Since 1989, Model Airplane News has been proud to sponsor—and cover!—the prestigious Top Gun Scale Invitational. Now in its 34th year, Top Gun continues to be a world-class celebration of craftsmanship and piloting skills. Many of the competitors battle for points from the static display judges with precision outlines, detailed cockpit displays, and museum-worthy graphics, but these aircraft are no hangar queens; all of them fly scale routines for the discerning flight judges and to the delight of the crowds. Hosted at Paradise Field in Lakeland, Florida, Top Gun boasts a well-maintained and expertly staffed venue, and the event runs like clockwork. This year, participants and spectators enjoyed nonstop flying with nine classes of competition, including a combined Sportsman class with jets and prop planes.
Founded by Frank Tiano and…