The University of Maine AIAA Design-Build-Fly (DBF) team spent nearly a full year transforming ideas into an aircraft. Every stage of the process, from conceptual design and aerodynamic analysis to fabrication, testing, crashing, and rebuilding, pushed students to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world engineering environment. Competing in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Design Build Fly competition means far more than flying an RC airplane; it is an opportunity to compete alongside some of the most talented students in the world. With only around 120 teams invited from hundreds of applicants, qualifying alone is a major achievement that requires professional-level proposals, technical reports, and innovative engineering solutions.
UMaine students experienced the intensity and excitement of aerospace engineering firsthand this year in Wichita, Kansas. Teams faced high-pressure technical inspections, demanding flight missions, and the constant challenge of adapting under pressure. This year’s tandem-wing aircraft demonstrated the team’s creativity, resilience, and technical skill, especially after recovering from setbacks during competition. Beyond the engineering itself, DBF builds camaraderie, leadership, and lasting connections with students from across the globe who share a passion for aviation. This year’s team captain, Lana Friess noted that “the experience reflects the very best of engineering: perseverance, teamwork, innovation, and learning through hands-on problem solving.” Each year, the UMaine AIAA team continues to prove that University of Maine College of Engineering and Computing students can compete on one of the world’s largest collegiate aerospace stages while representing the university with professionalism, determination, and pride. The team’s faculty advisor, Prof. Alex Friess reflected on the AIAA DBF competition by saying “DBF represents a rollercoaster of emotions, teamwork, celebrations and disappointments, perseverance, and truly feeling the embrace of this amazing international AIAA community. It is an exceptional experience at many levels. Our UMaine AIAA branch and DBF team continue to rise to the occasion, excelling not only technically with innovative designs, but perhaps more importantly as passionate and caring individuals that embody the best of the engineering profession.”
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