End-of-Nats Huddle.
By Skilly DeLoach
The 2025 Outdoor Free Flight Nationals can only be described as a true success. From start to finish, the event ran with impressive efficiency. Every contest was organized, on schedule, and executed without a hitch. Beyond the logistics, what made this year stand out was the undeniable energy and connection among the flyers. Whether they were seasoned veterans, or new faces, everyone came together with a shared passion for flight, creating a spirited and welcoming atmosphere.
Fun wasn’t just an outcome, it was the core of the experience. Laughter echoed across the field, friendships were strengthened, and memories were made in every round. While the weather threw in a few curveballs, it never broke the momentum. Flyers adapted with skill and determination, proving once again that the heart of Free Flight lives in its community’s resilience and love for the sport.
In every way that mattered, the 2025 Nats delivered. The only reason this was such a success was because of the volunteers.
A huge thank you goes out to Patty Lorbiecki and Lisa Pacelli for their hard work and dedication as scorekeepers at this year’s model airplane contest. From start to finish, they kept everything organized and running like clockwork. Whether it was recording flight times, sorting score sheets, or answering last-minute questions with a smile, they stayed on top of every detail…even when the field got hectic.
It’s easy to overlook how important the scorekeeping table is, but without Patty and Lisa, the contest simply wouldn’t have flowed the way it did. Their focus, patience, and good humor kept things smooth behind the scenes. Every flyer out there owes part of their experience to these two. We are incredibly grateful for everything they do.
A big thank you to Mark Vancil for all the time and effort he put into organizing the NFFS Hall of Fame Banquet on Wednesday night. Pulling off an event like that is no small task; coordinating the venue, lining up the program, handling last-minute details, and making sure everything ran smoothly. Mark handled it all with his usual calm and capable style. The result was a meaningful, well-run evening that honored the best in our hobby.
The banquet brought everyone together to celebrate, connect, and commemorate those we’ve lost. From the slideshow to the heartfelt tributes, Mark made sure the night felt special for inductees and everyone in attendance.
Jan Langelius deserves major recognition for his role as the lead volunteer Contest Director (CD) throughout the week. As the most important figure in the daily operation of the event, Jan was out on the field before 8 am each morning and was often the last one to leave after 5 pm. He took on the heavy responsibility of making sure every event ran smoothly, safely, and by the book.
From setting the daily schedule to enforcing the rules and appointing the right people to help with each event, Jan kept everything on track with a calm, steady presence. It’s easy to forget just how much work happens behind the scenes. Thanks to Jan’s dedication, leadership, and deep knowledge of the sport, the contest ran like clockwork. Simply put, it wouldn’t have happened without him.
The field was filled with fantastic flyers all week long. Most importantly, the competitors had fun. The end of the Nats also means seeing who flew ‘best’ all week— the Category National Champions.
The 2025 National Champions are:
Junior: Caleb Finn
Senior: Dev Goda
AMA Rubber: George Dalecki
Classic AMA Gas: Dan Berry
Electric: Bob Sowder
Glider: Gene Ulm
National Free Flight Society (NFFS) Rubber: Mark Vancil
NOS Gas: Bruce Hannah
See you at the next Nats. Happy Flying!
