Red Bull's high-flying Flugtag competition to return to Nashville

Ten years ago, a fire-breathing turtle, a winged Cadillac, a tractor, and a collection of other crazy, self-built flying contraptions hurtled off a 30-foot-high ramp over the Cumberland River.

Many plunged immediately into the dark water below.

A few soared for mere seconds before meeting the same fate.

And their brave pilots — the masterminds behind the machines — well, they followed into the wet depths.

The ridiculous display, known as Red Bull's Flugtag, drew thousands to the riverfront to laugh and cheer.

Sound like your type of silly? Well, good news. On Sept. 23, Flugtag will make its return to Music City.

Translated to "flying day" in German, Flugtag has taken place worldwide for 23 years, entertaining more than 500,000 people each year.

This year, on the day of the competition in Nashville, teams of five people will launch their human-powered machines off a 24-foot-high flight deck into the water below. The goal is to fly as far as possible, as they try to break the current Red Bull Flugtag World Record, which stands at 258 feet (78.64 meters).

The distance traveled is not the only criteria teams will have to consider, however. Participants will also be judged on their creativity and showmanship, so they must come prepared with a plan to excite the crowd.

Nashville has set a precedent for propulsion. In 2007, the Rocky Top Rocket — a flying banjo from Graham, Ky. — was airborne for 155 feet, smashing what was at the time the previous North American record of 81 feet set in 2006 in Baltimore. (The world record has since gotten much farther.) Nashville's Flugtag also set another record that year: The crowd of about 80,000 was the largest for a U.S. Flugtag event to that point.

Those interested in participating in Nashville's 2017 event can apply now. Applying to participate is free, but pilots must be 18 years or older to enter. The application process closes on June 2, when 40 teams will be selected to participate to see who can fly their homemade craft to greatness.

For more information, including applications, rules, photos, and video footage from past Red Bull Flugtag events, visit www.redbullflugtag.com/usa.

Reach Jessica Bliss at jbliss@tennessean.com and 615-259-8253. You can also find her on Twitter @jlbliss.