Model Airplane News

Model Airplane News is the brand that started it all back in 1929, and it remains the trusted resource for RC aircraft enthusiasts everywhere. Written for the full spectrum of RC airplane, helicopter, and multirotor fliers—from beginners to seasoned pros—Model Airplane News entertains and informs with on-the-flight line event coverage, impressive flight techniques, detailed flight reports, DIY workshop projects, and much more.

FLIGHT PLAN

Model Airplane News

PILOT PROJECTS • SHOWCASING WHAT YOU BUILD & FLY | EMAIL ENTRIES TO: MAN@AIRAGE.COM

HOBBY HACKS • HELPFUL READER HINTS

TOP GUN SCALE INVITATIONAL • 35 years of scale excellence

MASTERS CLASS • Each of these aircraft was designed, built, and flown by the competitor, and this year’s event had three magnificent entries. These models fly four rounds, deleting the lowest flight, and that average is added to their static score.

EXPERT CLASS • Flying aircraft they built from plans or kits and then detailed or even modified, entrants in this class receive a static score and fly four flight rounds. After their lowest flight is dropped, the average is added to their static score. Five pilots competed in Expert this year.

TEAM CLASS • A builder and designated pilot join forces in this class. The aircraft is static-judged and flown four scored flights. After the lowest scores are deleted, the pilots’ averages are added to their static points to determine the winners. Five teams competed in this category in 2023.

UNLIMITED CLASS • This is a team event with no “builder of the model” rule and three to six members. Unlimited entries may be built or purchased and the pilot must remain the same for all the flight rounds. Unlimited is static judged, and team members are encouraged to wear matching attire. They are flight-judged like the other classes. Three Unlimited teams competed this year.

PRO PROP CLASS • Pilots in this class have twice placed in the top three spots of an AMA competition or in the top 30 percent at Top Gun. Entrants provide published documentation for a score of 25 points, to which their three highest flight scores are averaged and added. Competition was so tight in Pro-Prop that the top 14 finishers were within two points, and the top nine within one point! Nineteen competitors entered this class in 2023.

PRO JET CLASS • To fly in this class, pilots must have twice placed in the top three spots of an AMA competition or in the top 30 percent at a Top Gun. Each pilot is awarded 25 static points for showing scale documentation, and each pilot’s three highest flights are averaged for their flight score. This year nine pilots entered Pro Jet.

SPORTSMAN CLASS • Sportsman is where pilots get to show off their flying skills flying either propeller or jet aircraft. Static is awarded 25 points for proving the model emulates a full-scale aircraft. If competitors win or finish twice in the top three spots, they automatically move up to Pro Prop or Pro Jet. Entrants receive a 25-point static score by showing documentation. This year 19 pilots entered Sportsman Class.

EDF CLASS • Open to any Top Gun participant regardless of any other classes they are flying (usually pilots are limited to flying in two classes), this class is for commercially available models with a maximum size of 120mm single or up to 80mm twin EDFs. Only markings changes and weathering are allowed. This year 15 pilots competed in EDF Class, and the top five finishers were separated by less than one point.

TOP GUN 2023 SPECIAL AWARDS

YOUNG GUNS • The kids are all right!

Demystifying electric power systems • 12S, 2P, 40C, watts, volts, BECs, LiPo, Li-ion, blah blah blah … If you’re a beginner to electric power systems, confused by the geek speak, and want to make some sense of it all, this...