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Radio Control Soaring

League of silent flight logo
07/20/2024 to 07/28/2024
Flying Site: 
4 and 5

For detailed information see the IAC Calendar.

RC Soaring is flown by different classes of sailplanes or gliders.  These aircraft are towed aloft by 12-volt electric winches.  They have no other form of propulsion.  The winches have a great deal of power and, depending on the aircraft, a launch height of 500 to 600 feet can be obtained.  Competitors fly in rounds.  Each round has a different task associated with it, and each has a flight task and a landing task.  Most flight tasks are based on some form of precision flight time (seven minutes, plus or minus, from the time of winch line disconnect to contact with the ground). The closer the landing is made to the target time, the more points are awarded.  Landing targets an exact spot; the closer to the spot, the more points gained.  Typically, 10 sailplanes will launch at the same time.  Sailplane classes are divided by the size of the aircraft. Smaller aircraft can fly in classes allowing larger aircraft.  The winner is determined by the total number of points obtained.

 

The first day of soaring competition is at an off-site location.

Nats News

August 23, 2021: RC Soaring

By Wally Adasczik

F3K Soaring

F3K started with 28 contestants. Hand Launch is so cool and small thermal flying translates to reading good air when you move up to the larger Unlimited/F5J ships. There were a few world and national champions in the contestant pool! Folks come from all over the US for this event. 

I pulled into the IAC and took a gorgeous picture of the sunrise.

August 20, 2021: RC Soaring

LSF Cross Country Day 2

By Wally Adasczik

What a great day for Cross Country (XC)! The whole Parker City Parks and Recreation department showed up, Mr. Mick Beckman, and hung out with us for a few hours. He was very happy that the Parker City, Indiana, park was being used and asked all sorts of questions. The gang learned that he has been with Parker City Municipal for over 55 years! True dedication there, if I say so. Mick is that handsome lad in the light green shirt in the next photo.

August 19, 2021: RC Soaring

Day 1 of LSF Cross Country and F3H Racing

By Wally Adasczik

The day started off at a new location, the Parker City Municipal Park, in Parker City, Indiana. In years past, the Cross Country crew usually used the Monroe Central school grounds, in Parker City. School starts early here in Indiana, and the school grounds were not open for public use.

2020 Outdoor Nats in Photos

The 2020 Outdoor Nats took place July 12-August 5 at the International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana. Although the pandemic made for an interesting and complicated year, several events still took place safely, allowing competitors and AMA members to continue to enjoy our hobby.

We have created a photo gallery for this year's event. Please feel free to like, share, download, and print a few!

July 30, 2020: RC Soaring F3K

By Ryan Woebkenberg

F3K wrapped up Wednesday. Five more preliminary rounds were flown followed by a four-round flyoff for the top six finishers. The 14 rounds from yesterday and today were used to determine the contest winner.

A total of 20 pilots competed in the F3K Nats this year. That is down a bit from previous years (likely COVID related) when we typically have about 30 pilots enter. This year, we had four Juniors enter, and two of them made the flyoffs.  F3K 2020 was won by Jason Cole, with second going to Nathan Bartley, and third to Oleg Golovidov.

July 29, 2020: RC Soaring F3K

By Ryan Woebkenberg

Tuesday was day one for F3K (Hand Launch Soaring). Nineteen pilots were present and flying was conducing using three flight groups.

F3K is the FAI Soaring class for RC hand-launch gliders. The models have a maximum wingspan of 1.5 meters and are typically made mostly from carbon fiber. The gliders are thrown hand, typically by being spun around from a wingtip and release.

July 28, 2020: RC Soaring F5J

By Ryan Woebkenberg

F5J Soaring began on Sunday with the completion of six rounds. Monday we few three more preliminary rounds. Out of nine total flights, each pilot was allowed to drop their worst score.

There was supposed to be a flyoff comprised of the top nine pilots, but the rain showed up about 1 p.m. My daughter and I left for the day, I and I am not sure if the flyoff was able to be completed …

Today is the start of F3K and ALES, which will both run through Wednesday.

July 25, 2020: RC Soaring F3Res

By Ryan Woebkenberg

Friday is the F3Res portion of the 2020 RC Soaring Nats. Only 8 pilots were present, but we think COVID-19 hurt turnout. F3Res is an event for wood two-meter wingspan rudder/elevator/spoiler (RES) control. Launches are made via identical, specific high starts. Tasks are 6 minutes with a generous landing tape.

See all 2020 RC Soaring Nats coverage HERE.