From September 8-14, Tom Hunt and the Silent Electric Flyers of Long Island (SEFLI) held the 26th annual Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology (NEAT) Fair at Peaceful Valley Campgrounds in Downsville, New York. As usual, the event did not disappoint.
A member of the AMA Hall of Fame and an aerospace engineer, Tom Hunt is one of the pioneers of electric flight! Tom has been working with electric-powered model airplanes since the early days of NiCd batteries and brushed motors, and he has several significant records to his credit. The NEAT Fair has not been stuck in years past, however; the event always features some of the latest in technologies—with a noted emphasis on fun! In fact, one post-event internet observation stated, "The social aspect of it is the whole point," and that is certainly true!
Perhaps the two most popular activities at the NEAT Fair are night flying and the Lobster Combat competition. I’m not sure where the title comes from, but the Combat event never disappoints. Each pilot is required to wear a helmet. Given the creativity of modelers, Lobster Combat pilots have taken the idea of a helmet to a whole new level. Fanciful themes and costumes now accompany most pilots’ helmets, and participants now dress as everything from a Viking to Darth Vader and beyond. It makes the event more fun and creative year after year.
Another internet comment probably put it best: "Thank you to Tom and all his helpers for another year of fun flying and all the great people at NEAT."
The 2026 NEAT Fair dates have already been announced. Be sure not to miss next year’s event on September 14-20, 2026. For more information, visit neatfair.org.
Remember, it’s not about what you fly, it’s about the friends you make.
