In this episode of Beyond the Competition, host Mike Sorg is joined by key figures from SAE and the Aero Design community to help students prepare for the SAE Aero Design West 2025 event in Van Nuys, California.
Guests include:
• Ed Rooney, Event Director
• Glenn Cashion, Air Boss
• Brett Foley, Program Lead, SAE International
Together, they walk teams through what to expect during the competition weekend, from technical inspections and safety briefings to flight operations and awards.
🚀 Key Highlights:
• Event Overview: Runs Friday–Sunday with technical inspections, flight briefings, and competition flights.
• Important Guidelines: Red hats = Rules Committee. Only students may work on aircraft. No flying outside competition hours.
• Facilities & Amenities: Tables, power stations, and food trucks available. Bring water, sunscreen, and be prepared for warm weather.
• Flight Procedures: Detailed overview for Micro, Regular, and Advanced classes, including flight path rules, takeoff distances, and payload handling.
• Career Networking: Sponsors like MathWorks, Onshape, Stratasys, and more will be on site—students are encouraged to bring resumes and engage with volunteers.
✈️ Bonus Tips:
The hosts also share local food recommendations (like tacos, In-N-Out, and ramen spots) and fun things to do in Los Angeles post-competition, from studio tours to hiking.

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