Hands-on, brains-on programs designed to introduce students to the exciting world of aviation 

Great American Aero Derby banner pic
Inaugural GAAD 2003 group pic with Luc and Nanci Bausch Jim Knapp Bill Thompson

Location: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, AZ campus

Time: Early morning one Saturday in July

The pic features the competitors, timers and founders of the Great American Aero Derby.

Inaugural Gaad 2003 group pic
competitor looking toward sky
cosmic wind launch adj
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Great American Aero Derby banner pic
Inaugural GAAD 2003 group pic with Luc and Nanci Bausch Jim Knapp Bill Thompson
Inaugural Gaad 2003 group pic
competitor looking toward sky
cosmic wind launch adj
DSC_0042
DSC_0068
DSC_0074
DSC_0084
DSC_0076
DSC_0087
DSC_0089
IMG_2855
IMG_2854
IMG_2853
DSC_0146
DSC_0111
DSC_0150
DSC_0126
DSC_0125
DSC_0130
DSC_0115
DSC_0164
DSC_0202
DSC_0152
DSC_0229
DSC_0210
DSC_0165
DSC_0191
DSC_0170
DSC_0196
DSC_0225
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DSC_0157
DSC_0238
DSC_0255
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DSC_0257
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DSC_0308
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GAAD 2007127
GAAD 2007105
GAAD 2007117
GAAD 2007135
GAAD 2007123
GAAD 2007097
GAAD 2007130
GAAD 2007115
GAAD 2007096
GAAD 2007140
GAAD 2007104
GAAD 2007138
GAAD 2007159
GAAD 2007179
GAAD 2007171
GAAD 2007183
GAAD 2007166
GAAD 2007174
GAAD 2007168
GAAD 2007142
GAAD 2007155
GAAD 2007172
GAAD 2007156
GAAD 2007143
GAAD 2007221
GAAD 2007218
GAAD 2007206
GAAD 2007187
GAAD 2007227
GAAD 2007272
GAAD 2007224
GAAD 2007188
GAAD 2007196
GAAD 2007189
GAAD 2007266
GAAD 2007242
GAAD 2007355
GAAD 2007332
GAAD 2007358
GAAD 2007305
GAAD 2007303
GAAD 2007339
GAAD 2007349
GAAD 2007341
GAAD 2007276
GAAD 2007336
GAAD 2007340
GAAD 2007279
GAAD 2007386
GAAD 2007367
GAAD 2007376
GAAD 2007379
GAAD 2007361
GAAD 2007381
GAAD 2007387
GAAD 2007364
GAAD 2007383
GAAD 2007377
GAAD 2007363
GAAD 2007362
GAAD 2007390
GAAD 2007395
GAAD 2007396
GAAD 2007400
GAAD 2007402
GAAD 2007399
GAAD 2007403
GAAD 2007393
GAAD 2007394
GAAD 2007398
GAAD 2007397
GAAD 2007391
GAAD 2007410
GAAD 2007422
GAAD 2007427
GAAD 2007406
GAAD 2007404
GAAD 2007416
GAAD 2007419
GAAD 2007434
GAAD 2007425
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Great American Aero Derby (GAAD)

Where Students Soar with Hands-On, Brains-On Aviation Learning

The Great American Aero Derby (GAAD) is a dynamic, hands-on educational program that introduces students to the thrilling world of aviation through immersive, STEM-focused activities. Designed for students ages 10 to 18, GAAD combines fun, competition, and real-world science to spark curiosity and build practical skills in aerospace engineering and flight dynamics.

A Division of AeroRacers, Inc.

GAAD is the camp and competition division of AeroRacers, Inc., a trusted leader in innovative, American-made educational products since 1991. Since its launch in 2002, GAAD has welcomed thousands of young learners to explore flight through engaging, student-driven experiences.

Build, Fly, Compete, Learn

At GAAD camps, students don’t just learn about aviation—they live it. Each participant designs, builds, tests, and improves model airplanes using scientific principles taught in the classroom. The excitement peaks during the GAAD competition, where students launch their own creations in a fun, friendly outdoor contest.

The GAAD Competition

The GAAD competition features Free Flight gliders and rubber band-powered aircraft in a high-energy contest to see which planes can stay aloft the longest. Awards are given for top performances, but every student gains valuable experience in critical thinking, teamwork, and applied science.

Family and Educator Involvement Encouraged

GAAD encourages collaboration between students, parents, and educators. Adults are welcome—and needed—to help with building, setup, and flight testing. The result is a shared experience that strengthens community and inspires future aviators, engineers, and innovators.