Stories from the Flight Line

NATS News

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

Man inspecting a red model airplane under a shelter.

Ben Andrus assembling his ¼-scale Fairchild 24

Pilots are arriving and setting up for the 2025 RC Scale Nationals at Site 4. The event marks NASA's 50th anniversary, and pilots can receive a commemorative mug upon registration. With classes ranging from novice to experienced pilots, the contest promises to showcase a variety of aircraft.
Jul 14, 2025
Yellow model airplane on a table in a grassy area.

 Peter Bauer's 2024 World Champion model.

The F4B Control Line Scale World Championships are taking place on July 11th at Site 6. Team trials have narrowed down to three pilots, who will represent the team in the UK. The event is dominated by flying points, with static scores accounting for only a third of total points.
Jul 14, 2025
Vintage biplane with blue wheels on grassy field.

Keith Numbers Designer Scale Royal Aircraft FE-8.

RC Scale Nats will take place from July 10-13, featuring control line (F4B) and radio control (F4H and F4C) scale classes with varying rules and requirements. Contest flying begins on Friday and continues through Sunday, with awards to be given out in the afternoon.
Jul 14, 2025
Boy kneeling, preparing a yellow model airplane on a raised track.

Welsey Smith launching brother, Conner Smith's, Skyray 35 Carrier plane.

The July 10, 2025: Control Line Navy Carrier event at the AMA Nationals saw family teams and individuals compete. Husband-wife duo Jo and Evert Shoemaker took home first place in two events, while Paul Smith won a nostalgia profile carrier event after holding the trophy from 1975's first AMA Nationals.
Jul 11, 2025
Two men kneeling, assembling a small model airplane on pavement.

Jeff Gitchel puts the electric starter to the spinner on James Van Sant’s B Speed plane. 

Here is a summary of the article in 300 characters or less: John Moll reports on July 10, 2025, control line speed events at Site 2. Winners include Bill Hughes (A Speed) and Dave Rigotti (Sport Jet), with close margins between them.
Jul 11, 2025
Two people in red shirts holding model planes on grass under a blue sky.
Twenty-five contestants competed in AMA Speed Limit Combat on July 10, 2025, with a twist of limited speed. Neil Simpson won the championship with his Coyote combat ship, followed by Dave Fischer, Dan Kinder, Brian Stas, and Kurt Carlson.
Jul 11, 2025
Group of four men outdoors holding red and blue model airplanes.

The Moon clan (L to R): Max (Doug's son), Steve, Doug, and Jack (Steve's son). It is a true family affair that spans the globe. Jake resides in Singapore.

The July 10, 2025 Nats control line aerobatics competition saw smooth operations and impressive performances from top pilots. The top 20 in Open class advanced to the next round, with Derek Barry taking first place. In Advanced class, Don Jenkins secured both the National Champion title and Concours win, making it a historic first for the event.
Jul 11, 2025
Man in sunglasses and hat, seated outdoors at a picnic area on a sunny day.

Sean Miller, all the away from California, earned the US National F3N championship in his first Nats competition!

The official competition ended with an award ceremony, where Chris Gooden and Darrell Sprayberry presented awards. Deanna Muraki was praised for her scoring process. The US Team had a practice day on Wednesday before their trip to Romania.
Jul 11, 2025
Man guiding small model airplane on a runway in a grassy field.

Ron Duly releasing Wesley Smith's Class I Carrier model.

Scale Class Carrier flew on July 9, 2025, with four classes competing; Class I, Class I Electric, Class II, and Class II Electric. Angstrom Eberenz won the Eugene Ely award. Results include Class I Carrier, Electric Class I Carrier, Class II Carrier, Electric Class II Carrier for each class.
Jul 10, 2025

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