The 1998 National Aeromodeling Championship

THE INTERNATIONAL Aeromodeling Center AMA Headquarters Muncie Indiana has its third set National Aeromodeling Championships outdoor events under its beltthe 72nd Nationals Nats ever Competition consisted 104 separate official events several unofficial events lasted July 10 August 4 really pleased [with years Nats] said Dave Brown president AMA entries up minuscule number complaints Attendance years events up number contestants totaling approximately 1300an increase outdoor competitors about 1200 100 Indoor fliers consistent past Nats entrants Indoor Nats held May 27-31 Johnson City Tennessee Mini-Dome campus East Tennessee State University According Steve Kaluf AMA Technical Director best Nats three have held relatively new 1000-acre Muncie site AMA Headquarters moved Indiana location Reston Virginia 1993 Everyone Ive talked has positive people continuing like site~ said Kaluf site improves year Brown said people become used site what can cant certain areas Another factor made Nats great weather days four-week span competition sunny wann two weather-related situations affected modelers neither too serious heavy rain shut down flying areas day competition scale no pun intended focus deservedly falls competitors Its easy forget events could run smoothly people willing work hard put extra time effort people Steve Kaluf addition own duties Technical Director filled Nats Manager Ron Morgan unable attend Nats year crucial part Nats 500 workers including officials approximately 300 volunteers staff works well together said Kaluf Without have nothing Impressive work also done 12 SIGsSpecial Interest Groupswho ran individual events SIGs have got tuned well working together well said Kaluf proved ability run things said Brown really pleased see number SIGs held banquets symposiums various sites around Muncie Overall what ultimate aeromodeling experience turued out great time attended feedback has overwhelmingly positive Its back being premier event said Brown Surprisingly have received raves accolades suggestions complaints pointed out its usually easier people complain pat someone back However terrific events receive number complaints case very small number can stand some improvement wish list possible changes developing future Nationals Most complaints things well try address said Brown Some items include problems certain rules operational procedures fees Porta PottiTMs inherent conflict between certain modeling categories future Nats competitions Kaluf would like see improvement grass sites pointed out have improved markedly compared last year takes time develop desired look grass areas Among other suggestions mentioned Control Line circles electricity campers camping facilities site Wed like see magazine coverage MA other publications said Brown 1999 Nationals already works Nats planning meeting scheduled October Well see what needs done can improve event said Brown Entry blanks 1999 Nationals will mailed out participants last two three years Nats dont receive would like compete contact Competition department AMA Headquarters See next year eila Ames