Connor Barnes, of Mooresville, North Carolina, is a graduating senior from Lake Norman High School. With a GPA of 4.3 and being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society, Connor will be attending the University of North Dakota in the fall, majoring in aeronautics, with concentration in commercial fight and unmanned aircraft systems. Connor’s interest in RC Giant Scale airplanes began at 11 years old while observing his dad’s hobby. Connor attended Youth Masters in 2012, placing fourth in the Basic division. The confidence Connor gained through Youth Masters was enough to interest him in competing in International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) contests in 2013. Connor went on to win the Southeast Regional IMAC Championship Contest’s Basic Division, as well as being named the 2013 top point’s winner. During the next two years, Connor participated in more than 20 IMAC competitions, finishing each of these seasons attending John Schroder’s summer camp at Clover Creek Aerodrome, where he prepared for the Nats. In 2013, Connor placed fourth in the Intermediate division, and in 2014 he placed third in the Advanced division, winning Best Senior both years. Upon winning the Youth Masters Advanced division in 2014, Connor became an instructor for the program—giving back to what got him started by assisting and mentoring eager young pilots. Better known as “Goofy” to the RC community, Connor’s sense of humor and lighthearted approach to life make him a well received and admired character among his peers and mentors.
