Top Gun is, in fact a privately run event. On top of that, it is an invitational event, which simply stated means you must be invited to bring your plane and compete. It is run under the rules and the blessing of the AMA, as a special classification event. The rules are in place, and there have been some significant changes for the 2008 event. The rule book is available for downloading from the Top Gun site. The rule book was published this year (I think in July).

Yes, the composite airplanes do draw a points penalty in static judging. If the wings are composite as well, the points penalty is increased. But, that still has not stopped some of the composite jets from winning the event. It just levels the playing field.

Here are some Composite planes that were at Top Gun this year. Call them what you wish, they still are not an ARF. There are no pre built sub assemblies, and that is what defines an ARF.

Bill, AMA 4720
WACO Brotherhood #1