The Thrill of Flight and More at E-Fest, Champaign, Illinois Annual Model Airplane Festival
Summary
“E-Fest is a crowd-pleasing show attracting approximately 3,000 spectators each year and nearly 300 of the worlds best radio control pilots from across the country.” Attendees will have the chance to watch Academy of Model Aeronautics All Stars Nick Maxwell and Andrew Jesky – two of the world’s most skilled RC pilots – who will “wow” the audience as they whirl, tumble and dive their model planes and helicopters for the crowd below.With more than 25 unique exhibitors and expert modelers’ on-hand, the festival will be entertaining for the novice getting started flying electric RC aircrafts and the experienced modeler alike.Since 1970 the Academy of Model Aeronautics has awarded $1 million dollars in scholarships to hundreds of students to study aerospace design and engineering and other aviation related fields.The indoor electric festival featuring radio-controlled model airplanes, helicopters and jets is on February 7 and 8 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Armory Track and Field Facility.Sponsored by Great Planes, Inc., the two-day festival is open to the public and includes freestyle airshows, indoor scale contests, combat flying, a helicopter “smackdown” show, seminars, a kids “make-it-and-take-it” airplane table with launch and a night flying show with glow-in-the-dark lights and music.“Wintertime indoor flying events have become popular around the country with the advent of electric-powered models,” said E-Fest organizer, Carol Pesch.In addition, each year Academy of Model Aeronautics presents Charles H. Grant Scholarships to exceptional students who are active in their community and in modeling.Since 1970 the Academy of Model Aeronautics has awarded $1 million dollars in scholarships to hundreds of students to study aerospace design and engineering and other aviation related fields.