The 1999 National Aeromodeling Championships

THE 73RD National Aeromodeling Championships Nats history Nats contest builders pilots aspire win work toward during other 11 months year Much time money effort put preparation event extremely good Nats said AIVIA president Dave Brown Indoor Free Flight Nationals held June 2-6 Johnson City TN Mini-Dome campus East Tennessee State University Outdoor events held July 9-August 5 International Aeromodeling Center Muncie IINthe fourth Nationals held Muncie site Thats approximately month continuous competition Free Right Control Line Radio Control categories totaling 104 official several unofficial events Approximately 100 competitors flew Indoor events approximately 1000 participated Outdoor events approximately 130 registered volunteers Overall participation higher year lastmore 1300 attendance Nats great happening said Brown peoplethe competitors officialsmake Nats what another year 20 Special Interest Groups SIGs took charge respective events Nats put hours extra effort administer categories make sure things ran smoothly Nats went really well said AlVIA Technical Director Steve Kaluf SIGs have really learned run events few problems weather great Ron Morgan returned Nats Manager after some medical problems quadruple-bypass surgery unable attend Nats last year Rons pretty good shape said Kaluf wife Jane came too big help Nats HQ An important factor putting major flying event facility Muncie site continues improve Since 1998 Nats great deal work done enhance rural 1000-acre site Roads winding through site paved reducing much-complained-about airborne dust last year water line put although wasnt activated until after Nats grass flying areas upgraded site has continued improve said Kaluf fly go tell others good site Muncie prompts come give try supportive comments competitors regarding site appreciate effort goes maintaining said Brown maintenance crew does superb job In general things ran hoped Nats much everyones relief went pretty much should have said Kaluf Its have standout situations theres usually problem thing unique CL Scale [F2D] CL Combat [F4B] team selection finals during Nationals said Brown brought people Nats qualified F2D team will attend 2000 worid championships France F4B team will travel Switzerland compete worked out extremely wellbut wouldnt recommend categories said Brown 2000 Nats plan continue business usual said Kaluf feel weve gotten down science Kaluf staff Competitions Department put long hours leading up during Nats Kaluf said next year hed just like replicate years performance Its great disservice people work [Nats management] recognize said Brown will meeting October begin planning 2000 Nationals Entry forms will sent have participated last two Nats dont receive entry blank would like participate contact Competitions Department AMA HQ Everyone come back said Brown Hope see next year Muncie 4December 1999 7