~ Ben Harber

I first went to Flite Fest in 2016 and I’ve been to every one in Ohio since, as well as Flite Fest West 2017 in California. Each year improves on the one before. The Flite Test team builds on momentum year over year, learning from the things that went well as well as those that didn’t, making the next year more successful than the last. 

There have been STEM focused projects, group builds, awesome demonstrations and exhibitions - both RC and even full-scale! Every year has offered something different, but they all have been awesome. You can camp in tents or come in an RV or trailer, or stay at a number of nearby hotels & motels. I recommend camping! Just be sure you bring an umbrella and some rubber boots - if it rains it POURS! There is a Family Tent with air-conditioning to get little ones out of the heat when needed, and a well-staffed Store Tent where you can pick up anything and everything you need for repairs or new builds! 

Speaking of builds: The BUILD TENTS. Each year there have been at least two giant 100-ft event-tents furnished with tables, chairs and power. THIS is where the spirit of Flite Test comes alive. People build everything from starter kits, trainers and soarers, to giant behemoths intent on dominating (or chumming) in airborne combat! Sure there are vendors and exhibition flights, but if you come for one thing COME FOR THE BUILD TENTS AND FLYING! The Build Tents are full of people of all ages and stripes, trying, learning and trying again. You build, walk out to the flight-line, fly, crash and do it all over again. “FLY-CRASH-REPAIR-REPEAT” should be on banners all over the tents, because that is what you will see there. It’s awesome!

As Josh and the team are fond of saying, “Bring the people you love and the planes you don’t”, because Flite Test is a “flying” event, but it’s all about people. You’ll have to take my word for it until you get there yourself, but once you do, you’ll see. It’s more than airplanes and batteries, it’s moments, experiences, trials and memories: it’s friends that become family. That’s Flite Fest.

~ Ben Harber