The DaSH project is the first successful HPA that has flown in the U.S. since the mid-1990s. Leaning on and learning from the advice and knowledge of those that have been successful in the past was key to having DaSH fly well from the very first flight. Alec will talk about what choices were made in the design that led to that success, but most of all he will focus on all the interesting failures and setbacks that happened during the design and testing phases, and what has been learned from them. How can DaSH be improved, and what are some other, perhaps better ways to build a similar plane in the future?

The speaker will then focus on the role of contests, rallies and school projects in creating interest and excitement, and most importantly, viable, flying aircraft. Can HPA flying become a sport? What would that look like? What should the focus be as we try to foster and build and even more vibrant HPA community?