Applications for the $60,000 Electric Flight Prize at EAA AirVenture 2011, showcasing the accomplishments and viability of flight powered exclusively by electricity, are now being accepted. An Initial Application Form, along with the official rules, is available at Airventure.org/Electric.
Three flight competitions held during EAA AirVenture 2011, scheduled for July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, along with an electric aircraft innovation evaluation will determine prize recipients.
Cash prizes totaling $60,000 will be awarded to the winners of each category, as well as the overall winner of the Electric Flight Competition. The prizes and support for the competition comes from Wicks Aircraft Supply, Dynon Avionics, Aircraft Spruce & Specialty and AeroLEDs – four companies active in the sport aviation community.
The first competition, scheduled for Tuesday, July 26, will test electric aircraft for endurance to determine which aircraft can be kept aloft for the longest period of time. Working with Dynon measuring equipment, each airplane can then enter the time to climb competition scheduled for Wednesday, July 27.
The third and final competition, held on Thursday, July 28, will measure the maximum speed of each aircraft. The innovation evaluation will be conducted by representatives of the four companies contributing to the prize. They will reach a consensus on the top three developments in electric flight based on battery, motor, controller and airframe.
Each activity will be scored and plaques will be awarded to the aircraft placing first, second or third in each category. The first place winners in endurance, time to climb, maximum speed and innovation will receive $10,000. The overall winner of the Electric Flight Prize, based on the highest cumulative score, will receive $20,000. It may not be necessary to place first in each event to win the overall category.
The competitions are open to anyone with an electric powered aircraft who has flown at least 40 hours and has an airworthiness certificate.
EAA AirVenture 2011 will also host the second annual World Symposium on Electric Aircraft, featuring several influential industry leaders discussing electric propulsion aircraft in an open forum, offering what they envision is the future for this rapidly growing flight segment that is attracting the attention of scientists, engineers, manufacturers, and investors.
