Oliver Dillon and his 1/2A gas model.
By Don DeLoach
The 2026 Free Flight Nats got underway Monday, July 20 amid warm temperatures, light and variable winds, and hazy skies which affected visibility on flight timing.
The Moffett event is one the most prestigious in all of aeromodelling, particularly in the USA. Mark Vancil won it this year with the only max-out, followed closely by Hope Finn in second and Bob Sifleet in third. Hope’s first two flights were maxes. On her third flight (the 4-minute max) her timekeeper lost sight of her model at only 3:16 even though it was only 2/3 of a mile downwind. Tough break.
Vintage FAI Power is exploding in popularity. This year there were thirteen flyers. Colorado flyer Todd Reynolds topped the field with his Lloyd Decker “Hopper” built for him by the great Bud Romak.
New Yorker Aram Schlosberg pulled off the win in B Electric over a crowded field of twelve other flyers. Past B winner, Phil Calvert, was second, and Mark Thomas was third.
Dan Berry won AB Classic Gas for the umpteenth time, flying his veteran Nelson-powered Marval. There were ten flyers in this hot-rod event.
Other winners Monday included Ronnie Thompson (D Gas), Caleb Finn (Junior F1A) and Risto Puhakka (F1A).
Unfortunately big weather changes are in store for Tuesday: Morning rain followed by strong 10-20 mph winds. Hopefully the forecast doesn’t pan out. Otherwise, Tuesday could be less than fun.
Monday results.
Monday results.
Monday results.
Monday results.
Monday results.
