Arizona High Desert Pattern Challenge 2026

(formerly the Fall F3A Pattern Contest)

Join the Chino Valley Flyers for the inaugural AMA-sanctioned FAI/F3A Arizona High Desert Pattern Challenge. Whether you’re entering your first pattern competition or chasing another podium finish, you’ll find a professionally run contest, outstanding flying facilities, and a welcoming group of competitors. Whether you’re brand new to pattern flying or a seasoned competitor, this is a great weekend to enjoy precision aerobatics, friendly competition, and a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere.

Competition will include Club, Sportsman, Classic, EDF, and full current AMA/FAI pattern classes, giving pilots of every experience level an opportunity to compete.

Don’t have a dedicated pattern airplane? No problem. Many quality sport aircraft are perfectly capable of flying the Club and Sportsman sequences, making this an excellent opportunity to experience your first pattern contest using a model that you already know.

The CVF Airfield features a wide paved runway, generous pit area, plenty of shade, and a layout designed to keep the sun at the pilots’ backs.

Spectators are welcome, and it’s a great opportunity to see a wide variety of aircraft and flying styles in action. Flying begins Saturday morning, with Classic and EDF events on Saturday only and current AMA classes both Saturday and Sunday. Lunch will be available for purchase on Saturday. Overnight camping at the field is offered starting Wednesday through Sunday for those who want to make a weekend of it. Nearby lodging is also available in Chino Valley, Prescott Valley, and Prescott.

Whether you’re competing, thinking about trying pattern for the first time, or simply want to watch some of the finest precision aerobatic flying in the Southwest, we hope you’ll join us. Come fly, come watch, or just come hang out with fellow RC pilots and enjoy a great weekend at the field.

Where: Chino Valley Flyers Field, Chino Valley, AZ
When: Saturday & Sunday, October 10 & 11, 2026
Registration Fee:

- - $10.00 for Club Class (AMA)/Basic (Classic)
  - $25.00 for Sportsman (AMA)
  - $35.00 for all other classes

AMA Sanction Number: 19502
Contest Directors: Mike & Jean Greear (E-mail: ih82roll@gmail.com, cell: 661-609-6476)

General Information
This contest is open to all current AMA members and will feature all AMA and FAI pattern classes, along with SPA Classic Pattern (Basic, Sportsman, Advanced, and Expert) and EDF Pattern. Pilots may compete in AMA, Classic, and EDF events—or any combination of the three. Classic and EDF competition will be held Saturday only with up to four rounds, while AMA classes will continue through Sunday for rounds 5 and 6. Awards will be presented through third place in each class.

Overnight dry camping is available at the field, with hotels nearby in Chino Valley, Prescott Valley, and Prescott.

- - All AMA and club safety rules will be enforced.
  - All pilots must have current AMA and FAA registration.
  - Pilots need not be CVF members.
    .

Schedule

Saturday:
The field will be open for practice until 8:00am when it will be closed for the pilots meeting.

- - 7:00am – Pilot registration opens
  - 8:00am – Safety Briefing and rules review. All pilots must attend.
  - 8:15am – Official flying begins.
  - 11:30am-1:00pm – Lunch
    .

Sunday:
The field will be open for practice until 8:00am when it will be closed for the start of official flying.

- - 8:00am – Official flying begins.
    .
Prizes: Trophies and plaques will be awarded for 1st through 3rd places in each class.

For More Information:
- - - Additional Event Rules & Details
    - NSRCA Current Sequence Information
    - NSRCA Home See the Flying tab for even more details
    - Senior Pattern Association 2025-2026 Maneuver Descriptions
    - For questions or info about SPA and EDF pattern, or for the EDF patterns that we will be flying, email Robert Fish at: robert.fish.aerobatics@gmail.com
Preregistration: Go to the NSRCA Events page, here: High Desert Pattern Challenge to preregister, see who has already preregistered, and notify the organizers that you will attend.