Flight Simulator Competition/Challenge
Flight Simulator
Flight Simulator competition at the Space Apps event challenges tests participant's piloting skills in highly realistic virtual scenarios. Competitors must navigate various missions, such as following specific flight paths, landing in challenging weather conditions and demonstrating precise control of the aircraft under conditions that closely mimic real-life flying. For aviation enthusiasts or those experienced with Flight Simulator, this competition offers a great opportunity to showcase their skills and expertise in a virtual environment that closely simulates real-world flying conditions.
Categories
- Junior Class (Approximately ages 6-14)
- Advanced Class (Approximately ages 15-18)
- Masters Class (Over ages 18)
Rules
Competition Format
- Participants are required to record their landings to provide a comprehensive overview of the landing process. Additionally, they must handle predetermined scenarios such as managing varying payload weights, unpredictable weather conditions like rain or heavy fog, fluctuating wind strengths, and diverse time periods, which may include both day and night operations.
- Participants need to set up cameras which should be placed behind them to capture the control of the aircraft, demonstrating that the participant is genuinely piloting the aircraft themselves. Upon completion of the video recording, participants must upload it to the designated platform.
- The Flight Simulator competition will be conducted exclusively as an on-site competition. All participants are required to travel to the designated competition venue to participate in the event and compete in person.
Junior Class: No view restrictions.
Advanced and Masters Class: Only cockpit view is permitted.
Flight Simulator Competition 2025
The Flight Simulator Competition this year will be conducted as a 100% onsite event at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Center. All participants are required to be physically present at the designated competition venue to participate in the activities and compete in person. Each participant will be allocated a 5-minute time slot for their competition attempt and must use the equipment provided at the venue; personal equipment is not permitted, and no pre-uploaded videos are required for this competition. Participants will compete in three rounds, with the highest score among the three attempts being used for final evaluation. All necessary equipment will be provided onsite, and time management is crucial as each participant has a strict 5-minute allocation. This format ensures a fair and standardized competition environment for all participants, with every competitor using the same equipment under the same conditions.
This year, there is no online competition. However, typically, when the competition is held in an online format, participants are required to record their landing procedure using two cameras from specified angles as per competition rules. The first camera must be positioned behind the participant, while the second camera should capture from a high angle looking down at the participant. The video recording must comprehensively demonstrate all competition stages, including the approach to the airport, landing, and taxiing on the runway. The footage must clearly show the participant’s control inputs, the flight simulator screen, and the final score displayed upon mission completion. Participants are required to upload their video files to the designated platform and submit the link as their official competition entry.
Camera View
Mission Tasks
Participants must record their landings to provide an overview of the landing process. The competition will feature a Landing Challenge mission, specifically a Strong Wind scenario at Funchal Airport (LPMA), Portugal. Participants will be given the following predetermined landing conditions:
- Weather conditions in the program: Various landing scenarios will include weather conditions such as rain, fog, or snow.
- Wind speed: Wind speed and direction will significantly affect the landing and are crucial conditions for the competition.
These must be accurately set in the flight simulation program. - Flight time period: Competitors must adjust the aircraft’s payload according to the conditions specified by the judges.
* The specific scenario settings will be in accordance with the judges’ guidelines. Please adhere to these strictly.*
1.1 Short-Haul Flight
- Description: Participants must fly from the origin airport to the destination airport over a short distance
(e.g., within the same country).
- Challenges: Managing takeoff and landing, flight time management, fuel efficiency.
1.2 Long-Haul Flight
- Description: Flying from the origin airport to a destination airport over a longer distance (e.g., international flights).
- Challenges: Fuel management, extended flight duration, managing complex flight routes.
1.3 Simulated Emergency Situations
- Description: Participants will be required to handle various simulated emergency situations, such as engine failure or severe weather conditions.
- Challenges: Decision-making in emergency situations, aircraft control under pressure.
1.4 Aerobatics
- Description: Participants will demonstrate complex flying skills such as acrobatic maneuvers, rotations, or various flight patterns.
- Challenges: Precision in aircraft control, coordination of aircraft movements.
Equipment and Software for the Competition
- Computer and Hardware: A high-performance computer capable of running Flight Simulator software smoothly.
- Flight Simulator Software: Utilization of renowned Flight Simulator programs such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, or Prepar3D.
- Control Devices: Joystick, throttle, button panel, and additional peripherals such as VR headsets to enhance realism.
Scoring
| Judging Criteria | Point |
|---|---|
|
Landing Precision |
5,000 |
|
Ground Roll |
5,000 |
|
Landing Smoothness |
200 |
| Total score | 2,000,000 |
|---|---|
Scoring Submissions
- Participants must record a video of their landing attempt with two camera angles: one from behind the participant and another from above.
- The video must include the full approach, landing, and rollout, clearly showing the participant’s control inputs, the simulator screen and the result score in the end of the mission .
- The video file must be uploaded to the designated platform, with the link submitted as the official entry. (they will be announced soon)
Awards
Prizes will be allocated based on the ranking of the competing teams. Certificates will be awarded to the winners of each category by Space of Challenge Asia.
FAQs
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Yes, participants are allowed to use external hardware, but all control inputs must be visible in the video submission.
The competition organizers will specify the aircraft type to be used in the landing scenarios. No modifications are allowed.
Detailed instructions on how to set up the weather conditions and wind will be provided alongside the landing scenarios.
No, video editing is not allowed. The submission must be a continuous recording of the entire landing process.
For the competition using the A320neo aircraft.
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