2024 Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology Fair

Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology Fair; man holding model plane.

Celebrating the silver anniversary of the NEAT Fair

By Terry Dunn [email protected] Photos by the author

The Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology (NEAT) Fair is a gathering of RC hobbyists who are passionate about flying electric-powered models. Throughout the event’s 25-year history, the equipment that is available to electric fliers has advanced tremendously, yet the fundamental appeal of the NEAT Fair remains unchanged. If you’re into electric-powered model aircraft, this is mecca.

Man holding a large model airplane on a grassy field. — **01.** Dave Lockhart entertained the crowd with precision RC Aerobatics flying. Note the contrarotating propellers on his CK Aero Encore model. **02.** Peaceful Valley is a unique and inviting place to fly RC models off of the grid.

NEAT Place

The NEAT Fair is a destination event. Although it is hosted by the Silent Electric Flyers of Long Island (SEFLI), the festivities take place in the Catskill Mountains, a few hours’ drive from the SEFLI home field. More specifically, the NEAT Fair is held at the Peaceful Valley Campsite in Downsville, New York. The location features a 2,200-foot full-scale grass runway framed by tree-covered mountains and the Delaware River. It is difficult to imagine a more beautiful place to fly.

Peaceful Valley presents an interesting contradiction for NEAT Fair goers. Upon arrival at this celebration of technology and innovation, participants likely found that their cellphones and other modern electronic leashes were mere paperweights in this remote locale, yet no one seemed to mind spending a few days off of the grid.

Green model airplane on grass, marked with number 1. — **03.** Don Belfort’s 1/3-scale Miles & Atwood Special was built using enlarged plans for a rubberpowered FF model.

Khaki helicopter with markings flies outdoors, number 04 visible. — **04.** Brian Visintainer’s UH-1D Huey helicopter was exciting to watch. It is a large, powerful machine.

This year’s show ran from Thursday, September 12 to Sunday, September 15. Weather in the Catskills can vary wildly, but the flying conditions this year were truly a gift. We enjoyed moderate temperatures and hardly any wind during the entire event. Any pilot who balked at flying a treasured model was forced to dig up an excuse other than the weather keeping them grounded!

More than 250 pilots registered for the 2024 NEAT Fair. Forty volunteers stepped up to make sure things ran smoothly, and under the guidance of perennial NEAT Fair Event Director (ED) Tom Hunt, run smoothly they did.

NEAT Models

Most of the NEAT Fair was dedicated to open flying. The long runway was divided into separate flightlines (micro, slow flyer, sport, and rotary wing). Having similar models in each area helped to prevent congestion and midair collisions.

Noontime demonstration flights on Friday and Saturday showcased a handful of new and interesting models, including factory pilots showing off the latest releases, as well as hobbyists with unique projects.

I especially enjoyed watching Don Belfort fly his Miles & Atwood Special. It is a 1/3-scale rendition of a sleek Golden Era air racer. With a 67-inch wingspan, it was built from enlarged plans for a rubber-powered Free Flight (FF) model.

Man in hat holding colorful model glider on grassy field. — **05.** Steve Halpern prepares to launch Marty Ludwin’s beautiful Retrorocket, one of the entries in this year’s Nostalgia contest.

Man in blue shirt and cap speaking into microphone, outdoors, with number 06 visible. — **06.** NEAT Fair ED Tom Hunt runs a tight ship. The event ran smoothly all weekend.

Dave Lockhart put on an impressive display of RC precision aerobatics flying. His aerobatic Encore model by CK Aero is propelled by a distinctive contrarotating propeller system that also has a nice sound. The Encore is a crisp and obedient performer in Dave’s hands.

Another standout demonstration featured Brian Visintainer with his scale UH-1D Huey. Brian’s 25-pound helicopter uses Roban Model mechanics. The power system produces nearly 4,500 watts with a Scorpion 4035-560 brushless motor, Castle Creations Talon 120HV ESC, and a 12-cell 5,000 mAh battery. The model had a stunning presence in the air.

NEAT Chaos

Many of the organized events at the NEAT Fair were focused on the wanton destruction of airplanes. This crowd always seems to find new and clever ways to break their toys—and have a lot of fun doing it! If you’ve never flown a disposable model with wild abandon, you’re missing out!

I’m sure that many of you have participated in streamer Combat, but have you ever tried "Lobster Combat?" It is a NEAT Fair specialty. To be honest, Lobster Combat is much like streamer combat. The main difference is that the winners of Lobster Combat receive the prize of a yummy lobster roll to eat. Talk about motivation!

For the Mass Warbird Launch, anyone with a military aircraft model was invited to share the sky. I believe there were roughly 30 models in the air as Wagner’s "Ride of the Valkyries" blared over the sound system. But this was no Sunday stroll. These pilots had mayhem in mind. When the music suddenly stopped, all of the pilots scrambled to get on the ground within 30 seconds.

Each was targeting one of the three orange traffic cones placed on the runway. Many used a landing approach resembling that of a lawn dart! It was like "musical chairs meets demolition derby." The pilot who "landed" closest to a cone was declared the winner. Fun stuff!

A new event this year was the Figure 8 Demolition Derby. The pilots flew their sacrificial airplanes in intersecting paths around two pylons made from 20-foot "air dancers" (think used car lot figures). The goal was to be the first pilot to complete 10 laps while also escaping total destruction. I was surprised by the number of models that survived this mayhem.

In honor of 2024 being the silver anniversary of the NEAT Fair, there was also a Nostalgia contest. To qualify, participants had to enter an airworthy model that was designed specifically for electric power before the first NEAT Fair in 2000. A panel of judges graded the craftsmanship of each entry. Bonus points were awarded for using legacy components such as a brushed motor, NiCd batteries, or 72 MHz radio equipment.

There were some truly beautiful models among the 16 Nostalgia entries, so I was shocked to learn that I had won first place with my Leisure Electronics Amptique. Mark Senior took second place with his Miss Los Angeles, and Pete Foss earned the third-place award with his Great Planes Electrostreak.

Red biplane with white stripes in flight, trees blurred in background. — **07.** Paul Dixon modified his E-flite Fokker D.VII with floats. It performed wonderfully.

08. Adam Woodworth flew a collection of oddball models, including this one inspired by a LEGO airliner.

Man holding a red and yellow model airplane in a grassy area. — **09.** Bill Lubke was one of several pilots who spent much time at the pond. His Electric Kitten was a gentle flyer.

Yellow model airplane flying indoors, number 10 on wall. — **10.** This Expedition F3P model, flown by Steve Whitcoff at the Indoor Night at NEAT venue, flew as though you were watching it in slow motion.

NEAT Ripples

A pond located near the runway provided the perfect location for float-flying with smaller models. It was in constant use throughout the weekend. While some pilots flew ARFs that were equipped with floats, there was also a large number of scratch-built models with balsa or foam construction.

Under the category of "alternate history," Paul Dixon added floats to his E-flite Fokker D.VII. You would be hard pressed to claim that it is not a historically accurate modification. The floats just look right on his model. More importantly, Paul’s Fokker flew nicely off of the water.

One notably popular airplane at the pond this year was the Electric Kitten, a high-wing balsa model designed by Fred Reese. The plans call for a brushed motor and NiCd batteries, but this legacy electric design really shines with contemporary, lightweight power system components.

Carl Hampton brought his modernized Electric Kitten on floats to the NEAT Fair a few years ago. Several modelers noted the airplane’s exceptionally gentle handling and decided that they needed one of their own. I counted no fewer than six Electric Kittens slowly patrolling the pond this year. Short kits for the Electric Kitten are still available from the Flying Models Plans Service.

NEAT Indoors

Not all of the NEAT Fair fun takes place at Peaceful Valley. On Friday and Saturday evenings, Joe and Cindy Malinchak host the Indoor Night at NEAT event at the nearby middle school gymnasium. This informal gathering attracts some of the world’s most notable builders of indoor flying models, including Joe and Cindy themselves.

Man in a cap examines a small item in a gym with purple walls. Number 11 visible. — **11.** Martin Newell inspects one of the incredible micro-RC models that was flown in the gym.

Man in plaid shirt and cap holds a yellow model plane and a paper. — **12.** Longtime RC innovator Henry Pasquet discussed the history of micro RC during his seminar.

These artists use balsa, foam, and carbon fiber to create ever smaller and more capable flying machines. Most of the models at the indoor flying sessions weighed less than an ounce, with many weighing only a few grams. They must be seen to be believed.

When dealing with these itty-bitty airplanes, nearly everything (including the electronic gear) is custom-made. I was encouraged to hear that many of these modelers work together to develop new innovations for everyone to use. How refreshing!

Adam Woodworth was present with a collection of flying oddities. He has figured out how to seemingly cheat aerodynamics with a fleet of models that were inspired by spacecraft seen in Star Wars and other science fiction movies. Not only do these models fly, they fly well. You would swear that witchcraft is involved.

NEAT Seminars

I always enjoy learning about the history and technology of aeromodeling, so I was excited to attend several of the seminars that were hosted at the NEAT Fair this year. Most of the topics were related to the micro models seen at the Indoor Night at NEAT flying sessions. That was fine by me because I know so little about that facet of the hobby.

The seminars were presented by experts in their related fields. Henry Pasquet covered the history of micro RC. Joe Malinchak’s session was about the basics of micro-RC modeling. Joe Clements discussed CO2 motors. Martin Newell explained developments in micro-RC radio equipment. Gordon Johnson reviewed RC applications of resin printing. Finally, Adam detailed how he creates some of his odd aircraft using electronics that have been scavenged from off-the-shelf ARFs.

Model Navy jet on grass field, adorned with red stripe and tail design. — **13.** Tony Silvestri frequently flew his Freewing F-4 on the sport flightline. With a 90mm EDF and 8S battery, the model was fast and sounded terrific.

Man holding a model airplane outdoors, another person seated in the background. — **14.** Zeke Brubaker brought his scratchbuilt 727 in Pan Am livery. It was a real performer with two GWS 40mm fan units and 3,800 Kv brushless motors.

Vintage model airplane with large wings and propeller, number 15. — **15.** Lee Woodworth’s Demoiselle has seen many NEAT Fairs. Built from the Sig kit, it still looks and flies great.

The keynote seminar was very special. Ben Pipenberg and Matthew Keenan from AeroVironment discussed the development and operation of Ingenuity, the helicopter flown on Mars.

I thought that it was interesting to hear how their roots in RC modeling shaped their careers as aerospace engineers. It was also obvious that Ben and Matt’s RC experiences influenced many of the design decisions for Ingenuity.

Videos of the NEAT Fair seminars can be seen on Gordon’s YouTube channel that is listed in "Sources."

NEAT Summary

I have attended the NEAT Fair several times in the past, but the 2024 event ranks as my favorite. A fun-loving crowd and amazing models are consistent from year to year. I presume that this is why the event has remained a staple of the electric flight community for 25 years. Having perfect weather this year really made it special. I look forward to returning next year!