the 2025 Scale R/C Nationals
2025 RC Scale NATS
Gerry Garing Reporting
Introduction
The RC Scale NATS was scheduled for Thursday, July 10, through Sunday, July 13, this year. Team selections for the 2026 FAI control line and radio control teams will be determined this summer as well. Static judging for these classes will be held Thursday morning, beginning at 8:00 AM, with static judging available for AMA classes beginning around noon. If you have never attended a contest, this is a good opportunity to see some finely crafted models and observe how these models are judged.
You may be wondering about the terminology for the FAI models. F4B is stand-off scale for control line and 4FH is stand-off scale for radio control. Stand-off models are judged much like those in AMA classes. They are judged from a distance and subject to a time limit. F4B CL models can weigh up 13 ¼ lbs., and F4H RC models can weigh up to 33 pounds. F4C RC models can weigh no more than 13 ¼ lbs., require much more detailed documentation, are not subject to a time limit, and are judged from 0 feet.
While the FAI team trials are incorporated into this year’s Nationals, Thursday through Sunday are devoted to competition within the AMA RC Scale classes. There are many to choose from. There are Pro-Am classes that need only one picture to prove the plane is a scale model. It need not even be the same plane as the model, and there is no static judging involved. Pro-Am classes are all about scale flying. Traditionally constructed models and foamy ARFs are all acceptable for Pro-Am classes. Other classes require traditional static judging according to AMA rules. The flight requirements are the same for all AMA classes. Further information regarding rules can be found in the 2024-2025 rule book for Radio Control Fixed Wing Scale, available for free download from the AMA website. If you are attending the NATS, don’t be shy about approaching pilots or contest personnel with your questions.
Contest Flying began on Friday at 2:00 PM and concluded once all models had flown once. Flying Saturday was scheduled from approximately 9:00 AM through approximately 4:00 PM. One round was flown on Sunday morning, which will conclude the competition. Scores will be tallied and awards given out by early afternoon. All the above is subject to change depending on the weather and the number of participants.
Thursday
It’s Thursday morning at site 4, and the 2025 RC Scale Nationals are getting underway. It’s a beautiful morning with bright skies and very little wind. Many pilots are already here. The camper hook-ups are nearly full. Pilots continue to arrive, register, and set up. Static judging has begun for FAI entries in both radio control and control line. In the meantime, pilots are free to put in a few practice flights. It’s also a time to catch up with friends and make new ones. Contest Director John Boyko called a pilot meeting at 10:00 AM, followed by a judge’s meeting. Both briefings are held to ensure everyone understands the expectations and to ensure a fair contest for all.
I would also like to mention N.A.S.A. (National Association of Scale Aeromodelers. N.A.S.A. is AMA’s special interest group for Scale, both radio control and control line. As such, NASA is responsible for organizing and conducting the Scale Nationals each year. This is NASA’s 50th anniversary. To recognize that milestone, NASA commissioned a commemorative Yeti mug. Each registered pilot will receive a mug, which is also available for purchase. NASA signed up 5 new members this morning! NASA is also promoting its FAI raffle for a 100cc UMS radial engine with CH ignition. Proceeds from this raffle help support the FAI teams competing in Great Britain in 2026.
As of 1:00 PM, there are 31 registered entries across seven classes. AMA rules provide classes based on aircraft, pilot experience, and type of airplane. There are classes for experienced pilots and novice pilots. Classes for modelers who have built their models and classes for AFR foamies. Or any combination thereof. Pilots have the option of flying several airplanes; however, they must be entered in different classes.
A highlight of attending the NATS, whether as a spectator or competitor, is the ability to walk through the tents and pavilions to get an up-close look at the models. Modelers are proud of their creations and usually welcome questions, comments, and discussion. Use a little common sense. If the pilot is preparing for a round, it is not a proper time. Another highlight of a Scale contest is the variety of aircraft, all of which can be competitive. Walking the field today, it doesn’t take long to find World War I airplanes, World War II airplanes, turbine aircraft, and general aviation aircraft. One particularly unique airplane is a Pitcairn PCA-2 autogyro from the 1930s. It is electric-powered and extremely graceful as it performed a series of lazy-8s.
Static judging will wrap up Thursday morning, and the first round of flying will begin around noon. Two more rounds will be flown on Saturday and one on Sunday morning. All subject to change due to weather. There could be more than four rounds or fewer than four. As this is being written, Saturday evening holds the threat of bad weather.
Included are some pics from today. I hope you enjoy them!
Ben Andrus is assembling his ¼ scale Fairchild 24.
A sample of Ben’s craftsmanship on Fairchild’s tail.
Brian Peterson’s Nieuport
Kaleb Spencer on the landing approach with their giant P-47. This is a superb airplane, and we will feature it more in the next report.
Bill Spencer(spotter) and his son Kaleb (pilot) are participating in their first AMA Nationals.
NASA Commemorative Mug and UMS 100 cc engine.
This very special WACO cabin biplane was one of several built by Charlie Nelson in the 80s and 90s. Charlie’s planes (including this one) won several prestigious contests and graced the pages of many magazines. This plane is a gift from Charlie to Tim Dickey, who became good friends and flying buddies in Arizona.
John Boyko, contest director, holds Thursday morning’s pilot meeting.
Pitcairn PCA-2 autogyro built and flown by Keith Numbers.
Airplanes lined up for FAI judging.
Friday
Friday morning, day 2 at the Scale NATIONALS. I arrived at the field this morning around 7:30 to see a 1/3 scale Stearman doing touch and goes and some gentle scale maneuvers. It doesn’t get any better than this. Static judges had several planes to judge, and that phase of the contest is finished. Meanwhile, pilots continued to put in a few practice flights before the 11:00 AM target time to start round 1. John Boyko held this morning’s pilot briefing.
We have four flight lines in place this year. Assigning pilots to a flight line is a task that is never easy. Some of the pilots have entered several airplanes. When assigning the flight order, the per CD must ensure that a pilot is not assigned to fly in two different places at the same time. Once a preliminary order is established, it is scrutinized for conflicts, and adjustments are made. The final order averages about 12 flights per line each round. By 11:30, round 1 was underway. By noon, a somewhat stiff crosswind began to pick up. Not enough to cause any serious problems, but enough to make things interesting, especially the lightly loaded models. Round 1 finished up at 2:00 PM.
Let’s take a closer look at a few models. First up is the KY Models P-47D. This 64-pound, 112” wingspan model is powered by a UMS 260cc radial engine. The sound and power of this engine is nothing less than spectacular. 16-year-old Kaleb Spencer expertly flies the P-47 with smoothness and scale like speed. Not to be outdone, the roles are reversed as Bill flies a smaller P-47. Two airplanes that defied logic flying in the wind were the Curtiss Pusher, built and flown by Larry Barr, and Keith Number’s Pitcairn Autogiro. Both are relatively small and light by today’s standards, but took off, maneuvered, and landed without incident. There were several nose overs and wing tip encounters because of the crosswind. Nothing major, and the pilots shall remain nameless.
The second round of flying was wrapped up at 6:00 PM. Tonight includes a Pizza party donated by Mike Barbee for pilots and guests. Once the pizza is gone, a general membership will be held at the field. Tomorrow’s weather is predicted to be clear, but with wind forecasts that are stronger than today. Let’s hope they are wrong!
John Boyko and scorekeeper Jan Marenberg are arranging into four flight lines.
Charlie Nelson’s Waco takes to the air in competition once again. This time in Team Scale, flown by Tim Dickey.
Keith Numbers Pro-Am Sport D2 Pitcairn Autogiro handling some difficult crosswind.
Moraine-Saulnier was flown by Tony Stillman in Pro-Am sport.
Tony Hallo’s 1/3 scale Balsa USA Super Cub.
Southern Martlet biplane built and flown by Peter Fynn in Designer Scale. Peter also happens to be the editor of NASA’s newsletter, The Replica.
Jeff Thomas’ ME 262 EDF flown in Open Scale. Jeff has 2 EDF jets entered in this year’s Nationals.
One of the three 1/3 Scale Stearman biplanes entered this year.
Turbine-powered BAE Hawk jet flown by Steve Petrotto in Pro-AM Pro D2.
50% Super Starduster, powered by a DLE 170, designed, built, and flown by Tom Lowrie.
Saturday
We knew the weather could be problematic; however, we were hoping for the best. Arriving at the field around 7:30 AM, the skies were clear with a breeze. By the 8:00 AM pilot meeting, the wind picked up to a stiff direct crosswind and was forecast to become even stronger. By pilot vote, the decision was made to fly round 3, after which conditions would be assessed. Another vote among pilots would decide whether to continue or cancel flying for the day. Since the forecast for Sunday is clear skies and light winds, round 4 could be flown on Sunday, which would be 4 complete rounds of flying.
Flying got underway around 8:30. A few pilots elected not to fly that round. Those who did were certainly challenged but handled it well. The wind was stronger at altitude, and the effects could be seen on maneuvers such as the figure 8, with the wind pushing the planes off course. However, take-offs and landings are the riskiest part of crosswind conditions. Coordination of the aileron and rudder is what keeps the plane on track and not blown over. The wing into the wind needs up aileron to keep the wing low and not allow the wind to get under it. At the same time, the opposite rudder is applied to keep the plane aligned with the runway. Pilots who do not typically use the rudder struggle in these conditions. The pilots here are very good.
Unfortunately, several beautiful models were lost today. Right up front, neither was wind-related. One suffered a structural failure in which the vertical fin seemed to flutter and eventually detach from the fuselage, resulting in total loss of control. The second was another loss of control situation; this one was either a lost or errant radio signal. In theory, any plane can be rebuilt, but it is unlikely either of these will be as the damage was excessive. No other major incidents to report.
The vote was taken, and the decision was made to cancel flying for the day. It turned out to be the right call as the winds became quite variable in speed and direction. By early afternoon, a brief but heavy rain was moving in. Rain, including a thunderstorm, continued throughout the remainder of the afternoon. Power was out for a brief time at the campsite. The bad weather should be through by early evening, and the forecast is quite favorable for tomorrow, the final day of competition.
Pilots are comparing scores and notes from round 2.
Close-up of detail on Jeremy Arvin’s Britten-Norman Defender.
Machine gun detail on Tony Stillman’s Moraine Saulnier.
Steve Petrotto’s Turbine Powered BAE Hawk is about to touch down.
Messerschmidt 109 by Jeff Foley starting up for round 3.
Curtis Switzer and his 1/3 scale Stearman.
Round 3 scores.
More round 3 scores.
Sunday
This morning is the final day of the 2025 RC Scale Nationals. Yesterday, of course, it was cut short around noon by excessive winds, occasional heavy downpours, and a thunderstorm or two. There was even a brief power outage around 3:00. It wasn’t just RC Scale; all events were cancelled. Some folks hung around under the pavilions, while others retreated to campers and off-site accommodations. It was a good time to take in the AMA Museum (which did not lose power). I highly recommend it if you have never been through it. The nostalgia found in the displays can’t help but bring back memories. The displays are works of art.
Sunday morning brought early fog that quickly cleared. Conditions were much improved with sunny skies and very little wind. Round four got underway about 9:30. As mentioned yesterday, there was some attrition of planes. None of which was attributable to pilot error. Most everyone else elected to fly the fourth round today. There was some great flying demonstrated over the four-day event. My only observation was that there are pilots who haven’t seemed to incorporate the rudder as much as they should. This is particularly noticeable in turns and crosswind take-offs and landings.
The round ended by noon. Final scores were calculated, and the awards were handed out. First place winners include: Rory Hartman- Carbon Cub (sport sportsman), Ron Pound-Stuka (expert sportsman), Tom Lowrie-Super Starduster (Designer Scale), Tim Dickey- Waco Cabin (Team Scale), Jeremy Arvin-Defender (open Scale), Tony Stillman-Moraine Saulnier (Pro-Am Sport), Curtis Switzer (Pro-Am Pro(D2). You can see the complete lists of final scores in the photos.
For more than a few, this was their first Nationals and perhaps their first contest. Some did very well, beating out contest veterans. Hopefully, they will return next year and we’ll bring back a few absentees and have an even larger NATS in 2026!
Steve Petrotto’s FX-Cub touch and goes as the early morning fog burns off.
A glimpse of Rory Hartman’s 1st place Carbon Cub.
Jeff Thomas’s F-86 and ME 262 EDF’s.
Kaleb Spencer P-47 on final approach.
Ron Pound’s 1st place Stuka beginning a take-off roll.
Final scores
Final Thoughts
The 2025 AMA RC Scale Nationals is in the books. We’ll look back at a few of the highlights. The were 34 registered pilots. 13 pilots flew in more than one class. In total, there were 47 potential flights scheduled for each round. The Pro-Am classes continue to be the most popular, with 29 entries. 8 of these were pilots who entered another plane in a static judged class. Open Scale is popular since it is a static judged class; however, the Builder of the Model Rule does not apply. Pilots can purchase a completed airplane and have it statically judged.
The weather is always a major concern at a contest, and Saturday was a problem. Some pilots elected not to fly in the strong crosswinds Saturday morning. The wind was forecast to pick up even stronger during the afternoon. However, rain and a thunderstorm moved in, resulting in the cancellation of all events for the afternoon. Pilots retreated to their campers, hotels, and the AMA museum to make the best of the situation. The annual banquet was held that evening, during which the rain had moved out. Conditions were much improved on Sunday morning, and round four was completed. The award ceremony wrapped up by 1:30 PM and pilots started packing up to head home.
Thursday’s NATS News included a photo of Charlie Nelson’s cabin Waco biplane. Charlie was known as a serious competitor, an all-around good guy, and committed to building a series of cabin Waco biplanes, with each one better than the previous one. Charlie also holds the distinction of winning the US Scalemasters Championship, the AMA Nationals, and Top Gun all in a row. I believe he is the only person to have done so. Upon relocating to Arizona during the winter, he became a mentor to Tim Dickey. Tim acquired one of Charlie’s planes and entered the plane in this year’s NATS in Team Scale with Charlie as the builder. Word came in Saturday morning that Charlie passed away in his hometown in Massachusetts. How fitting that after all these years, his Waco went on to win one more contest at this year’s NATS!
The Builder of the Model rule (BOM) is a declaration that a modeler has constructed much of their airplane. Defining what that means has been debated since the advent of fiberglass and foam kits over four decades ago. Certainly, an ARF out of the box does not meet the BOM rule. However, the AMA Scale rules now recognize that an ARF qualifies it has been stripped and refinished.
There is no finer example of this than Rory Hartman’s Red Bull Carbon Cub. I walked past it for two days, assuming it was another ARF. Then, I noticed the rib stitching, the aileron control cable covers, the fairings, the wingtip nav lights, antennae, filler caps, and a myriad of other details. Rory described how he stripped the covering, changed several key outlines, and began adding details. Then came the intricate Red Bull paint scheme. Rory followed the full-scale example by covering the airframe with Stits fabric. He then applied a vinyl wrap in the color scheme of the Red Bull Cub Crafters. Rory entered his plane in Sport Sportsman class and earned a 95.50 static score, just 0.5 pts behind the top static score in that class. He went on to take first place in Sport Sportsman.
How about entering next year’s Nationals? Now is the time to start preparing. Whether you build a plane, fly an ARF, modify an ARF, or buy a completed airplane, there’s a class for you!
Details of Rory Hartman’s modified Carbon Cub.
Group photo of this year’s award winners.
Charlie Nelson’s Waco is in flight on its way to winning one more contest.
