Joe Nall 2026: The Mecca of Radio Control Aviation By Doug Pepperdine
08 Aug 2026
Stepping onto the manicured, nearly two-mile-long runway at the Triple Tree Aerodrome in Woodruff, South Carolina, you instantly realize why
the Joe Nall event is called the Mecca of RC aviation. The collection of campers, pilots, spectators, and, of course, airplanes stretched nearly as far as I could see.
This year, with the generous support of the National Retail Hobby Stores Association and the Academy of Model Aeronautics, I was able to attend this “Oshkosh” of model aviation and capture its raw energy in photos and video for our Hobby Life community.
The Triple Tree Aerodrome operates under a beautiful philosophy: “Events at Triple Tree are people events…the airplanes happen to show up.” For hobby shop owners, this is a great reminder that we are not only selling a box off a shelf but also a lifestyle and a community.
On the main flight line, international flags waved over the grass runway as massive airplanes screamed through the sky. The airshow highlights were a turboprop Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, and, stealing the show, a Breitling L39 skimmed the runway twice right in front of me. Turbine and gas RC planes lined the spectator fence, waiting their turn to take to the air.
the Joe Nall event is called the Mecca of RC aviation. The collection of campers, pilots, spectators, and, of course, airplanes stretched nearly as far as I could see.
This year, with the generous support of the National Retail Hobby Stores Association and the Academy of Model Aeronautics, I was able to attend this “Oshkosh” of model aviation and capture its raw energy in photos and video for our Hobby Life community.
The Triple Tree Aerodrome operates under a beautiful philosophy: “Events at Triple Tree are people events…the airplanes happen to show up.” For hobby shop owners, this is a great reminder that we are not only selling a box off a shelf but also a lifestyle and a community.
On the main flight line, international flags waved over the grass runway as massive airplanes screamed through the sky. The airshow highlights were a turboprop Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, and, stealing the show, a Breitling L39 skimmed the runway twice right in front of me. Turbine and gas RC planes lined the spectator fence, waiting their turn to take to the air.
Moving down the line, we visited the Pat Hartness historic hangars to see a full-size T-28 Trojan and two PT-17 Stearmans nested there. The nostalgia of full-scale vintage aircraft reminds us of the deep heritage that hooks lifelong customers.
Then we made our way to the 3D flightline, where high-performance aerobatic machines defy the laws of physics, executing mind-bending torque rolls and low-altitude knife edges, driven by their astronomical power-to-weight ratios.
Then we made our way to the 3D flightline, where high-performance aerobatic machines defy the laws of physics, executing mind-bending torque rolls and low-altitude knife edges, driven by their astronomical power-to-weight ratios.
Yet, amidst the roar of aircraft worth thousands of dollars, the most impactful moment was watching a young child playing behind the flight line with what was probably a Firefox foamy, looking up in pure wonder at the spectacle of extreme RC.
Every master pilot handling an advanced 3D machine or turbine jet started exactly like that kid with a piece of foam or balsa wood. Joe Nall proves that the future of our industry lies in bridging these generational gaps, and we, as hobby retailers, share the responsibility of fostering a welcoming, passion-first environment in our shops to inspire the next generation of model aviators.
Every master pilot handling an advanced 3D machine or turbine jet started exactly like that kid with a piece of foam or balsa wood. Joe Nall proves that the future of our industry lies in bridging these generational gaps, and we, as hobby retailers, share the responsibility of fostering a welcoming, passion-first environment in our shops to inspire the next generation of model aviators.