2027 F3C U.S. Team (L to R) Mike Goza, Nick Maxwell, Andre Van Grieken.
The 2026 Model Helicopter National Championships are now in the books. This was one of the best represented Nats in recent history. We saw lots of flights and terrific competition with several new competitors.
Several competitors discussing the current sequence of maneuvers.
As the competition draws down, the flying and competition is still very focused. The AMA (precision aerobatics) provided a number of classes to offer most everyone an opportunity to fly a set of maneuvers that is safely achievable.
The second day of competition got all of the competitors settled down into a predictable routine. CD Chris Goodin and the American Radio Control Competition Helicopter Society (ARCCHS) team worked very hard to help make the event run very smoothly.
Day 3 of the 2026 IMAC Nationals is officially in the books, and it was another full day of great flying and fellowship. Today's flying schedule included two rounds of Freestyle, one Unknown round, and one Known round.
Monday was F2D Combat. This was a fast and furious event with 20 entries. The final came down to Dave Fischer, who took the first spot, followed by Sam Londke. Chris Gay placed third.
Jeff Gitchel is at the starter motor while James VanSant holds his father, Glen’s, A Speed plane, ready to launch it for a 182.75 mph run.
On Tuesday, the third day of Control Line Speed, we flew three events, A Speed, FAI/F2A peed and Fox 35 Stunt Speed. There were five contestants in A Speed and F2A Speed, and there were 13 planes entered in Fox 35 Speed.
A quick start to day 2-of-2, the final day of 426 Super Sport Quickie 500. Jacob Raquet gets the jump on pushing pilot Matthew Fehling’s Q500 plane off the line.
Day 2-of-2 for the 2026 AMA Nationals for 426 Super Sport Quickie 500 is in the books and a national champion has been crowned. In between, there was plenty of action on the course.