QNA's

1. Q: I'm on the Miami team this year and wondered if you could clarify about the composition of the hang glider. In one portion of the contest materials, it states it is to be composed of 75% cellulosic material, but in another section, it states 80%. Which one is correct?
   
   A: I've highlighted in red the sites in our attached documents re. % natural cellulose. All say 80% minimum. I'm uncertain where the 75% number came from.
   
   
2. Q: Can multiple layers be used if all layers are made from paper? How is layering defined? Are interwoven materials considered "layered"?
   
   A: It is our recollection that the prohibition on layered material was primarily to prevent the use of a sail that had plastic as its primary structural element and the cellulose fiber being included just to meet the content rules. So, we don't see any reason not to allow layered wood cellulose.
   
   
3. Q: What constitutes "natural wood cellulose"?
   
   A: Please read the enclosed attachments. The answer to question 1 may be found in the comments section , #7 of the scoring protocol.
   
   
4. Q: What are the design specifications for the hang-glider frame?
   
   A: The hang glider frame will be provided. The dimension information is not available at this time because our technical sponsor, Kitty Hawk Kites, Inc. will be shipping them directly to you before the end of this month. Most hang-gliders are designed to take 5-6 times the forces of gravity ("positive Gs") when they are right side up. Hang gliders are not really designed for being upside down and can take significantly less "negative Gs", probably around 3. I don't think anyone envisions the gliders being subjected to anywhere near those loads.
   
   
5. Q: When will teams receive the sail template and frame?
   
   A: On or before the end of October.
   
   
6. Q: To what degree may the sail template and airframe structure be altered? What aspects of the sail template and airframe structure will teams not be allowed to change? Can the camber airfoil be changed?
   
   A: The airframe, sail template and airfoil must be unchanged. It does seem that given the inherent differences between paper and the normal sail material (Dacron) that changing the sail template and airfoil would be part of the design process.
   
   Comment: It is obvious from the proposals that they were all written without having read the scoring protocol and comments. Have the teams be sure to read the Scoring Protocol.
   
   
7. Q: Could you please give a definition of what you consider extrusion.
   
   A: THE EXTRUSION PROCESSES REFERRED TO HERE ARE THOSE USING THERMOPLASTIC POLYMERS CAST IN A CONTINUOUS SHEET OR FILM. THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED.
   
   
8. Q: We also need clarification on the terms layering and lamination.
   
   A: THE TERMS LAYERED AND LAMINATION ARE USED HERE IN THE SENSE OF MAKING THE SAIL OUT OF ONE CONTINUOUS SHEET, OR PANELS OF MATERIAL JOINED INTO ONE CONTINUOUS SHEET VS. ONE MADE OUT OF MULTIPLE LAYERS. ALL ARE ALLOWED.
   
   
9. Q: Would it be possible to have technical drawings of the rogallo frame that will be used in the competition, sent out to all participants.
   
   A: THE ACTUAL FRAMES WILL BE DELIVERED TO EACH TEAM IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
   
   
10. Q: I hate to be so specific, but on your web site the following is written:
    
    Project:
    Design and construct the sail (airfoil) for a hang glider based upon a modified Rogallo wing design. This is a basic sail design with an emphasis on safety and flight characteristics. The sail construction material must consist of a minimum (weight basis) of 80% natural wood cellulose fiber that is evenly distributed throughout the sail. Layered or extruded construction is not allowed.
    
    I understand that the extrusion is not allowed, but in your response to me today, it states:
    
    THE TERMS LAYERED AND LAMINATION ARE USED HERE IN THE SENSE OF MAKING THE SAIL OUT OF ONE CONTINUOUS SHEET, OR PANELS OF MATERIAL JOINED INTO ONE CONTINUOUS SHEET VS. ONE MADE OUT OF MULTIPLE LAYERS. ALL ARE ALLOWED.
    
    I am inferring from today's message that we can layer the sail using multiple layers and/or laminate continuous sheets or panels.
    
    I just want to be sure, as the web page is saying something different from the answer to our question.
    
    A: Use this answer. We are updating the web site. We have attached the most recent scoring protocol to this web site. Please be sure to review it.
    
    Your answer is, It is our recollection that the prohibition on layered material was primarily to prevent the use of a sail that had plastic as its primary structural element and the cellulose fiber being included just to meet the content rules. So, we don't see any reason not to allow layered wood cellulose.
    
    
11. When students do fundraising, they want to know whether or not company logos can be displayed on the hang glider.
    
    A: Yes, company logos can be displayed on the hang gliders. They make great decorations.
    
    
12. Are there any rules and regulations as to the expenditures of the $2,000 grant?
    
    A: The funds must be spent on related competition items, i.e., chemicals, anything that would be used to produce the glider, travel (to bring down additional team members - we will only fund 3 team members and 1 faculty project advisors), travel to meet with corporate sponsors, outfits for the pilot, anything related to this competition. We discourage the use of funds to buy massive amounts of food during your team meetings though (one team in the past did that).
    
    If you have specific questions about an item you plan to purchase or rent and you are not sure of if it is allowed or ethical, please e-mail back. Thanks. I hope this helps.
    
    
13. The 80% natural wood cellulose fiber, does this have to be wood fiber, from trees, or fiber from any type of plant?
    
    A: Wood from trees.
    
    
14. When is the flyer trained, and when do you need to know the name of the person who is flying?
    
    A:The flyer most likely will be trained during the months of February - March. We hope to schedule some time between those weeks to send the flyer to Kitty Hawk Kites, Inc. to obtain a Hang One Designation.
    
    
15. Also, is there any way the newsletter can be sent in a PDF format? It is very difficult to read it, or print it out, as it is presented on the website
    
    A:We will now send the newsletter in .pdf format.
    
    
16. You mentioned the $200 funding including outfits for the flyer. We are concerned about safety equipment. Will all of that be given to the teams, or will we need to allocate funds for safety?
    
    A:We planned on loaning the teams a harness and helmet once at least one team member was rated to his/her Hang One level. The teams can return the equipment after the event.
    
    
17. If a team were to use a natural wood derived coating or polymer, will it count as part of the 20% non-wood portion or the 80% portion of our score determination?
    
    A:20% non-wood, since it is non-fibrous.
    
    
18. Can any cellulose in fibrous form be counted as natural wood cellulose?
    
    A:No. Natural wood cellulose means only natural wood cellulose.
    
    
19. Where is the center of gravity of the frame after assembly?
    
    A:The center of gravity is where the hang straps are attached. (On this particular glider it is between the cross bars.)
    
    
20. Do we design or purchase the pilot gear and harness?
    
    A:We have training harnesses and helmets that we will loan the teams once a team member is certified to a Hang One/Beginner Level.
    
    
21. When will we receive the sail template?
    
    A:All teams will be sent templates by IPST on or before xxxxxxx
    
    
22. When is the new deadline for the Mid-Project Reports?
    
    A:January 17, 2003