May 26th, 2025: Indoor Free Flight

Indoor track event, man writes on paper near tables with equipment and flags.

John Kagan winds his P-18 on the last day of competition. Photo credit: Nick Ray

By Nick Ray

The third and final day of the 2025 Indoor Free Flight Nats saw a change in the outside weather. The morning was a bit cooler and a light rain had settled in. Opinions were mixed around the dome as to how the change in conditions would impact the buoyancy of the air and drift patterns inside the building. Some competitors opted to fly early in the morning, while others waited as late as possible. Both contingents were hoping to get the best air available.

A-6 was the most contested event of the third day. The top three places were taken by Hamish Christie, Tom Sova and Don Slusarczyk respectively. Only a little over a minute separated the top three places. Ministick had a total of 10 entries. I won this event, with Joshua Finn in second place and Tom Sova in third. One minute and ten seconds separated the top three places.

Notice the delicate features of Brett Sanborn’s winning F1L model. . Photo credit: Nick Ray] — Notice the delicate features of Brett Sanborn’s winning F1L model. . Photo credit: Nick Ray

Brett Sanborn won the F1L category by a healthy margin. Hope Finn and Don Slusarczyk came in second and third respectively. John Kagan finished out the Nats by winning the P-18 mass launch at the end of the contest. David Beazley and NFFS President, David Lindley, officiated the closing ceremony.