Ralph, you're right, it used to be each plane could only have a maximum of 1200 sq. in. of planform; in the case of bi and tri- planes the planform area of each wing was counted. However, this year they changed it to a maximum span (6 ft) with no planform restrictions.

God, I would love it if SAE moved back to Orange County, or go back to Seattle. Really, just as long as they got it out of Palmdale. It's tough enough lifting 25 pounds with .61 cu in of engine, they want us to do it in the desert in the middle of June! With the wind blasting us at 20 mph while shifting through 180 degrees!

Anyways, enough whining. Tailwinds AVS (ADS, some acronym) is the hosting field, and Lockheed sponsers the competition, provides judges, extra help, etc. We're pretty sure Lockheed is the reason SAE keeps having it in Palmdale.