NEFI 2015

Written by Model Aviation Staff Event coverage of NEFI 2015

Rainy and soggy conditions didn’t stop the fun during the National Electric Fly-In (NEFI), held June 19-21 on Site 3 at the International Aeromodeling Center. More than 40 registered pilots came to Muncie, Indiana, bringing their multirotors, helicopters, scratch-built aircraft, foamies, and 3-D-style electric-powered airplanes to fly and have fun. Friday began with less-than-prime conditions. There was heavy rain at times, but the kids in attendance kept themselves busy splashing in the puddles and catching frogs, while the adults gathered under the big tent to converse with others, check out the raffle prizes, and monitor the raffle board to see if they had won any prizes in the hourly drawings. Many vendors, distributors, and manufacturers sponsored the event and donated great prizes for the raffle. The weather finally broke in the afternoon and flying ensued, along with the annual Combat competition. Several pilots took part in it, trying to knock each other out of the sky to be named as the winner. Saturday, although overcast, was a much better day. Pilots flew all day, checking their raffle tickets between flights. The official event ended with a gathering of pilots and vendors for a pizza party. Proceeds from NEFI go to help local charities including the Animal Rescue Fund, which provides shelter, medical care, and love to abused, abandoned, neglected, and unwanted animals until permanent homes can be found; the Davis Family Memorial Fund, which benefits the children of a local firefighter who died in the line of duty; and the National Model Aviation Museum. Make plans to attend this electrified event next year! To see photos from this year’s NEFI as well as some from previous years, go to the Flickr collection at www.flickr.com/photos/modelaircraft/collections/72157634339690039/.

Additional Photos