About Us
The Notre Dame Design, Build, Fly (DBF) team provides students with hands-on experience in aerospace engineering through participation in the annual AIAA Design, Build, Fly competition.
Each year, the team designs, constructs, tests, and flies a large, radio-controlled (RC) aircraft tailored to meet that year’s unique competition rules and mission objectives. Throughout the process, students gain extensive experience in iterative design, creative problem-solving, and the practical application of engineering principles.
In addition, team members prepare detailed design reports and deliver technical presentations to faculty and industry mentors. This comprehensive experience equips students with the essential skills to excel as engineers.
The Team
DBF consists of students from various engineering disciplines and experience levels, ranging from freshmen to fifth-years. No prior knowledge is required, just a willingness to learn and contribute.
The Season
From September to April, the team designs, builds, tests, and refines their aircraft. Key milestones include a preliminary design review in the fall and a final technical report in the spring.
The Competition
DBF competes in the annual AIAA Design, Build, Fly competition, held in Tucson, AZ, or Wichita, KS. The team faces universities worldwide, showcasing their engineering and flight skills.
Contact Us
Follow us on Instagram and connect with us on LinkedIn for the latest updates on team activities and operations. For general inquiries, feel free to email us at designbuildflynd@gmail.com, or reach out directly to any member of our leadership team.
Support DBF
Support from our sponsors and donors enable us to take on ambitious projects and create meaningful experiences for our team members. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact our Project Manager, Ian Halpin, at ihalpin@nd.edu.
We also appreciate donations of any size, as every contribution makes a difference. Thank you for supporting our team!
