Free Flight Competition Programme for 2025
Date of Meeting: January 29, 2025
Attendees:
- Mike Woodhouse, John Carter, Phil Ball, Mark Benns, Ken Faux, Simon Dixon, Trevor Seabrook, Ian Kaynes – FFTC members
- Simon Vaitevicius – BMFA Technical Director
- Chris Redrup, Steve Philpott – Programme Contributors
- David Ginns – Observer
Introduction
A meeting of the Free Flight Technical Committee (FFTC) was held on January 29, 2025, to discuss the 2025 Free Flight Competition calendar. The agenda focused on reviewing the submission from Chris Redrup and Steve Philpott. The FFTC extends its appreciation to all who contributed to this productive discussion.
Key Discussions
2025 Calendar and Rule Development
The 2025 FFTC calendar and associated rule changes were shaped by:
- Feedback from the 2024 Free Flight Conference
- In-depth discussions within the FFTC
- Ongoing engagement with the Free Flight community
These changes were introduced in response to the noticeable decline in contest participation, particularly since Covid, with the aim of revitalizing interest and ensuring the sustainability of Free Flight competitions.
Alternative Programme Presentation
Chris Redrup and Steve Philpott presented an alternative competition programme. While the FFTC acknowledged the effort and thoughtful proposals, it was concluded that the alternative programme lacked the comprehensive detail needed for a replacement
The FFTC recognizes the community’s concerns and anxieties regarding significant changes the FFTC has made.
Outcomes and Commitments
The FFTC decided to proceed with the published programme, however several positive suggestions were taken from the meeting. A key outcome was securing a commitment from Chris and Steve to collaborate with the FFTC throughout 2025 to assist with:
- The vital aspect of gathering data from the season’s activities
- Analysis of the data and the impact of the 2025 programme.
- The development of future rule and format changes for the 2026 season
Planned Activity in 2025
In June/July 2025 the FFTC will host a webinar conference to review the first four months of the Free Flight season to:
- Assess how the new format is performing in practice
- Listen to feedback from competitors
- Discuss suggestions for improvements
- Discuss disparities in model performance
- Prepare for the Free Flight Conference in November 2025
Commitment to the Free Flight Community
The FFTC believes its decisions are in the best interest of the Free Flight community, aiming to:
- Safeguard the future of the sport
- Balance tradition with inclusivity and innovation
- Foster a vibrant, fair, and data-driven competition environment
Whilst the current outcome may not align with everyone’s preferences, the FFTC assures the community that all feedback will be listened to and will continue to shape future decisions. Chris Redrup and Steve Philpott will participate in future FFTC meetings, and community members are always welcome to attend as observers.
2025 and the future
For the 2026 calendar, the FFTC will focus on:
- Observing how the new format functions in real-world settings
- Listening to the experiences and suggestions of the competitors
- Making data-driven refinements based on community input
Remember that this programme is a trial and will be changed/revised/updated as determined by the results obtained in 2025.
The FFTC remains dedicated to fostering a united, dynamic Free Flight community through a collaborative approach that honours the sport’s rich history while embracing necessary change.
The Free Flight Technical Committee (FFTC)