The paper plane pentathlon is a series of five events. The winner of the Pentathlon will be the student with the highest total points
from the five events. For each event, first place scores 3 points, 2nd place 2 points, and 3rd place 1 point.

Each plane needs to have a airfoil-like structure. "Balling" up a sheet of paper does not constitute a plane.

Event 1: The Lindberg

The longest flight distance is the goal of the event.

• Planes shall be constructed by all competitors in the first few minutes of the announced competition time.


• Two launches are allowed per competitor. Only the better flight is scored.


• The horizontal, straight line distance from the launch point to the spot where the plane touches anything is the distance recorded.


• The plane flying the greatest distance wins.

Event 2: The Jimmy Doolittle

Planes will fly 5 m from a launch point and FIRST TOUCH the floor as close to a marked point (touchdown spot) as possible.

• Planes will be constructed before the scheduled competition time.


• Two flights are allowed per contestant. The better flight is scored.


• The plane TOUCHING the floor closest to the designated touchdown spot wins.


• In the event of two or more perfect touchdowns, joint first and so on will be awarded.

Event 3: Wrong Way Corrigan

Planes will be launched, fly across a line 5m away, turn around and land as close to the launch point as possible.

• Competitors will fold planes from the materials provided before the scheduled competition time.


• Two flights per competitor will be allowed. The better flight will be scored.


• The plane must cross 5m line from the launch position. A flight not crossing the target line is disqualified.


• The plane landing closest to the launch point is the winner.

Event 4: The Rip Van Winkle

The longest flight time is the goal of this event.

• Competitors will fold planes from the materials provided just before the scheduled competition time.


• Each competitor will be allowed two flights and the better of the two flights will be scored.


• The time from launch until the plane strikes any surface will be measured.


• The plane with the longest flight time will be the winner.

Event 5: The Curtis Le May

The goal of the event is for the plane to perform one complete vertical loop in addition to the longest flight.

• Competitors will fold planes from the materials provided before the scheduled competition time.


• Each competitor will be allowed two flights and the better flight will be scored.


• The plane must perform one complete vertical loop. Planes not doing this will be disqualified.


• A plane completing a vertical loop and touching down the furthest away from the launch point wins.