Stories from the Flight Line

NATS News

Coverage, results, and stories from the National Aeromodeling Championships.

Model airplanes lined up on a runway, with one prominently orange and blue.

The lineup of airplanes on the left flightline getting ready for practice.

The 2025 IMAC Nationals are underway at the Academy of Model Aeronautics Headquarters in Muncie, Indiana, with 49 skilled pilots competing from across the US and globally.
Jul 29, 2025
Group of people in a field, hands joined in the center.

End-of-Nats Huddle.

The 2025 Outdoor Free Flight Nationals were a success, with efficient logistics and a strong community spirit. Flyers adapted to weather challenges, and volunteers played a crucial role in the event's smooth operation. The National Free Flight Society recognized champions across various categories, including Junior, Senior, and Specialty divisions.
Jul 29, 2025
Two men holding colorful model gliders on a grassy field.

Dueling sailplanes.

The July 27, 2025 issue of Soaring Quadfecta reports on the 2025 AMA/LSF Soaring Nationals. The contest was postponed due to thunderstorms but resumed after rain cleared. A fly-off was held between Jim Martin and Josh Glaab for RES National Champion, with Jim emerging victorious.
Jul 29, 2025
Man in a field holding a large model glider, remote control in hand.

Gordon Buckland and his Grand Esprit in Nostalgia.

Here is a summary of the article in 300 characters or less: July 26, 2025 RC Soaring Update: Josh Glaab and Gordon Buckland dominated Unlimited Round 3, while Jim Martin and Josh Glaab tied for first in RES with perfect scores.
Jul 28, 2025
Four women smiling outdoors, wearing casual summer clothing.

National Free Flight Society volunteers.

The final day of the Nats featured a whirlwind of events including P-30, F1S, and various free flight categories. Winners included Chuck Powell (P-30 Gold), Bob Sowder (F1S Gold), Dan Berry (Early 1/2A Nostalgia Gas Gold), Caleb Finn (Classic Towline Gold), and Jesse Firster (OT Rubber Cabin Gold).
Jul 28, 2025
Man holding a large model airplane in a grassy field.

Josh Glaab, ready to fly his Organic 2M.

Pilots gathered for the Soaring Quadfecta competition on July 25, 2025. Despite rain and thunderstorms, flying continued with various sailplane classes, including Unlimited, RES, 2M, and Nostalgia. The event was stopped due to lightning and damage ensued, resuming on Saturday morning.
Jul 28, 2025
Man holding large trophy and model plane on grassy field.

Kyle Gerspacher is the 2025 HLG champion.

Muncie experienced cool south-west winds during the Outdoor Free Flight NATS on July 24, 2025. Competitors flew despite thunder and showers, with George Daleki winning Dawn Unlimited. Results varied across events, including F1G, small engine, electric A, Gas, HLG, and team trophies for adults.
Jul 25, 2025
Man kneeling on grass with a model glider and holding a plaque.

 Gordon Buckland with his winning Encanto.

The F3L Soaring contest concluded with a strong showing from pilots, including Gordon Buckland's perfect score and Paul Lankau finishing in 5th place. The event featured challenging wind conditions and exciting flights, with many pilots performing impressive relaunches to improve their scores.
Jul 25, 2025
Group of people holding model aircraft on a grassy field.

The F3K Group photo. (John Butler photo)

The 2025 AMA F3K Nats was held on July 19-20, with sunny and breezy conditions initially giving way to thunderstorms. Jon Garber led the contest, followed closely by Ben Stewart and Joe Dougherty, with a repeat victory for Li.
Jul 24, 2025

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