cl aerobatics

Now that the 100th NATS has wrapped up, it is time to put down some final thoughts. During the days of competition, the weather was pretty good all week… a rarity.

The day almost started out as a carbon copy of the previous days. However, today we started out with a few spotty clouds and a little wind. There was nothing major with the wind, but the pilots knew where to place their maneuvers. None of this, “Maybe here, or is it there?” type of thing.

As the contestants woke up from their slumber, they looked out the window and noticed clear skies and cool temperatures. For some, it was even a bit chilly. It still was going to be one of those “Don't forget the sunscreen.” days again.

This year is marked with several noteworthy milestones. This is the 250th anniversary of the USA, the 100th AMA Nationals, and my 30th Nationals that I will have competed in.

What a week it was at the 2025 Nats! I have to hand it to the team that ran the show.

On Friday morning, the group was greeted with warm temperatures and light winds. So far this week, we have been very lucky in that when we were flying the weather cooperated. Today would be no different.

Today was “Top 20 Day” in Open class and “Top 12 Day” in Advanced class.

On Wednesday, the contestants were greeted with cloudy skies, light winds and mid to upper 60s for temperatures. The winds, once the official flights started, stayed in one direction. So in the words of Sergeant Shultz from Hogan's Heroes, the day was Be-u-ti-ful!

Today, contestants were greeted with cool temps in the low 60's. It was cool enough that I even warmed the vent air just a bit in the car. No AC was needed this morning. On the way back to the motel, however, the car's AC was set to max, with all nozzles pointed at me!

On Monday, July 7th, there were three events being held: Old Time Stunt (OTS), Classic, and Nostalgia 30.