31 Years Of Scale Excellence.
THE MODEL AIRPLANE NEWS CREW has been covering the Top Gun Scale Invitational since the very first one, and now that this amazing extravaganza has celebrated its 31st year, the world-class event shows no sign of slowing down. Hosted at Paradise Field in Lakeland, Florida, this location is one of the best RC venues you’ll see anywhere. Well maintained, expertly staffed with flight judges and experienced ground personnel, the flight line and pit areas are well organized and are run safely and efficiently. About the only thing that cannot be controlled this year was the weather. During the event, severe storms blew through the area causing two delays. Although the wind and rain curtailed the number of rounds flown, Frank Tiano’s team adjusted the flight scheduling and managed the situation so that everyone could compete albeit with fewer rounds. There’s little wonder why Top Gun is considered the best RC scale event in the world.
With 122 registered pilots on hand, the crowd enjoyed nonstop flying. This year, there were nine classes of competition with the most popular being Pro-Am Sport Prop, with 31 entrants. The Team class had an impressive 17 teams competing, while the Expert class enjoyed 15 entries. This was followed by the Pro-Am Jet and
Pro-Am Prop classes, with 14 entries each. The X class drew eight entries, the Pro-Am Sport Jet class had seven, the Unlimited class drew six, and the Masters class had five. These numbers just go to show how popular the Top Gun event is.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Legend Hobby / Seagull Models - Cessna Grand Caravan 208
The Cessna Grand Caravan 208 is a legend in aviation circles. A single engine utility aircraft that punches up with capabilities that rival many twin engine aircraft in its class. Its seemingly simple configuration belies its near extreme utility.
PROPER CG LOCATION FOR AEROBATICS
If you are getting into aerobatics and are starting to perform more advanced maneuvers, it is time to discuss ways you can not only become a better pilot, but how you can also improve the flight characteristics of your airplanes.
Legend Hobby 13-Foot L-19 Bird Dog/ Cessna O-1
This famous multi-mission single engine observation aircraft served from 1950-1974. From calling out target locations to providing intel/recon information, the Bird Dog was a valued asset in both the Korean War and Vietnam.
EARN YOUR WINGS
10 Tips for First-Flight Success
Old School Model Works Fifty Six
The Fifty Six takes its design cues from the original .09- to .15-size Carl Goldberg Falcon 56 of the 1960s. Reworked to incorporate modern, lasercut techniques to make kit building better than ever.
FLYING TWINS Multi-engine warbirds made easy
Let’s face it, there’s just something extra special about twin-engine RC aircraft. Most modelers stop what they’re doing when a twin fires up on the flightline.
HOW TO BALANCE PROPELLERS
Four easy steps to increase performance and reduce vibration
PRODUCT REVIEW: RC PLANE STANDS BENCHTOP MODEL
I’m a sucker for shop stuff. I buy tools I will probably never use just because they are cool, or I might need to use them someday. When Glen from RC Plane Stands reached out about a review, however, I knew as soon as I browsed their website that I would be receiving something I would use a lot, maybe even daily.
SPIRIT OF RHINEBECK AWARD WINNER
A close up of Norman Malinowski’s 1/3-scale Albatros
CENTER OF GRAVITY BASICS
The secret to a plane that flies well
