Airport Design Challenge FAQs

When will the next Airport Design Challenge be launched? 

Airport Design Challenge enrollment is open year-round. Every year, the Challenge is launched on September 1 and runs through August 31.

How do I sign up? 

Go to the ADC web site home page and click on "Login Here" to register for the game. If you are a student, your parent will need to complete the form and provide parental permission for you to play.  The good news is the updated enrollment process, including the automated parental verification, should only take a few minutes to complete. 

How do I get Minecraft? 

For more information on how to obtain Minecraft please take a look at our video Minecraft ADC Tutorial 1 – Versions and Platforms for Minecraft. You can also check to see if you have access to a free or low cost version of the game by clicking here.

Who can participate in the FAA AVSED Airport Design Challenge?

Any student in grades K-12 may participate.

Can I participate by myself or do I have to join a team?

We accept entries from both individuals and teams.

What is the maximum size for my team?

Five people is the maximum that can be on a team.

Do I have to use a local airport as the basis of my design?

No, but we highly encourage you to use a local airport so you can research it and ensure your airport is being built to FAA specifications. You can also reach out to your local airport manager and request a tour of the airport so you can see how the buildings and runways look in real life. 

What are the categories for the competition?

Certificates will be provided for both grades K-6 and grades 7-12 in the following categories:

  • Primary Airport
  • Non-primary Airport

Some versions of Minecraft are more advanced than others; which one should I use?

While different versions of Minecraft do have different capabilities, the limited requirements we are asking for are easily accommodated by any version.

Is the AVSED Airport Design Challenge really able to be done by anyone in grades K-12?

After reviewing several similar competitions, we were impressed by the ability of younger children to create very complex structures and designs within Minecraft. We recognize that skill levels will vary from one grade to another, but the same could be said of varying students within a single grade. Some tasks and references may require adult assistance in order to ensure understanding, but the root of the challenge is in the creativity of each student to design and develop their airport to the best of their individual abilities.

I live outside the United States. Can I still participate in this challenge? 

Yes you can! Your entry will be judged equally regardless of where you are based. Just like with US students, we recommend you pick a local airport near you so that you can have an opportunity to see the airport in person and work with the airport manager on how best to build your airport in Minecraft. Please be aware that our judges will do their best to evaluate your airport based on what is listed on Google Maps and other internet sources. However, answers to quiz questions and project assignments will be based on FAA rules and regulations. Also, the final video assignment must be narrated or subtitled in English.

Where can I go for help?

Instructional videos, websites, and other resources will be provided to assist you throughout the entire challenge. You may also email our team at avsed.challenge@faa.gov. For questions or concerns regarding software or hardware issues, please contact the administrator of the specific item.

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Last updated: Friday, October 4, 2024