EXPERT CLASS

Flying aircraft they built from plans or kits, entrants in this class add scale detail and modify as needed. All airplanes in the Expert class receive a static score and fly four flight rounds. After their lowest flight score is dropped, the average of the rest is added to their static score for a final number.

1st // Bret Becker // Lockheed U-2C

Again, Bret competed with his allcomposite Rene Saenz designed Dragon Lady Spyplane. Bret’s U-2C, powered by a 120mm Schübeler HDS-86 electric ducted fan unit, is driven with 12S 6600mAh LiPos. The 1/8-scale Dragon Lady spans 120 inches and earned a total flight score of 377.875. With a final score of 194.417, Bret won the Expert class and the coveted Mr. Top Gun title. Bret also won the Expert High Static award, Best Jet award, and the Top Buns award from the Fly Girls.

2nd // Rod Snyder // L-39 Albatross

Rod’s CARF Models 1/4-scale L-39 is 119 inches long and has a span of 93 inches. Weighing in at 45 pounds, the Albatross is powered with a Schübeler DS-215 electric ducted fan unit powered by four 7S 10900mAh LiPo battery packs. The L-39 earned a static score of 97.250 and Rod flew his Albatross to a total flight score of 387.000, for a final score of 194.375.

3rd // Chuck Hamilton // Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless

No stranger to Top Gun, Chuck built his SBD-3 from Ziroli plans with his father Lloyd. The WW II dive bomber has typical wood construction and is powered by Zenoah GT-80 gas engine. The model has a wingspan of 100 inches and is 78 inches long. It features Robart retracts, a fully detailed cockpit and it is painted with latex house paint including all markings and weathering. Chuck earned a static score of 95.583, and using a Spektrum DX18 radio system he flew the Dauntless to a total flight score of 380.000 and a final score of 191.000.