Welcome to the Trainer Challenge. Thanks for stopping by.

Deadline: 25th March 2018 (one month)

If you accept this challenge, your job is to design and build an aircraft intended for training of new pilots.

Requirements

• Training must be the main intended purpose of the aircraft, as opposed to cargo planes and two seat/transitional training versions of fighters and attackers;
• Avoid using mod parts. XML is allowed and expected;
• The aircraft must be purpose-built trainer, with other roles (light attack) optional;
• Must be a new build. No copies of other builds, or slight modification of existing ones;
• The aircraft must be capable of flight;
• The entry must be a successor. I will accept planes that are not successor only if they are visually pleasing and seem to fit the role, and if you have a good excuse;
• Any entry with less than 150 parts will be disqualified unless you can prove that your device doesn't allow you to reach that part count;
• Please keep it under 1000 parts. Otherwise, I can't fully test it. I might ask one of my friends to test builds with higher part count;
• Aircraft must be realistic. I won't take any hypersonic planes, spacecraft, and similar;
• Your aircraft doesn't have to be modern. I'll also accept WW2 trainers, interwar trainers, early jets...;
• Description must mention all special features and controls. If I overlook them, that's your fault;
• Entry doesn't have to be armed. There are many unarmed trainers. I won't take points for the lack of armament on planes that aren't supposed to have it (a WW2 trainer without guns would be kinda unrealistic), or that can optionally carry weapons (like modern turboprop trainers).

Three classes will be present

• Modern prop trainer: turboprop or piston powered trainers using tricycle landing gear and not having radial engine. Generally, aircraft developed after 1970. I may ask you to state in which category you want to compete if I consider design to be borderline;
• Jet trainer: both fictional and replica. Since dedicated jet trainers are relatively recent (50's), I'll put them all in one category;
• Vintage trainer: an aircraft powered by piston engine, often Radial. Also, replicas of WW2 trainers, interwar trainers, taildraggers,...

I will accept one aircraft per builder per category. Every category will have first, second, and third place, and I will pick a winner of the entire challenge.

I will judge:

• Design: Does it look like a trainer? Is it proportionate? If it's a replica, is it accurate? 10 points
• Performance: Does it fly like a trainer? Is it too maneuverable? Not maneuverable enough? Is it too fast? Does it have auto-roll? 15 points
• Paint job: Does it look pretty? Is it historically accurate (if it's a replica of real insignia)? Does it have details (registration number, roundel, warning signs...)? Does it suit the plane? Is it well made? (I will mostly look for quality here, no need for super complex designs) 10 points
• Build quality: Amount of details, smoothness, techniques of making things work (are control surfaces custom? Did you make them look realistic? Is the gear custom?...) 15 points
• Personal impression: Did I enjoy flying it? 5 points
• Description: Does it present the plane well? Does it describe controls? If fictional, does it explain origin and history of the plane? Can I read it? (use those commas and dots) 10 points (I won't remove points for description to those who don't speak English, but please, try to write a good one).

You start with 65 points. For the flaws I find, I will be reducing your score.

Rewards:

• Winner of the challenge - 10 upvotes and 5 spotlights;
• 1st place in the category - 8 upvotes and 3 spotlight;
• 2nd place in the category - 5 upvotes and 2 spotlights;
• 3rd place in the category - 3 upvotes and a spotlight on the entry;
• Every entry - upvote.

If it's a collaboration project, builders will share the reward. If the reward can't be shared between two builders, like 3 upvotes, both builders will receive 2 upvotes. Same with spotlights.

If you don't understand something, feel free to ask.

Do your best. Just because a high level builder posted a good trainer, doesn't mean you can't beat him with a bit of effort.

I will not provide feedback on your entries until I start judging, except to inform those with unsuitable builds that they can't compete.

A few advices:

• Do your research. Read about planes similar to your design (or about your design, if it's a replica);
• Pay attention to details. Look up pictures. Every one of those little antennas, bulges, and holes has a purpose. Try to put them on your build;
• Try to find a cutaway of an aircraft similar to yours. It will tell you what goes where;
• You can find some inspiration here.

Good luck, and may the best builder win