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Group with model airplanes in a stadium setting.

Hope, Joshua, and Caleb Finn (right) of J & H Aerospace pose with some of the youth competitors that they mentor. All are holding gliders from J & H Aerospace. Photo credit: Mai Le

Whether fighting demons in the air, spectating, or simply having a good time, the three days at the Indoor Free Flight Nats are always special. For me, memories are made here, and the 2025 Nats at the ETSU dome in Johnson City was no different.

 
Model airplane flying indoors near a high ceiling with lights and signs.

The author’s F1R model takes flight inside the Mini-Dome. Photo credit: Nick Ray

The 2025 Indoor Free Flight Nats is in the books. The participants are in the process of returning home with new memories and plans for what to build before next year’s contest.

 
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

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.

 
Man adjusting a small, model propeller plane on an indoor track.

Michael Copeland prepares his Limited Pennyplane: Photo credit: Nick Ray

The morning of the second day of the 2025 Indoor Free Flight Nats competition featured several popular events. Limited Pennyplane saw the largest participation of any of the events so far, with 16 entries.

 

Nats Demystified

A.C. Glenn focusing on the finals.

A.C. Glenn focusing on the finals.

A great week of competition was had by everyone. This was a very well-run Nats event, and the team that accomplished it should be very proud.

 
Lots of electric sailplanes are present at the 2024 AMA RC Soaring Nats.

Lots of electric sailplanes are present at the 2024 AMA RC Soaring Nats.

A kinder, gentler Nats. Ahhhhh. The start of Altitude Limited Electric Soaring (ALES) went smoothly for Conest Director Norm Poti. If there were issues, they weren't noticed by those enjoying their first day of ALES.

 
thermal hunting demystified

In our final episode of Nats Demystified, Matt Ruddick talks to Wally Adasczik and Bob Sifleet about hunting thermals in Soaring and Free Flight events.

 
windy conditions demystified

Join Matt Ruddick for another Nats Demystified where he talks to League of Silent Flight Secretary John Marien about how sailplanes are able to soar in windy conditions.

 

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