Red Bull Flugtag: 30 teams target Biscayne Bay for Halloween launch

The Red Bull Flugtag event returns to Miami on Halloween, October 31. Thirty teams will pilot homemade aircraft into Biscayne Bay from a 30-foot ramp.

The competition judges entries based on flight distance, creativity, and showmanship. The event is hosted by local personality Mr. Red, who noted that while some planes travel long distances, most fall short. He guaranteed that every entry would splash into the water.

Daniel Figueredo described the event as a spectacular show of people crashing into the water. His team plans to launch a craft designed to resemble the world’s largest Cuban sandwich. The team is partnering with Sanguich restaurants and the “A Day in Miami” podcast.

Figueredo said the craft is a first for a flying sandwich. His team members will wear guayaberas, Panama hats, and carry fake cigars during the launch sequence.

Another entry comes from engineering students at Florida International University. They fly as team IEEE, a name they pronounce as “I-triple-e.” The students built their aircraft with a focus on structural integrity and weight reduction.

Felix Fraile, a member of the team, explained that the design assumes worst-case wind scenarios to ensure strength. The goal is for air to flow around the wings rather than into them. A student on the team helped build a website to test flight simulators before the physical build.

The team emphasized the use of triangles in their frame, including horizontal and diagonal members, to provide stability. They aim to cut as much weight as possible to maximize lift. One student expressed confidence that their hard work will lead to a win.

Eduardo Moya, associated with the team, stated they expect to beat local competitors. He acknowledged that beating the world record is uncertain but expressed confidence in their performance. Figueredo joked that Moya’s team has good life insurance.

The event is free to the public. It starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, at Bayfront Park. Video coverage will be available online shortly after the event concludes.