UE Flight Competition
Aicraft Layout Pros and Cons 

1) Conventional tractor.  Motor/prop in front.

Pros: 
+ Most compact.
+ Motor and battery (heavy items) are in front, which naturally balances tail.
+ Battery can be "hidden" behind motor to reduce its drag.

Cons: 
- High speed prop blast blows over fuselage and wing, increasing profile drag.
- Front prop and motor are somewhat vulnerable in ground impacts.


2) Front pusher.  Motor/prop above fuselage on pylon, ahead of wing.

Pros:
+ Prop blast does not impinge on fuselage or wing.
+ Prop and motor are protected from ground impact.

Cons:
- Battery cannot be hidden behind motor.
- Somewhat less compact. Requires longer nose (holding battery) for balance.
- Likely to need wire extensions to electrically connect all components.