Free Flight Airplane Clubs Locations Locator Map and Directory

From Wikipedia

The essence of free flight model aircraft is that the model's flight is not controlled by the flyer once the model has been released. These models must be aerodynamically stable. If their flight is disturbed by a gust of wind or rising air current, they must be able to return automatically to a normal flight path. This stability is achieved by a combination of the configuration and proper trim of the model.

Types

Free flight models may be broadly divided into four categories:

* gliders (tow-line and hand-launched)
* rubber-powered (pure duration, and scale with duration)
* power (Co2,gasoline-powered, or electric)
* indoor (pure duration, and scale with duration)


When flown competitively, the usual aim is maximum flight duration. In the case of models flown outdoors, the modeller attempts to launch the model into rising column of air, a "thermal". These outdoor free flight models tend to be designed for two very different flying modes: climbing rapidly under power or tow, and gliding slowly while circling with minimum fall rate. Much of the challenge in designing and flying these models is to maintain aerodynamic stability in both modes and to make a smooth transition between them.

Models flown indoors do not depend on rising air currents, but they must be designed for maximum flight efficiency, because of the limited energy stored in the rubber or electric power source.

Within each category, there are different classes. Typically, there is an FAI world-championship class, a so-called mini class, an open class, and possibly any number of national or unofficial classes, for which regional or national competitions may be held.