manufacturing requirements while providing a high vehicle performance.
Every year is different. Every year brings a new challenge. With 2,000+ students and 100+ teams from around the world participating each year, DBF is a premier opportunity to develop, demonstrate, and be recognized for aerospace design expertise.
Road to the 2027 Fly-Off
(Opening Soon)
Important Dates
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION WINDOW OPEN
15 October 2026
8 a.m. ET USA
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION WINDOW CLOSED
31 October 2026
Before 5 p.m. ET USA
TEAM NOTIFICATIONS SENT
20 November 2026
(no later than)
FINAL REPORT SUBMISSION WINDOW OPEN
1 February 2027
8 a.m. ET USA
FINAL REPORT SUBMISSION WINDOW CLOSED
19 February 2027
Before 5 p.m. ET USA
COMPETITION FLY-OFF
15–18 April 2027
Tucson, AZ
Put Your Engineering to the Test
See if you have what it takes to master the mission, compete at the fly-off, and see your aircraft in action.
Interested in Competing?
Here’s how to get airborne with us.
5
Assemble Your Team—Bring together a team of engineers with the skills needed to tackle every aspect of the challenge. From aerodynamics and structures to propulsion, controls, and more, every role matters. Make sure your team meets all eligibility requirements, including AIAA student membership.
4
Know the Mission—Once the year’s mission is released, study the mission and rules carefully. Download and review all required forms and documents in advance, so you’re ready to hit every requirement. Submit your team’s proposal by the deadline.
3
Earn Your Spot—If your team’s proposal is selected, you’ll earn a place in the next phase of the competition. You’ll be invited to submit your Design Report and compete at the fly-off.
2
Rise to the Challenge—Design and build an aircraft that meets this year’s mission profile. Test, refine, and test again. Your aircraft needs to be ready to perform when it counts.
1
Get Fly-Off Ready—Submit your Design Report and complete your team registration for the fly-off by the required deadlines. Make sure your pilot meets all eligibility requirements and is cleared to fly, including having a current AMA membership.
FLY-OFF
“
Students don’t just build and fly RC airplanes at DBF, they learn how to be engineers and the engineering process with themes based on real-world design and performance requirements. They leave with technical and leadership skills, yes, but also with the confidence and teamwork that define a career in aerospace. The fun and competitive fly-off is a great experience after many months of hard work and late nights. The experience, camaraderie and new friendships will be with the students their entire career.”
–Russ Althof, DBF Organizing Committee Chair
Contact for Questions
Competition Questions: [email protected]
Submission Portal or Event Questions: [email protected]
