Jump off cliff in giant bird head? Yes, says one Seattle team

SEATTLE - A group of local college students is hoping to soar above the competition during a human-powered flying event this weekend.

A team from Seattle University will take part in the Red Bull Flugtag this weekend in Long Beach, CA.

The Flugtag, which means "Flying Day" in German, gives everyday folks a chance to create a human-powered flying machine, which is then launched off a 28-foot high flight deck before plunging into the water below after a short flight.

The team for Seattle University consists of mechanical engineering students Jenny Yin, Marie Grieshaber, Ben Klontz, Tommy Nguyen, and Trevor Umbinetti. The group has been working all summer to build an aircraft shaped like their mascot, Rudy the Redhawk.

Using fluid dynamics and conducting model tests in wind tunnels, they believe they've developed a strong, aerodynamic structure that will glide once launched.

The team is currently transporting their flying machine to California in advance of Saturday's competition. The first Red Bull Flugtag was first held in San Francisco in 2002.