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Save XFC

The Extreme Flight Championships (XFC) is the premier aeromodeling event in the United States showcasing pilots’ talents in Precision Aerobatic and Freestyle/3-D flying for helicopters and Giant Scale, fixed-wing airplanes. XFC is one of the only true spectator events in the US for Radio Control, being held annually for three days in June (Friday through Sunday) at the Academy of Model Aeronautics and the International Aeromodeling Center flying site in Muncie, Indiana. The Saturday of the event also features a catered BBQ dinner and an impressive fireworks display, as well as a night-flying competition.

XFC is in trouble and needs your support to allow it to continue. Please read below and consider making a donation to keep this event going!

Background about the event: There are three elements that pilots must fly on each of the three event days. The first is precision (the “Known” Round); pilots must fly a mandatory set of maneuvers developed by the XFC staff. The second element is the Freestyle/3-D flight; this flight must be choreographed to a custom music mix (provided by each pilot). Pilots must also incorporate XFC staff-provided maneuvers into this routine, raising the difficulty level even higher. This is often the most entertaining part for the immense crowd of spectators, as the pilot’s music is played over a huge sound system for all to enjoy.

The final element of the routine is the Smackdown flight; this is a no-holds-barred flight in which the pilots may do pretty much whatever they want within the safety rules. These flights are exciting, to say the least, and may be flown to music if desired, although no choreography is required.

As an invitational event, the XFC volunteer staff is constantly on the lookout for skilled pilots from all over the world to invite. The top seven competitors in each class from the previous year (airplane and helicopter) are automatically invited back each year. Eight more pilots for each class are selected by suggestions from the staff or via video audition applications. Additionally, three more pilots are added to each class by a Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) event, for a total of 18 pilots per class.

The LCQ is held the day before the official XFC event begins. Competitors have the opportunity to “walk onto” the field and fly their best flights in front of the judges. The top three pilots from each class in the LCQ are invited to fly in the XFC! This unique way of allowing an “unknown” pilot an opportunity to fly with the best of the best has launched many successful aeromodeling and professional careers throughout the years.

XFC is much more than a contest for model aircraft. It is a family-oriented event, both for participants and spectators. No other competitive event in the US has been able to attract talented young pilots as has the XFC. These young modelers are given the opportunity to be seen in front of the entire aeromodeling/aviation world because of the event press coverage. Many times this has served as a springboard for careers in aviation, engineering, and aerospace. Several former XFC pilots are now piloting UAV systems in both the private and defense industries, while others have gone on to gain employment in the hobby industry or have become full-scale pilots.

The hard truth is that it costs more than $20,000 to host this event each year. Funds go toward equipment rental, competitor prizes, programs, advertising, fireworks, and much more. For the past 13 years, the XFC has been supported 100% by manufacturers in the aeromodeling industry, by both cash and product donations (donated products are placed into a very large XFC raffle for which tickets can be purchased).

Support from manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and others is not as strong as it once was because of the state of the industry. This means we must turn to YOU to keep this event going. Please consider making a donation. Any amount will be helpful.

Companies wishing to donate products and/or services should contact the XFC staff via the contact information on the XFC website at www.xfc-rc.com/contact.html .

Thank you for your consideration and support of the Extreme Flight Championships. Let’s work together to make sure there is a 2016 event in June!

XFC Website


Press coverage may be found here:
http://www.modelaviation.com/xfc2013

http://www.modelaviation.com/xfc2014

http://www.modelaviation.com/xfc2015

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Donations 

  • Matthew Hellen
    • $25 
    • 6 yrs
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Organiser and beneficiary

Steve Kaluf
Organiser
Champaign, IL
Frank Noll
Beneficiary

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