Author: Thayer Syme

Edition: Model Aviation - 2024/11
Page Numbers: 66, 67, 68
A Giant Scale Farman F.60 Goliath flying over a field with its pilot below.
A Giant Scale Farman F.60 Goliath flying over a field with its pilot below.
Vance Gilbert’s Giant Scale Farman F.60 Goliath spans 50 inches and flies every bit as good as it looks. Watch it soar on Tom Hallman’s YouTube channel.

FAC NATS

By Thayer Syme | thayer@flying-models.com

WHILE VIEWING the closing ceremonies of the Olympic pageantry in Paris, I couldn’t help but be reminded of a similar—though “slightly” smaller—gathering of competitors earlier in July. That’s right, I’m talking about the Flying Aces Club (FAC) Nats, held in Geneseo, New York.

The Nats has less than 1% of the Olympic competitor count and the event lasts just four days, but I dare say that the friendships and memories are just as meaningful for those who attend. Indeed, the FAC Nats has been referred to as the Olympics of stick-and-tissue Free Flight (FF) modeling on more than one occasion.

A total of 89 modelers gathered from across the country this year. While not all logged official flights, those who did contested their mettle in 37 different events throughout the three days of official flying.

To leave as much room as possible for photos (1,000 words and all), I will sign off more quickly than usual this month. In the meantime, though, I encourage anyone who is intrigued by what you see on these pages to visit the FAC website, find a local squadron, and come out to join the fun. There are countless local and regional events while you wait for Geneseo to roll around again.

While you are online, be sure to visit Tom Hallman’s YouTube channel, MaxFliArt, for endless inspiration and guidance. His video “Golden Hour at the FAC Nats in Geneseo, NY” highlights some of the after-hours fun and showcases a few of the models shown here.

A yellow Boeing 306-C model airplane flying overhead.
Tom’s Boeing 306-C epitomizes the grace and beauty of stick-and-tissue FF as it soars overhead.
A yellow Grumman Ag Cat model airplane flying above its pilot in a field.
Doug Beardsworth caresses this Grumman Ag Cat by Dave Rees into the air in the Past Masters exhibition mass launch. The plans are available from the AMA Plans Service.
A model airplane being launched by a man in a field.
Tom launches a gorgeous Caudron C-460 built by Dave in a newly added exhibition event that showcased models built by past masters who have gone before us.
A woman preparing a red model airplane for launch outdoors.
An accomplished competitor, Erika Escalante carefully adds the last few turns to her 1931 Keith Rider R-2 for the first heat of the Greve Race mass launch.
Three judges gathered around a Ryan STA model airplane
Bringing in the next generation, Scale judges Wally Farrell (L) and Doug (R) use a gorgeous Ryan STA to share some tips with apprentice judge Gryffin Syme.
A Consolidated PB2Y Coronado model flying against a blue sky
Wally's Consolidated PB2Y Coronado logs a golden-hour trim flight on the evening before official flying begins. His beautifully detailed flying boat was entered in Power Scale.
Pat Murray holding a red model airplane in a field
Pat Murray's first heat time in the Greve Race was more than 20 minutes, forcing him to retire. His 1938 Mr. Smoothie was recovered nearly a mile from the starting line.
A silhouetted Potez 36 model flying at sunset
Jason McGuire captured another classic FAC moment! Originally built for indoor flying in the 1990s, George Nunez's recently restored Potez 36 hung in his son's room for the last 20-plus years.

FAC Nats Statistics

(Tallied by Rick Pendzick)

  • 89 modelers attending

Modelers logging official flights

  • 69 Seniors
  • 3 Juniors
  • 17 sport fliers/spectators

Total Models

  • 830 registered
  • 469 logging official flights
  • 1,249 total flights logged
  • Total flight time logged: 24 hours, 44 minutes, 19 seconds

Until next time, use the good wood and fly free.

SOURCES:

AMA Plans Service
(765) 287-1256, ext. 507
https://plans.modelaircraft.org

FAC
www.flyingacesclub.com

Tom Hallman’s MaxFliArt YouTube Channel
www.youtube.com/@maxfliart

“Golden Hour at the FAC Nats in Geneseo, NY”
YouTube
https://youtu.be/goq4Knp8Y_Q?si=ttY KBaCNWu_-UE2j