HeliStorm 2026 Go/No Go Poll

We are in the planning stages for HeliStorm™ 2026, which, if held, would occur on September 2-6, 2026 on the front grounds of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Here are the variables that we are dealing with:

1. The USAF Foundation is unable to contribute funds to the event. Last time, they kicked in $25,000 so this is a large negative.

2. I am unwilling to fund the full $26,450 I contributed last year to cover shortfalls and still do the work to host the event. I will cover small shortfalls.

3. The schools in the Dayton area have indicated that they will not send students out on a field trip that early in the school year. Accordingly, there will be no full scale helicopter industry participation.

All of this means that HeliStorm™ would simply be a massive fun fly event with the following extras:

1. Exhibitors from the RC industry
2. Large central pilot lounge
3. Learning workshops
4. Silent auction with mobile phone bidding
5. Food trucks
6. Pizza party on Friday
7. Formal banquet inside the museum (with private touring)
8. Informal attendance by the general public (and accompanying promotion by the museum)
9. Bring your own tent
10. No on-site camping (other than by Darrell Sprayberry who would run security).
11. Relaxed flying contests judged by RC pilots
12. Pilot's choice awards in various categories

Please indicate your willingness/likelihood of attending the event. We expect the cost of attendance to run in the neighborhood of $165-195/pilot with no distinction between flying and non-flying pilots. All paying pilots (and their guests, who would cost less if they wish to attend the banquet and pizza party) are entitled to fly and have access to the flight line and pilot lounge.

This poll will help me decide whether or not to host the event. HeliStorm™ became the largest scale helicopter event in the world in its inaugural year. We can either keep that going or punt! (After you vote, please share this poll with anyone you think might want to attend).

What do you think?