Red Bull Flugtag - (c)Garth Milan/Red Bull Photofiles
Flugtag means “flying day” in German. The Flugtag contest incorporates brains, creativity, and fearlessness to design and pilot the homemade flying machines. In theory, after the machine is built, the pilot maneuvers the contraption off a ramp at about 30 feet hoping the machine takes flight. Flugtag must operate by human energy. In addition, the machine including the pilot cannot weigh more than 450lbs.
The Red Bull Flugtag had 32 teams enter the competition and triumphed over the gusts leftover from Hurricane Earl. Team Giant Flying Llama won the competition dressed in their baseball uniforms. The winning team had a flight of almost 42 feet before touching down into the river. Second place went to Let Freedom Wing and their Philadelphian classic Liberty Bell. Team Bumble took third place, floating through the skies with their Christmas themed flutag. The People’s Choice award went to Five Guys and One Clock. The winners, Team Giant Flying Llama will face off with Kirby Chambliss, the Red Bull Air Race World Champion at his Flying Crown Ranch in Arizona.
Flugtags held around the world since its inception in 1991 at Vienna. This flugtag rounded out the season in the United States. Events throughout the season have been held in Long Beach, Miami, Minneapolis, and the Delaware River.