Contestants work against the clock to solve mathematical flight planning computations using a manually operated flight computer (E-6B).  The exam includes problems on time, speed, distance, wind correction, fuel requirements, and conversion factors. 

            Simulated Comprehensive Aircraft Navigation Event (SCAN)

The SCAN Event is a written exam with problems that reference a simulated cross-country flight over a given route.  Included in the flight planning are questions on weight and balance, aircraft performance, FARs, aeronautical charts, weather interpretations, and fuel consumption.

            Aircraft Recognition Event

Slides of aircraft are shown on a screen for three seconds.  Competitors then have fifteen seconds to identify the aircraft’s manufacturer, model number and common name, if any.

            Preflight Inspection Event

An aircraft is “bugged” with at least 30 unairworthy discrepancies.  Contestants are given fifteen minutes to preflight the aircraft and find as many of the discrepancies as possible.

            Ground Trainer Event

This event is designed to test the competency and skill of the contestant’s ability to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR), in a flight-training device.  Flying a pre-determined pattern the competitor must show proficiency in maintaining altitude, heading, and airspeed.

            IFR Simulator Event

Competitors are required to demonstrate instrument flight rules (IFR) proficiency and precision by flying a given route in a simulator.  All aspects of cross-country IFR flight are included such as receiving clearances, holding patterns, instrument approach procedures, and deviation to an alternate.

            Crew Resource Management

Two-person crews, a pilot flying and a pilot not flying, are assigned a cross-country flight in a simulator.  Contestants are judged on their ability to work together in a cockpit environment, as well as their ability to handle in-flight situations.

The Navigation Event consists of a cross-country flight over a three to five mile leg course between 70 and 120 nautical miles.  Each contestant submits a flight plan before takeoff, which includes estimated time en route for each leg, total elapsed time, and fuel consumption.  The contestant with the lowest number of penalty points wins.   

Short-Field Landing Event

The objective of the Short-Field Event is to test the pilot’s skill at maneuvering and manipulating the aircraft.  After taking off and flying a normal traffic pattern, the objective is to land as close to, if not on, the target line.  Once the pilot reduces power, he or she cannot increase it again.  The distance in feet from where the aircraft’s wheels initially touch the runway from the target line is the pilot’s score.  The lowest cumulative score from the two landings, plus technique penalty points if any, wins.

            Power-Off Landing Event

Similar in concept to the Short-Field Event, only the power must be reduced to and remain at idle from abeam the target line onward.  The approach is made essentially by gliding for the remainder of the traffic pattern to touchdown, preferably on the target line.

Certified Flight Instructors take part in a teaching competition.  The event starts with a CFI preparing and teaching a predetermined subject.  If weather and time permits, the CFI then teaches the lesson in-flight.

            Women and Men Achievement

Male and female competitors are interviewed by a panel that examines their accomplishments, community service, and aviation involvement.

            Loening Trophy

This trophy was first awarded in 1929 to a team who has displayed outstanding competition performance, air safety, and active participation in their local community.  All member schools in good standing are eligible.