What to expect from Flite Fest Ohio 2018

Every year, thousands gather for Flite Test's festivals of flight. Here's what's happening at the next one.

With the first Flite Fest event of 2018 just around the corner, we're getting rather excited about it. As many will be interested in what's happening this year in Ohio, it might be a good idea to let you in on what'll be going down in July.

Video Guide

If you'll be attending and want to know what to bring and how to get involved, here is Austin and Alex to brief you of the essentials.

What's Happening?

Flight lines: at every flite fest, there are dedicated areas reserved for R/C flying. These usually run along the whole length of the airstrip. This means that there will be open flying for every registered pilot. All you need is a spotter and an aircraft!

We believe in being as inviting and as open as possible, so you'll see a lot of families flying together. If you're bringing your kids to the event, you're going to have a great time. Flite Fest is a family-orientated occasion meaning that you can experience the thrill of R/C aviation with those closest to you.

Combat: the now famous Flite Fest combat events have been a staple of each and every event to date, and that's not going to change anytime soon! Organised battles commence regularly over the four days in a safe and controlled manner - it's incredibly fun to watch never mind be a part of!

Build tents: these places are where the community passion for DIY and creation really shines through. You'll see people helping people to realize their common goals. Once a project is complete, you'll be able to head straight out of the canvas and onto the flight line for a maiden flight.

Crazy projects: one thing we see every year are community members who've brought their marvelous flying machine projects to Flite Fest. Be it an incredibly detailed replica of a Bugatti 100p or a huge scaled-up version of the FT Viggen, every one of these ambitious undertakings were made by people with a common interest.

Night Flying: a little bit of night time doesn't stop people flying! Simply strap some LEDs to your craft and take flight. Flite Fest is a mainly electric event, aside from a few displays of gas-powered planes here and there, so you don't have to worry about disturbing sleepers.

Live Music: finishing off a full day of flying from dawn to dusk, the best way to unwind is gather around the campfire to see the live performers at the festival.

Displays: Flite Fest is chock full of exhibition flying - from the world's largest race drone to super circle planes. Aside from Flite Test organized flying, you'll be able to put on your own mini displays with aircraft you've brought along.

Last year we even had a visit from a paramotor display team.

Meeting the crew: all around the event, you'll see us, the FT crew. Come and say hi! Meeting people is one of the best parts of the festival for us.

We hope to see you in just a few weeks. If you're too far away and can't make it, you'll be with us in spirit. Grab your flying goggles, Flite Fest 2018 is about to get going!