All craft beer enthusiasts know that a sample of beers is called a “flight.” Why is it called a flight? Birds fly, planes fly. Beers don’t fly. As long as there have been brewpubs, we have been calling a sample of beers a "flight." The only other clue as to its name might be related to a “flight of steps.” You can’t stand on every step at once, just like you can’t drink 4 beers at
once (unless you blend them and sip the beer blend). So you need drink the beers one step at a time, like in a flight. This theory is just speculation. If it’s called a flight, we might as well give the beer wings.
I started with a sketch and then mocked up a prototype using cardboard.
Then I took measurements and created a 3d model in the free version of Sketchup. You can download the file and then view the 3D model for free at https://www.viewstl.com/
Finally, with a little experimentation with tolerances I laser cut the pieces out of 3mm modeling plywood on my 40Watt CO2 laser. I decided to call it the Wright Flight after the inventors of the first successful manned flight. The logo on the side is an ambigram of the words "wright flight" (a bit hard to read, but very cool). Coincidentally, it is finally the right flight as well. I probably should have just put our logo on it. Oh well, not the end of the world, I can always make more.
The front board is removable was added later as a small dry-erasable sign to designate the different beer flavors. The little block at the nose has two purposes, one for strength, but two, I wanted to add a propeller to this bi-wing. I decided to scrap it since (a) it can’t spin without hitting the ground and (b) it wouldn’t last long with customers breaking this and constant repairs.
Craftbeer.com decided to publish a version of this article/blog as well.
Prost!