buildwith.Red Bull Flugtag
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🛩️ Americas · USA

Red Bull Flugtag

BUILD a human-powered 'flying' machine launched off a 30-ft deck into water.

Team entry
31 Oct 2026Next date
None listedNext deadline / key date
VariesUsual timing
Multi-city (2026: Minneapolis, Miami), USAWhere
01 · How to take part

Your way in

Apply online with a sketch; ~35 teams selected per event.

Team entry

Apply with a sketch of your flying machine

Apply online with a sketch; around 35 teams are selected per event. Teams of 5: a pilot aged 18+ and 4 crew aged 16+. The machine is launched off a 30-ft deck into water.

You build or use
BUILD a human-powered 'flying' machine launched off a 30-ft deck into water
Participation
Build-compete (application)
Entry and deadlines
Team of 5: pilot 18+, 4 crew 16+
Where
Multi-city (2026: Minneapolis, Miami), USA
02 · Dates

Dates and deadlines, Oct 2026 to Dec 2027

Usual timing: Varies. Dates are only shown where a source publishes them; everything else is marked TBC.

  • 31 Oct 2026Red Bull Flugtag Miami 2026Bayfront Park, Miami. · sourceTeam entry
  • Sep 2027 · date TBCRed Bull Flugtag 2027 (no editions announced; 2026 ran Sep-Oct)Watch for announcements. · sourceDate TBCTeam entry
  • Oct 2027 · date TBCRed Bull Flugtag 2027 (no editions announced; 2026 ran Sep-Oct)Watch for announcements. · sourceDate TBCTeam entry

See it on the calendar →

03 · Skills you'll need

Skills you'll need

What to learn and practise before you go. Each resource is marked Official or Community-accepted and names its publisher. Difficulty and prep time are our estimate.

Core skill

Designing a light, floating, human-powered 'flying machine' to the size and weight limits

Also useful:

  • Choosing water-safe materials (closed-cell foam, wood) and a strong but light structure
  • Pilot water safety and a 30-second showmanship routine
Difficulty our estimateSkilled team
Prep time our estimate2–3 months of team build after selection

Difficulty and prep time are Curiosta editorial estimates for a first-timer, not organiser figures.

Refresher

  1. Use the current event's rules: in 2026 the Minneapolis and Miami rules cap the craft at 28 ft wingtip to wingtip and 20 ft nose to tail, and craft plus pilot at 400 lb (the FAQ quotes under 22 ft wide), with a team of five: one pilot plus four ground crew.
  2. Human power only: no engines, catapults or stored energy, and no adapted hang-gliders or light aircraft.
  3. It must float and be recoverable: choose materials lighter than water that don't waterlog (closed-cell foam, wood) and keep the weight down so it gets up the ramp.
  4. Avoid prohibited items such as styrofoam and caster wheels (official rules guide); cover any chicken wire.
  5. Everyone who jumps must be able to swim 100 yards unaided, in costume. Helmets and life jackets are worn for launch.
  6. Score comes from distance, creativity and showmanship; plan the skit as carefully as the wings.

Practise before you go

  • Build a scale glider from foam board to test wing area and balance.
  • Swim 100 yards in clothes to check you can meet the rule.
  • Rehearse the 30-second routine with your crew.

Safety notes

  • All jumpers must swim 100 yards unaided in costume.
  • Helmets and life jackets for launch.
  • No catapults or stored energy; craft must float.

Resources

Officialofficial rules guide (article)

Red Bull Flugtag rules: Official guidelines

Explains team, size, materials, inspection and judging rules in one place.

Publisher: Red Bull (event organiser)

Officialofficial rules

Red Bull Flugtag Minneapolis – Rules (2026)

The 2026 event rules: 28 ft × 20 ft, 400 lb, a five-person team, the 100-yard swim and the floating-materials advice.

Publisher: Red Bull (event organiser)

Officialofficial FAQ

Red Bull Flugtag Minneapolis – FAQs (2026)

Judging criteria, human-power rule and pilot minimum age of 18.

Publisher: Red Bull (event organiser)

Officialofficial rules

Red Bull Flugtag Miami – Rules

Rules page for the 31 Oct 2026 Miami edition.

Publisher: Red Bull (event organiser)

Rules conflict: confirm with organiser

CONFLICT: the 2026 rules cap the wingspan at 28 ft, but the 2026 FAQ says under 22 ft. Confirm with organiser before you build.

See also the skills guide: Human-powered craft → · All skills guides

04 · Check before you go

What we could and couldn't confirm

Before you book

  • 2027 editions are NOT announced.
  • CONFLICT: the 2026 rules cap the wingspan at 28 ft, but the 2026 FAQ says under 22 ft. Confirm with organiser before you build.
  • Costs are not listed on buildwith. Check them, and the latest dates, on the official site.