What is Free Flight?
Free flight aeromodeling is the sport of flying model planes without any mechanical or radio controls during flight. For example, a paper airplane is the simplest form of a free flight model plane. There are two main categories of free flight, indoor and outdoor. NYAA focuses primarily on outdoor FAI F1A, F1B, and F1Q free flight models.
If you're interested in more information about free flight, visit FAI/World Air Sports Federation.
FAI Free Flight Competition
Free Flight Aeromodelling competitions are hosted world-wide and are governed by the Federation Aeronautique International (FAI), which is a recognized organization of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Our endurance sport requires competitors to design, construct, program, and fly the world's most complex autonomous model airplanes. Free Flight World Championships are held on a two year cycle with the Open (adult) Championships being held on the odd years and the Jr World Championships on the even years. Qualifying for the USA National Team is a year-long process which requires athletes to compete in numerous competitions and display their mastery of the sport. Success requires a knowledge of aerodynamic forces, skillful piloting, and consistency under pressure across multiple rounds.
The Junior Free Flight World Championships events consist of F1A (glider), F1B (rubber-powered), F1P (internal combustion powered), and F1Q (electric-powered), with individual and team competitions for flyers under 18.
Click here to learn more about FAI Free Flight Competition Structure
F1A (glider)
In the F1A event, competitors launch their high-performance gliders using a 50-meter towline. The event requires an athletic ability to run and generate a calculated force releasing the airplane from the towline and beginning its flight. F1A is a true test of mind-muscle connection, timing, endurance, and active problem solving through varying conditions. Aircrafts are equipped with programmable electronics which move all surfaces requiring competitors to comprehend the glider's aerodynamic needs in order to maximize its performance. F1A gliders have a minimum weight of 410g and typically wingspans of up to 2.5 meters.
F1B (rubber-powered)
In the F1B event aircrafts are powered by 30 gram rubber motors. Being light weight structures with a minimum weight of 200 grams F1B’s are designed for an optimal energy-to-weight ratio. Rubber motors must be tightly wound by the competitors in order to power rapid climbs that transition into a gentle glide once the motor is completely unwound. Maximum flight duration is achieved through mastery of torque management, energy optimization and competitors' ability to utilize aerodynamic knowledge to achieve the lowest coefficient of drag.
F1P (internal combustion powered)
F1P is a fun and exciting event. Aircrafts are powered by a 1cc or less internal combustion engine that is allowed up to 7 seconds of engine run. It combines the excitement of high speed engine-powered launches with the challenge of free-flight glide phases. The pressure is on when it is time to fire up the 30,000-rpm engine and get in that thermal in a short window of time. Aircrafts are equipped with onboard electronics which control the engine cutoff, and movement of flying surfaces. As well as safety devices that shut off the engine and bring the airplane to a halt at the click of a button. With this there is programming and battery maintenance involved. Success in F1P requires knowledge of combustion engine mechanics, engine starting/tuning, aerodynamic forces at high speeds, and launch consistency. The fuel used is a mix of methanol, oil, and nitromethane. The maximum wing span is 1.5 meters and minimum weight is 250 grams. Along with all events many parts are custom designed and built. In the process durability, reliability, and lightness are key in the process. Many parts are designed and engineered using solid modeling software and built with CNC (computer numerical control) equipment using materials like light weight aluminum and carbon fiber. F1P is considered an entry level power event that can lead to more intense power events like its big brother F1C, the ultimate power event!
F1Q
F1Q aircrafts are designed to achieve maximum flight duration through a combination of electric powered climb and unpowered glide. F1Q uses rechargeable batteries—typically lithium polymer (LiPo)—and an onboard energy limiter that shuts off the motor after the allotted energy of each flight is reached. The FAI rules emphasize energy efficiency through a linear increase of energy per gram of aircraft weight increase. Success in the event requires a strong understanding of electric propulsion, energy management, and energy-to-weight ratio tradeoffs.