Event

Today is the first day of flying for the 2017 RC Helicopter Nats. The static judging of the Scale helis took place this morning, with flying beginning this afternoon. The RC Helicopter Nats continue through Thursday.

Although the skies were clear, thermal conditions made finishing the ALES Soaring competition difficult. In addition to a closing report for Soaring, learn how Masters and FAI competitors finished in RC Pattern.

Although there were fewer pilots than on the previous four days of the Outdoor FF Nats, the competition wasn't over! Some young pilots gave veterans a run for their money. Reports about ALES Soaring and RC Precision Aerobatics are also in today's issue.

Squalls stall Nats flying
Although the weather in Blytheville, Arkansas, was perfect for competing in the RC Precision Aerobatics (Pattern) Nats, the opposite was true in Muncie, Indiana. Today is the first day of F3J and ALES soaring events.

Having fun at the 2017 Nats
Although the purpose of the Outdoor FF, RC Aerobatics (Pattern), and Soaring Nats is to compete, many pilots have fun and make friends along the way. See scores from all three events in today's NatsNews.

Rising is harder than it looks
Those competing in the 2017 Outdoor FF Nats discovered Tuesday that rising off of anything—whether it be water or ground—is harder than expected. The Soaring NOS and RES events also concluded. We also have coverage from the RC Pattern Aerobatic Nats taking place in Blytheville, Arkansas.

Several contests were held and the winners were declared on the first day of the 2017 Outdoor FF Nats. Avoiding pools of water left from a thunderstorm became a contest of its own.

Today is the first day of the 2017 Free Flight Nats. More than 68 events will be flown today through Friday. Sunday was the final day for Hand Launch Thermal Soaring and Two-Meter Soaring.

Although weather and pilot error tried to hamper events, the true spirit of the Nats—camaraderie—prevailed. Saturday was the final day for CL Stunt and Indoor FF at the 2017 Nats.

Today marks the start of official RC Soaring Nats events, Hand-Launch Thermal Soaring and Two-Meter. Today's issue also has reports on CL Speed, CL Stunt, and Indoor Free Flight.