So let's see if that famous Midwestern practicality can propel the heartland past the rest of the country in the first National Red Bull Flugtag. Pilots, better lay off the Chicago deep-dish until the event is over. With any luck, there'll be a strong wind blowing off Lake Michigan to carry the Midwest into victory lane. @RedBullCHI on Twitter for updates and details http://www.twitter.com/redbullchi Website http://redbullflugtagusa.com/
FAST FACTS:
What does Flugtag mean?
Flugtag, which is pronounced FLOOG-TOG, means "flying day" in the German language.
What exactly is Red Bull FlUgtag?
At Red Bull Flugtag, teams of up to five people have worked for months building homemade, human-powered flying machines which one person pilots off of an elevated flight deck, through the air, and into a body of water. A panel of local and national celebrities judge teams based on three criteria - flight distance, creativity and showmanship.
How many Red Bull FlUgtags have BEEN produced?
In 1992, the first Red Bull Flugtag took place in Vienna, Austria. A decade later, Red Bull Flugtag landed in the U.S. In the years since, more than 35 Red Bull Flugtags have been held around the world.
When was the first Red Bull Flugtag produced in the united states?
The first U.S. Red Bull Flugtag was produced in October 2002 in San Francisco. Since then, Red Bull Flugtag has landed in Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, Portland, Long Beach, Baltimore, Cleveland, Tempe, Nashville, Tampa Bay, the Twin Cities and Philadelphia.
What is the farthest flight in the history OF Red Bull FlUgtag?
The current record is 228 feet held by a German team from last year's competition in Mainz, Germany. The record for the farthest flight in the US currently stands at 207 feet and was set at Red Bull Flugtag Saint Paul in 2010 by team Major Trouble and the Dirty Dixies.
Where was the largest crowd?
London holds the record with more than 250,000 spectators at the 2003 event, during which Hyde Park was closed due to capacity (which has only happened one other time in history which was during a free Rolling Stones concert). Red Bull Flugtags in the U.S. have drawn crowds of 110,000 people which was recorded in Tampa Bay in 2008.
What are the rules?
All crafts must be human-powered - no engines or external energy sources allowed. Prefabricated crafts will not be accepted. Each craft must be less than 28-feet wide and not more than 400 lbs. (including the pilot), and craft pilots must be at least 18 years old.
HOw are the team's selected to particpate?
Red Bull Flugtag is a single day of high-flying thrills, so the number of pilots is limited. A special events committee chose teams based on their application and follow-up interviews.
What do the planes typically look like?
How much imagination do you have? Red Bull Flugtag flying machines range from realistic plane replicas to anything the imagination can conjure up. This year in Chicago, crafts will include Alice and her friends down the rabbit hole, a few firemen, some superheroes, a great pair of high heels, a couple of glittery dancers, and many more surprises. To gain more showmanship points, participants wear outrageous costumes, act out skits, and create their own music soundtracks for the flight. Past crafts for Red Bull Flugtag events have included a Flying Purple People Eater, Santa and his sleigh, a flying toilet and even a flying cheeseburger.
How many teams are participating?
Thirty (30) teams have been chosen to participate.
Where do the TEAMS come from?
Teams are driving in from all over Chicago, the Suburbs, Downstate and the Midwest to compete. States include Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wisconsin. About half of the registered teams are from Chicagoland.
WHERE and when WILL THE Chicago EVENT TAKE PLACE?
Red Bull Flugtag will take place in Chicago on September 21, 2013 at Burnham Park on Chicago's South Side at 3901 South Lake Shore Drive. This is the fourth time the competition has landed in Chi-town, with Burnham Park being a new competition site.
Gates open at 11:00 a.m. with the first flight departing at 1:00 p.m. Flights will continue until about 4:00 p.m. and will be immediately followed by an Awards Ceremony.
Is there an entry fee or age requirement?
The event is 100% FREE to the public and open to all ages!WHAT happens on Red Bull Chicago event day?
Crazy stuff. Scary stuff. More extensively the fearless pilots launch their team-powered flying machines off a 30-foot ramp into (or over!) the Lake Michigan waters below.
