Competitions and Technical
Conclusion of 2026-2027 Rules Proposals
JC Zankl, Competitions and Technical Director | johnz@modelaircraft.org
At the time of this writing, we were putting the final touches on the new 2026–2027 Competition Regulations rule books. Because this was my first time overseeing the process, there was certainly a learning curve, but I gained a great deal of insight along the way. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of the contest board members and chairmen, as well as to the contest board coordinators. Their support and collaboration made my job much easier. The new rule books are available at modelaircraft.org/events/competition-resources/competition-regulations.
In the end, we have accepted nine of the proposed 22 rules for Control Line (CL) Aerobatics, CL Combat, CL Scale, Indoor Free Flight (FF), Outdoor FF, and RC Soaring.
- CL Combat: Added a helmet requirement and new line updates.
- CL Scale: Simplified the requirements for static judging of Event 526 (Fun Scale). The revision awards 10 static points to contestants who show documentation of the outline and color resembling the subject aircraft. The intent of this proposal is to encourage additional participation in CL Scale.
- Indoor FF: Proposed to remove the maximum number of models that may be entered and flown in a contest. This is for Events 212, 218, 219, and 228. The other change is for Manhattan Cabin, which has been revised to make the best single out of five flights the only scoring method permitted.
- Outdoor FF: Of the two accepted rules changes, the first is for E-36. The board agreed to change the type of battery allowed in E-36 to be lithium only. The other rule agreed upon is for A, B, and E-36 Electric. Motor run and flight maximums have been changed to align with AMA Category III gas-powered events. The first three flights are now 7 seconds with 2-minute maximums. The next two flights would require 5-second motor runs with 2-minute maximums. Starting with the fifth flight, the motor runs would be 4 seconds with two 1/2-minute maximums.
- RC Soaring: Two proposals have been adopted. The first pertains to the RC Soaring Closed Course Distance records. For these records, the distance (in kilometers) claimed will be calculated by adding together the completed passes over a straight base of 100 meters (328 feet, 1 inch) during a continuous flight. The second proposal is intended to provide guidance for the conduct of events where mixed-launch types are intended to be allowed, including winch, hi-start, and electric launches within the same event.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to three of our contest board chairmen who resigned at the end of the 2025 season.
Jerry Murphy served on the Outdoor FF Board for nearly 40 years, including the last 25 as the chairman. Jerry, thank you for your dedication, leadership, and the tremendous guidance that you’ve provided over the past year and a half.
Steve Wilk served as the CL Racing Contest Board chairman for the past seven years. We extend our gratitude to Steve for his commitment, service, and contributions to the board.
I am pleased to announce that Bill Bishoff has been approved by outgoing AMA President Rich Hanson as the incoming CL Racing Contest Board chairman. Please join me in welcoming Bill to his new role.
Tom Scott is stepping down as a contest board member for RC Pylon Racing. Thank you for your service. The new District III Pylon Racing Board member is Craig Grunkemeyer. Let us also welcome him to his new role.
Until next time! Happy flying!
