Flying a plane, like driving a big rig down the highway, is not something most people will ever experience. It's a pretty exclusive club, due to the training and expensive equipment involved.

Yet there is a way for anyone hankering to reach the clouds to test out their handmade aircraft, thanks to the energy drink Red Bull. Since 1991, the company has held Flugtags throughout the world. "Flugtag" is German for "Flying Day," although the events are more about creativity and showmanship than achieving a record-breaking flight. After all, the Wright Brothers already did that back in 1903.

Assuming most of the human-powered machines won't make it that far, all Flugtags take place off of a ramp into a body of water. Recently in Austin, Texas, an estimated 45,000 spectators lined Town Lake to witness 41 flying machines be dragged, pushed and piloted off a 24-foot drop into the lake. The winning team used music, smoke, confetti and glitter to launch their 30-foot aluminum and ripstop-nylon aircraft a record-breaking 70 feet before crashing into the lake.

The Flugtag rules are pretty basic, requiring that the machine be powered entirely by humans, no more than 30-feet wide and no more than 450 pounds, including the pilot. Judging criteria is equal parts distance, creativity and showmanship. The grand prize is a pilot's training course, with second place taking home $3,000 and third place winning $1,500.

Think you've got an idea for a flying machine that could win the big bucks? Entry deadline for next year's Flugtags is in February, so start planning now. Find out more at www.redbullflugtag.com.

Catch It
Upcoming Red Bull Flugtag Events:

Sept. 20
Santa Monica Pier, Calif.

Oct. 5
Pier 86, New York, N.Y.

Oct. 25
San Francisco

Nov. 1
South Beach, Miami, Fla.