Flight Quest X-Plane Competition 2025
CATEGORIES
CONCEPT
As Flight simmers, we all have a passion for aviation, and X-Plane enables us to experience flight in the digital world that may be out of reach to us in the real world.
Imagine now being able to extend the exciting and totally safe realm of flight simulation into the real world. Can we blur that line, and bring real and exciting flight experiences, safely and affordably, to just about anyone?
Affordable, fun and exciting flying experiences that anyone can participate in.
No pilot’s license required.
No formal training necessary.
Your flight today will be in autonomous aircraft that will take-off, fly around, and land you with precision – a sophisticated drone.
But should you choose to, then after take-off YOU can take control. YOU direct the flight as you desire.
Want to view some scenery over there? You can.
Want to try your hand at aerobatics? You can.
Want to try to get on your friend’s six? You can… if they’ll let you!
AIRCRAFT
If you could fly in any kind aircraft in an airpark, what would you want it to be like?
Are you a wannabe fighter pilot?
Just want to pull some ‘G’?
Enjoy the view?
Set your fastest time around a timed course?
Use your imagination!
Flights will typically be between 15 and 30 minutes, so cruise efficiency isn’t as important as for most aircraft. Electric propulsion is encouraged (and best suited to such short-duration flights), but not mandatory. A quick-change battery module for fast turn-around would be a good feature for an electric design.
Aircraft need to be fairly small (big enough to carry 1 or 2 people and fuel / batteries) to be affordable to build and operate. We’d all like to fly a real 737, but few could afford it.
All designs should look GREAT. The design and liveries should get people excited to fly them, pose for a photo next to them before their flight, and be a subject of excited discussion for long after the flight experience has finished.
Pilot confidence is important – and remember most ‘pilots’ will be untrained people, so the aircraft must inspire confidence by being safe, durable, and comfortable. A BRS parachute should be included in most cases, for example.
While there are no specific requirements regarding realism of submissions, aircraft that are considered by the judges to be more realistic will score more highly. Sorry, no Epstein drives!
Planemaker-only designs are acceptable. Nice 3D graphics etc. are encouraged, but not required.
SCENERY
The Airpark needs to look great, be functional, and have a great view.
For example:
A hangar space, to store the aircraft.
A grand viewing area (you’ve got friends or family along to watch, right?).
What might it look like for night-flight experiences?
An Airpark doesn’t need to look like a typical airport – what could make it better?
PLUGINS
Additional functionality the enhances the X-Plane Airpark simulation.
Add a ‘catapult launch’ option for those seeking a Naval Aviator experience?
Define and detect a set of goals – can a newbie pilot reach a set of speed and altitude targets? Or even maintain level flight within defined limits for a set period?
‘Fly-by-wire’ flight-control systems to enhance safety or experience?
Challenges for pilots of varying experience levels?
Who can spend the most time within 30deg of the tail of their chosen ‘opponent’ in Airpark combat?
The possibilities are endless – what do YOU think would be a fun feature in a real Airpark or aircraft?
PRIZES
There are cash prizes, courtesy of Flight Quest, and X-Plane.Org gift certificates for use on the store, courtesy of X-Plane.Org.
Categories are Aircraft, Scenery, and Plugins.
1st Prize, per category: $400 + $x Store credit
2nd Prize, per category: $250 + $x Store credit
3rd Prize, per category: $150 + $x Store credit
BONUS PRIZES
Six $100 prizes for entries that missed the top prizes, but the judges still deem interesting or notable in some way, such as cool liveries, concepts, and ideas.
You may enter multiple times in multiple categories, Aircraft, Scenery, or Plugins, but are eligible to win a maximum of one prize. Therefore, the number of winners will equal the number of prizes. There are many chances to win!
You may enter as a team – the team is eligible to win one prize.
JUDGING
Judging will be carried out by FlightQuest and it’s nominated experts.
Criteria includes factors such as realism and plausibility, but also a strong focus on fun, excitement, and anything that contributes to the basic theme:
Affordable, fun and exciting flying experiences that anyone can participate in.
HOW TO ENTER
Sign-up on the web-page here.
Submit your entry (attachment or download link) to: hello@flightquest.xyz
Entries close on 31 March 2025.
[NOTE: Entries must be compatible with X-plane 12.1.x]
Winners will be announced on April 14th, 2025.
If a large number of entries are received, the judging period may be extended to ensure all entries can be properly examined and tested, which may result in winners being announced later than planned.