The 2025 RC Soaring Nats is underway!
By Mike Bergerson
The Cross Country portion of the Nats got off to a rainy start at Monroe Central High School in beautiful Parker City, Indiana, postponing our day for a few hours. We, of course, sat under the pavilion telling tall tales as the moisture fell.
The rain parted and we set up the winch for some test flights to get everything trimmed out on the different sailplanes we brought. It was a bit gusty but not terribly windy. The rain threatened but didn't reappear. It turned out to be a fun day. We caught several boomer thermals that moved fairly quickly with the wind.
One of the most critical aspects to having success on the course is a well-trimmed and set up glider. It should fly hands-off for at least 30 seconds to ensure that when the pilot loses sight of their aircraft, due to obstacles such as overhanging trees, they can reacquire it along the predicated flight path. Waiting for your plane to reappear can get a bit unnerving. So, a well-trimmed sailplane is a must.
I spent several hours trimming out an untested, old Pike Perfect. It's a great experience to go back and fly a 20-year-old design. I had to retrain my brain to fly a 3.6M 80oz. sailplane after flying mid-40oz 4M F5J ships. They do require a bit of finesse and this particular Pike launches very nicely!
Ed and Wally flew their Explorers and Supras, getting new airplanes ready for the next few days. Wally trimmed two of his Supras after putting in new receivers. I'm a Supra fan and believe they are one of the very best all-around sailplanes.
Randy Everly came out and lent moral support to our efforts. Alas, there were no runs down the course today, but promises of tomorrow filled the air. I will get my 1K and 2K before the last day on Friday. Come on out and play. Blue Skies!