There has been some confusion over the Unknowns that will be flown at Nationals by Advanced and Unlimited category pilots. In the case of Advanced, competitors will fly one "Free Unknown". Both Unlimited Unknowns that are on the schedule now will also be "Free Unknowns". This is in accordance with IAC's Policy and Procedures manual (sections 503 and 504) and puts the Nationals in full compliance with IAC Board policy.
The Free Unknowns are one of the most interesting aspects of the Nationals and have been used in world competition for several years. The top 10 pilots of each category will be given the opportunity to choose a figure for the Free Unknown. After the ten figures are chosen, they are checked and published, and pilots then allowed to submit Free Unknown sequences to the contest staff. After they are checked, they are then posted and no later than 12 hours prior to the flying of the sequences, pilots must choose which one they will fly of those submitted. Pilots who do well in the standings are rewarded since they are allowed to choose a figure if they are in the top ten -- and all pilots get to choose the sequence that is best for them. It is an exciting feature of Nationals and the figure selections are always enjoyable to watch.
Please refer to the Nationals schedule for details at https://nationals.iac.org/Schedule. It will be updated soon.
