RULES, from page 1 Rules of Flügtag
By Daily Press staff
Next month’s “Flugtag” flying event at the Santa Monica Pier has a few rules — but the main one is to be as wacky and unique as possible.
Other considerations include the stipulation that vehicles constructed by participants must be entirely human-powered. Vehicles can be no wider than 30 feet — the size of the launch ramp — and can’t weigh more than 450 pounds.
It doesn’t matter how much money is spent on the flying vessel, but just that it flies, organizers said. With the realization that everything from paper mache to high-grade aluminum costs money, event sponsor, Red Bull, will allow limited sponsorship of crafts, provided it is presented in a clean, non-obtrusive manner.
How Flutag is judged (combined score wins):
1) Distance. Obviously, the farther the better. The launch pad is a flat, non-inclined, smooth runway about 80 feet in length. If participants fly too far, the judges won’t be able to see them and judge the other two criteria.
4D0,2) Creativity. It’s not enough that it flies. Actually, it’s not even required that you fly at all. A dramatic stone-like path into the water can lead you to victory if your craft is outrageous enough. Bells, whistles and the audacity of building something that both physics and common sense tells you can’t fly is what judges are looking for.
3) Showmanship. Think James Brown with a cape being helped off the stage, yet turning back for more. Think Kiss rocking Detroit in ’77. And whatever you do, make sure judges can’t forget your launch routine. The creativity and excitement of your two-minute skit prior to launch will score big points with judges and spectators alike. As a wise man once said, “It’s not whether they love you or hate you, it’s whether they remember your name.”
The grand prize of the event is a pilot’s training course, or the cash equivalent of $7,500.
Second prize is $3,000 toward paragliding lessons, or the cash equivalent.
Third prize is $1,500 toward skydiving lessons, or the cash equivalent.
The most creative prize will be evolving and growing right up to the date of the event. When the prize is ready to be awarded, it will emerge from its cocoon to spread its wings and soar over the stage.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 2, 2003. Read the original PDF.