Better check out the action on this 2.5 minute youtube vidbefore you give them too much credit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHCTutziZnY

The models are designed and constructed by student teams advised by a teacher, usually. Typically,some of the teams havestudents who have some theoretical knowledge of aerodynamics, but have zero real world experience in building and operating anything of the sort. The crash fest shows what happens at the intersection of some limited knowledge, interestingdesign decisionsand zero experience.

The better teams typically have a student or two who are "normal" modelers and they definitely rise to the top of the pack. Also the better and most successul teams have been doing it for a number of years and pass on the lessons learned to youngerteam membersas they graduate. These teams are more like what you are speaking of.

Something on the order of 25% of the models crash during the event. Some from structural failure, both design and construction caused, some from controlability issues, some from overalpoor design, some from pilot error. Some are unable to make it around field after a payload increase, but flewat lower loads.

Very high entertainment value. If one works, the cheers go up and if one does not work, the crowd gasps "Oh, no" almost in one voice.

The Aerodesign events prove that first flight risks, at a much higher level of riskthan the typical hobby model, can be managed inpublic ina reasonablysafe way,