Ronnie Thompson with 1970s-era Zingo powered by a screaming Cox Conquest .15.
By Don DeLoach
Day one of the 2025 FF Nats kicked off at the International Aeromodeling Center on Monday, July 21 with several premier events, and some after-hours unofficial flying.
Dan Berry, who skipped last year’s Nats due to some medical issues, was back sporting a “Sciatica FF Team” tee. Well played Dan. He finished a close second in AB Classic Gas. Perennial Gas champ, Ronnie Thompson, was first.
High schooler, Johnny Mah-Gersting, came with his family all the way from California to his first Nats and won high time in F1A. Congratulations!
Hope Finn is has cemented her place as one of the USA’s top rubber flyers. Two years ago, she won the Mulvihill; today she won Moffett and the historic Admiral Moffett trophy. Well done, Hope!
Rocco Ferrario has emerged as an elite Nos gas flyer in recent years; he won Monday over a crowded field in 1/2A Nos.
Mark Vancil also had a great Monday. He finished first with the only max out in Andrade Rubber.
A smattering of unofficial events were held on Monday evening after the awards. All had excellent turnouts of 8-12 flyers. The You Catapult contest sponsored by Ronnie Espolt was exciting and popular with its cash prizes. Beat The Vartanian, a mass launch event for 12” Catapult gliders, was won by Don Tang who bested ten challengers. Twin Pusher was a new event this year sponsored by Chuck Powell. Eight contenders vied for the win, with Mike Fedor taking the top spot.
More Free Flight is coming tomorrow, so stay tuned to NatsNews!
View scores here!
Roger Erridge launches his Midi Pearl with Rossi .15.
Jim Parker, hot-climbing AB Classic Gas.
Youth Catapult gang and their cash prizes.
AB Classic winners on Monday (L-R) Gerald Brown 3rd, Ronnie Thompson 1st, Dan Berry 2nd.
Old Time Catapult Glider winners (L-R) Kyle Gerspacher 2nd, Don DeLoach 1st, Jan Langelius 3rd.
D Gas winners (L-R): Ronnie Thompson 2nd, Gerald Brown 1st, Jim Bockinfuso 3rd.
Payload winners (L-R): Mike Fedor 2nd, Paul Finn 3rd, Denny Dock 1st.