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

HOBBY HACKS • HELPFUL READER HINTS

FLIGHT MODES 101 • Fly better with these easy radio settings

FLIGHT MODES FOR GLIDERS

WHAT’S IN A NAME? • Despite having similar functionality, different radio brands have their own terminology for flight modes. Here’s a quick rundown.

FLIGHT MODES FOR HELICOPTERS

FLIGHT MODES FOR SPORT AND SCALE AIRCRAFT

FLIGHT MODES FOR AEROBATICS

NESTING VS. PRIORITIZED

TOP GUN • The ultimate in scale realism, both in the air and on the flightline

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. Eight pilots competed in Expert this year.

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.

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.

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. Four Unlimited teams competed this year.

X CLASS • Competitors in this class may add scale details and weathering but can’t alter the markings or paint scheme of aircraft that have been finished by the manufacturer. To compete, the model must be commonly available to anyone and is subject to static judging. Six pilots entered X Class this year.

PRO PROP CLASS • These pilots must have already placed (twice!) in the top three spots of an AMA competition or in the top 30 percent of a Top Gun field. Each pilot is awarded 25 static points for showing scale documentation. Competition was so tight in Pro-Prop that the top 6 finishers were all within one point in the final results! This year, 22 pilots entered Pro Prop.

PRO JET

SPORTSMAN CLASS • Sportsman is where pilots can show their skills. 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 21 pilots entered Sportsman.

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 or twin 80mm fans. Only markings and weathering are allowed. This year nine pilots entered EDF Class.

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DETAILS COUNT • An up close look at some of this year’s entries

TOP GUN 2022 SPECIAL AWARDS

SCALE AIRPLANES

SPORT & TRAINER AIRPLANES

KITS

POWER...