Vote today for FIU flugtag team


Saturday, Sept. 21, Panthers will attempt to fly. Five FIU engineering students will compete in the National Bull Flugtag Miami, a human-powered flying challenge on the the blue waters of Biscayne Bay.

The team, officially known as The Flying Panthers, is comprised of Kevin Goldvarg (the pilot), Patrick Alvarez, Juan Barrera, Andres Cardenas and Daniel Oliva.

The idea to compete came one day in class, says the team on their website. “Five strangers were brought together by a very evil engineering exam. While studying for it, our knowledge of fluids and aerodynamics increased, as well as a common thirst for the thrill of flight. ‘What better way to put our knowledge and guts to the test than at the Redbull Flugtag,’ we thought. And so, our quest to conquer great heights and the love of thrill seekers, like us, began. Wish us a lot of lift and lot less drag ;).”

The Flying Panthers have designed and built the flying machine from scratch.

Launch time is at 2 p.m. at Bayfront Park. Hangars open at noon. The event is free and open to the public.

Show your support for fellow Panthers by voting for them for the People’s Choice Award. Cast up to 10 votes online and another 10 times via SMS.

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