event

We got a slow start this morning with the static judging, but eventually got all of the models judged. The Sport, Profile, Team, 1/2A, and Authentic scale classes were done the same way we have done it in the past, where the judges were given a binder with information about the full-size aircraft that was copied.

Friday delivered more than anyone expected. The plan called for one round of competition flying in the afternoon, which is the tradition at the Scale Nats. Instead, the weather held, the flightlines kept moving, and the contest got two full rounds in the books before the day was done.

The morning of the first day started smoothly, with the Standard Catapult Glider and the Hand Launch Glider events. In the afternoon, Cabin, Easy B, F1R, and F1D flew in typical fashion until the last hour of the contest.

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.

The Indoor Free Flight (FF) events of the 100th AMA Nats will be contested at the Reimagine Recreation sports complex in Pontiac. Michigan.

By Bob Mears

Today was Crazy-Fast, Fast Combat. It is only for the ballsy. First place went to Bill Maywald, Chuck Rudner took second and Neil Simpson was third. These guys had some amazing matches! This was the last combat event at the Nats. We will see everyone next year.

Thursday was registration and practice day at the Scale Nats, which means no competition flights were flown and no rounds were scored in the air. That does not mean the day was quiet.

Speed Limit Combat started Tuesday. We had really nice weather. It was great to fly in.

There are multiple angles from which to approach this final issue of NatsNews for the 2026 AMA RC Pylon Racing National Championships. I wish there was a way to convey the intensity, nerve, skill and aggression on display during the actual laps of competition – especially in the Quarter 40 class.

The unofficial Carrier events were run today. These events are usually completed by noon, so I made plans to be somewhere else later in the day. However, Murphy raised his head and said “Not today.”