Welcome to Helicopter! In this event, prior to the tournament, teams will construct, collect data on test flights, analyze, and optimize free-flight rubber-powered helicopters to achieve maximum time aloft.
The information below should not be interpreted as an extension of the rules. You can find free online copies of the current rules for download on the 2026 Rules page of the Science Olympiad website. The official rules in the current Rules Manual take precedence. This event is generously supported by the National Free Flight Society! Sign up for a Student Membership today!
NEW TO SCIENCE OLYMPIAD or HELICOPTER - Video and written resources especially for you!
Wondering How to Get Started with Helicopter? Read this First! - This two-page PDF created by Brian Turnbull from the National Free Flight Society (NFFS) gives studnets and coaches an overview to help you get started.
Helicopter Basics Video - Watch this video first. The short 10-minute video shows and discusses different helicopter designs, with additional information about rubber motors.
Rubber Motor Winding and Launching Helicopter Video - Learn about winding rubber motors for helicopters; the most important factor for long flights! This video features a 10-Time Michigan State Championship flying coach. A 2-bladed helicopter, which earns a bonus in 2026, is featured and flown.
National Free Flight Society Science Olympiad Webpage - Instructional videos, pictures, and narratives for building, trimming, rubber winding, and much more. A great set of resources from the national sponsor organization of Science Olympiad flying events!
Basic Helicopter Flying - Don't have a torque meter? This document shares a simplified step-by-step approach to rubber selection, winding rubber motors, and helicopter testing.
Other Good Helicopter Video and Written Resources
Helicopter Event Overview with NFFS - Tom Sanders, 30 year flying event expert presents the helicopter event equipment and strategies for success! From the 2026 Science Olympiad National Workshop.
Basic Helicopter Data Log - Collecting and analyzing data is essential for having a good, competitive flight. This template can help you with those tasks.
How to make Pig Tails Video Guide - Join CeAnn Chalker, Tech & Engineering Committee Chair, as she walks you through making Pig Tails a key piece needed for Helicopter.
2025 NFFS Science Olympiad Coaches Workshop - A recording of a workshop done by Chuck Andraka of the National Free Flight Society to help students and teams prepare for the Science Olympiad Helicopter event.
Basic Helicopter Construction Video - In this almost hour long video you can learn the basics of helicopter construction as you watch one being built. Please note that the helicopter being shown DOES NOT fully comply with the 2025 Science Olympiad Helicopter Rules. The differences are noted in the video description but include a shortened top bumper stick (1") and the addition of a top disc to the bumper.
2021 NFFS Workshop Video - A recording of a workshop done by the National Free Flight Society for the 2021 season but still contains good content for the current 2024 event especially regarding basic trim setup, rubber motor knot tying and winding.
