Frequently Asked Questions

There are no experience requirements. All are welcome to apply, and based off your area of interest, you will work with others who will help mentor you to develop software or manufacturing experience.

We expect a minimum of 6~8 hours a week, for more technical sub-teams it is 10-15 hours. This can be more depending on your sub-team, current project and phase of the build season! More hours will be expected as we get closer to competition! To learn more about sub-team and team roles see the Teams and Competition pages.

Aircraft Design is primarily done with SolidWorks, a computer-aided-design (CAD) software Ansys Finite Element Analysis, Ansys Fluent, AVL and OpenVSP. Additional computer analysis and calculations are frequently done with MATLAB and Excel.Tools for Aircraft Construction can include Autoclave, Platen Press, Waterjet, drills, hotwire cutters, sanding blocks, 3D-Printers, laser-cutters, hot-glue guns, saws, soldering-irons, and more.Testing Aircrafts is done with Instron, load cells, 3x3 wind tunnel, and in house testing equipment.

We have an application period in the Fall that typically closes the first week of October. To find out more information please email us at dbfuw@uw.edu or check our social media pages on Youtube, Instagram, Facebook or Linkedin.

If you would like to help support us through donation or sponsorship, please visit our Sponsorship & Donation page. All contributions are greatly appreciated. Our 26-27 fundraiser is open now at https://together.uw.edu/campaign/uwdbf.