November 2006 17
T h e 2 0 0 6
Chris Starleaf launches his FF Curtiss SB3C Helldiver for a max
time. A biplane with retracts has an advantage.
Bill Wisniewski adjusts the engine on his CL Formula 40 Pink
Lady. His engine-tuning skill has earned him numerous
championships.
THE NATS IS unlike any other annual “contest” in the world. The
idea of the event is to attract competitors from across the nation so
that they may come together in a face-off, if you will, to determine
who is the best. With luck, skill, or otherwise, a champion is
crowned who has outdone those who have participated in a
particular special-interest event.
The AMA Nationals reflects, to a reasonable degree, what is
popular in the hobby today. Not every discipline can be held during
the summer at one location; some exceptions have to be made.
The Indoor FF portion of the Nats has to be held off-site in
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Dennis Crooks’s Eurofighter Typhoon proved to be a smooth flier in the RC Sport Scale competition.
The Nats reunited AMA’s family during six weeks in the Midwest
for a sumptuous helping of tradition and today’s latest
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:08 AM Page 1718 MODEL AVIATION
Jason Shulman carries Sean McMurtry’s
Astral XX to the runway. The anhedral
stabilizer offers more finite control in FAIclass
rolling maneuvers.
Bob Harris scratch-built this Hiller OH-23D. Larger gas-engine-powered models proved
to have smoother flight characteristics, which earned them higher flight scores.
A Big Bruce Racing Products Polecat waits at the ready line for the next Quarter 40 RC
Pylon race. Equipped with the stock Nelson Q40 engine, the combination is a winner.
Just for fun, Cox Models hosted an unofficial pylon race with its
latest RTF Micro Warbirds. Could this be a future Nats RC
Electrics event?
Windy Urtnowski rounds the Stunt circles
finished in real Ferrari paint.
Photos by the author
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:15 AM Page 18November 2006 19
Kenny Willis, shown with his sister Kimmy, took second in
Advanced RC Scale Aerobatics with his Composite-ARF 40%
Extra 330.
To snatch an opponent’s streamer, Randy Hodges coats his RC
Combat model’s LE with a sticky paste called Tanglefoot Bird
Repellent.
Greg Hahn, with wife Susie, connects the flight batteries to his
electric-powered Sport Scale B-25. Top Flite will soon release this
model as an ARF.
with his Ro-Jett .77-powered Testarossa. His 62-ounce tribute model is
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:29 AM Page 1920 MODEL AVIATION
RC Combat Scale 2610 winner Brian Gilkey holds his streamercovered
Zero. His aggressive tactics (and keen eyesight) made
him the pilot to beat.
One of the most popular events in RC Soaring is Rudder-Elevator-
Spoiler (RES). Pilot skill wins out over radio-programming skill.
Terry Duke’s Vario 1:5.5-scale Hughes 500E is powered with a Zenoah G-23. It uses four-point CCPM control and a dual-axis gyro for
solid hovers.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:18 AM Page 20November 2006 21
A good launch in RC Pylon can give the pilot that added edge. Gino DelPonte catches some air as he launches Lyle Larson’s Dago Red.
RC Scale welcomed the spectators out onto the runway for the noon lineup. These
models are contenders in the Sport Scale through Expert classes.
Paul Wicks leans way back to draw his FF
Catapult Glider into the launch position.
The tough part is trimming for high winds
and best glide.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:21 AM Page 2122 MODEL AVIATION
Stewart Cummins’ FF Old Time Rubber Cabin model gets an
inspection while poised on its winding stooge. Braided rubber
motors are known to improve performance.
A typical lineup of aircraft at the RC Scale Aerobatics Advanced
and Unlimited flightline. The 40%-scale models were typical.
Kevin Knebel modeled his Ziroli Stearman after the Navy N2S-3 variation. Its Saito 2.20 four-stroke engine was perfectly hidden among
the six dummy cylinders.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:30 AM Page 22November 2006 23
Eric Henderson’s O.S. 1.60 engine-equipped
Oxai Pinnacle for RC Aerobatics used a
custom-built exhaust header made by Karl
Mueller. Attention to these details sets the
winners apart.
Standing at the center of the circle, Don
Cranfill launches a CL Combat F2D model
for an eager beginner. These airplanes are
some of the fastest in competition.
David P. Andersen entered his 1/3-scale
Lynx in RC Designer Scale competition.
The reliable Zenoah GT-80 engine was
used for power.
The streamlined fuselage of Scott Gray’s Kyosho Sylphide 90 FAI helicopter aids in
presenting smoother-looking maneuvers to the panel of judges.
Jay Steward flew this Curtiss F8C Helldiver in RC Team Scale. His brother Jack modeled
the aircraft after the type used in the vintage King Kong film.
Larry Davidson’s T-bird is inverted after its dethermalizer is
deployed. The 1950s design is a popular choice in the class B
Nostalgia Gas event.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:46 AM Page 2324 MODEL AVIATION
Mark Gellart launches his RES Soaring model as Don Richmond
times the flight. The winch systems used new trickle chargers to
help ensure consistent launches.
Frank Beatty makes a level pass around the CL Scale circle with his Designer-class Pasped Skylark. Frank was inducted into the Model
Aviation Hall of Fame during the Nats.
2006 Nats Sponsors
In recognition of the funding necessary to run the entire
Nats program of events at the National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana, the preceding manufacturers made specific
donations directly to AMA. MA
—Michael Ramsey
2006 NatsNews Authors
Event Author
FF Indoor (May 31-June 4) John Kagan
RC Scale Aerobatics (July 4-7) Brad Jorgenson
RC Helicopter (July 7-11) Craig Bradley
RC Pylon Racing (July 9-14) Jim Allen
CL Racing (July 10-14) Tim Stone
CL Stunt (July 10-14) Allen Brickhaus
CL Speed (July 10-14) Dave Mark
CL Combat (July 11-14) Wayne McDaniel
CL Navy Carrier (July 12-14) Richard Perry
RC Combat (July 12-15) Greg Rose
RC Aerobatics (July 16-20) Eric Henderson
RC Soaring (July 21-28) Don Richmond
RC Electrics (July 29-August 1) Gary and Connie Bussell
FF Outdoor (July 31-August 4) Don DeLoach
RC Scale (August 3-6) Stan Alexander
CL Scale (August 3-6) Fred and Diana Gregg
To check out the daily Nats events visit www.modelaircraft.org/
events/natsnews.asp. For the official final scores, go to www.model
aircraft.org/events/scores04.asp. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Powermaster Hobby Products
Horizon Hobby Distributors
BP Hobbies
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 12:09 PM Page 24November 2006 25
Ric Vaughn launches Ernie Schlumberger’s Unlimited-class RC
Electrics model. Ric designed the Stardust Special just for this
competition.
Baron Johnson makes a knife-edge pass with his scratch-built
Loudenslager Shark. Notice how the entire vertical fin rotates.
World Champion Chip Hyde (R) mentors Ryan Archer before Ryan’s next flight in the Intermediate-class RC Pattern competition.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:55 AM Page 2526 MODEL AVIATION
Quique Somenzini found that the addition of the fixed fin behind the canopy of his RC
Aerobatics model made a positive difference in side-area control performance.
All the way from England, Len Mount’s scratch-built, turbine-powered Westland Scout
AH Mk.1 took first place in the RC Scale Helicopter category.
Scale Aerobatics Intermediate competitor Josh Jordan’s 40% 3W Extra 330 was finished with an airbrushed tribute to the Manhattan
skyline.
2006 Nats Entries
Discipline Registrants
CL (General Interest) 213
RC Electric 25
Indoor FF 63
Outdoor FF 205
RC Aerobatics 115
RC Combat 30
RC Helicopter 37
RC Pylon Racing 81
RC Scale Aerobatics 65
CL Scale 17
RC Scale (Fixed Wing) 45
RC Soaring 129
Total 1,025
Johnson City, Tennessee, at the East
Tennessee State University Mini-Dome. And
holding an RC Slope Soaring event on the
open plains of Indiana isn’t exactly an
attractive idea.
Exceptions are made as to what events
are run, but the clear goal is to promote
excellence in the hobby. New events are
added to the Nats schedule when enough
interest and support are generated.
Opportunity is a side effect of vying for a
national title. Many participants see the Nats
as a chance to be recognized, and they can
make their mark on a number of levels. The
recognition of their peers is a great reward,
but sometimes a person can catch a lucky
break and be “discovered” as a new talent,
the benefits of which vary greatly, but the
prospect is exciting.
The most gratifying, and most often
accomplished, aspect of the Nats is the
opportunity to have a lot of fun while in the
pursuit of what can be learned about this
treasured pastime. But the really cool part is
that modelers put their best foot forward at
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:27 AM Page 262006 Nats Volunteer Personnel
Management:
Event Directors:
Name Event SIG
Mike Condon RC Pylon Racing Canadian American Pylon Society
Craig Bradley RC Helicopter International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association
Mark Jorgensen RC Aerobatics International Miniature Aerobatic Club
Warren Tiahrt CL Precision Aerobatics (Stunt) Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association
Barry Tippett CL Speed North American Speed Society
Tim Smith CL Racing National Control Line Racing Association
Bill Calkins CL Carrier Navy Carrier Society
Roy Glenn CL Combat Miniature Aircraft Combat Association
Dave Guerin RC Aerobatics (Pattern) National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics
Marc Gellart RC Soaring League of Silent Flight
Ric Vaughn RC Electric National Electric Aircraft Council
Jim Juhl FF National Free Flight Society
Jim Rediske RC Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Rick Fraley RC Combat Radio Control Combat Association
Chuck Snyder CL Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Thanks to the 2006 Nats management staff and event directors. Their hard work and dedication make the contest a success. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Name Title
Ron Morgan Nationals Director/Manager
Al Williamson RC Category Manager
Wayne Yeager RC Category Director
Brenda Schuette CL Manager
Phil Sullivan FF Manager
Name Title
Joe Vislay Assistant RC Director
Amy Wilson AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Randa Coats AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Yolanda Jonesthe Nats, and they do it for many reasons—
some of which are more humble than others.
Imagine the Oscars, with the celebrities
and the screaming fans. The heroes and
talented individuals who attend the Nats
create an aura that breeds excitement. What
happens at a Nats competition is the stuff
legends are made of, and anyone who is
privileged with the experience can’t help but
feel like part of something that is truly
special.
Many pilots in the popular events make
good on their promises to their sponsors, but
there are also those who use the Nats to
maintain friendships and continue their
pursuit of becoming better modelers. Most
times these people are one and the same—a
point that strongly illustrates the personality
and character of those who are attracted to
this hobby.
I’ve never witnessed more moments of
pride than at the Nats. Sportsmanship flows
freely, which is an example of why
aeromodeling has so many time-honored
traditions.
Sportsmen are those who have an
obvious affection for what they want to do
well; in this case it’s anything having to do
with model airplanes. They have an attitude
that encourages others to envy them and
challenge their aptitude in a friendly
manner.
When friends get together to play, a
good time usually prevails. Traditions
unfold into events that are organized with
the same passion so the future of those
events can be secured for generations.
Bringing the Nats together takes an
enormous amount of effort. If you’ve ever
been to any kind of flying event, or a
simple backyard barbecue for that matter,
multiply that amount of planning,
preparation, and affection by 100. If you
can imagine that level of commitment, you
might realize, in a small way, how really
big the AMA Nats is, and perhaps how
much it means to so many people.
Planning for the Nats actually starts in
October of the year prior. Volunteers led
by Ron Morgan, Wayne Yeager, and Bob
Brown (just to name a few) take time out
of their busy schedules to meet with SIG
volunteer representatives. These SIG
personnel take the opportunity to
challenge themselves with the prospect of
running one of the more than 15 RC, CL,
or FF events hosted at the 1,000-plus-acre
AMA National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana.
The AMA facility is basically at the
disposal of the individual SIGs so they can
run their own contests. After all, each of
these groups has the responsibility of
keeping up with the times, so they’re the
experts when it comes to running an event
that best emulates the current status of that
particular part of the hobby.
The Nats is where many competitors
come to make a statement. Winning here
means having bested top modelers and
pilots from across the US. An enticing
aspect of making it at the Nats is that it’s
an open event, meaning that anyone can
compete.
Let’s say you’re new to the hobby and
you’ve got some skill. It’s not who you
know; it’s what you know and that you
make the effort to go—as in to the Nats.
Great stories come out of the Nats about this
very phenomenon—about nobodies
becoming somebodies in the blink of an eye.
To ask one author to spill out in one article
all that happened during a 38-day contest is
ludicrous and degrades the meaning of
everything the event honors. However, I will
share some stories that represent what this
year’s Nats experience was for me.
My goal at this year’s Nats was to meet as
many people as possible to gain as much
information as I could about the contest
happenings. Lucky for me, the AMA
Publications Department had an ace in the
hole called NatsNews.
The Nats is a huge event, and it justifies a
worthy report from those who know the
interests. NatsNews Chief Editor Liz Helms
and I led a team of skilled reporters to bring
everyone—not just AMA members—news
from the Nats on a daily basis.
Posted online (at www.modelair
craft.org/events/natsnews.asp) and printed
for the people on-site, almost 300 pages
and more than 800 photos streamed with
stories to bring the reader deep into the
events. In addition, there were extra tidbits
of information that reminded us that we’re
out there to have a good time.
30 MODELThe NatsNews is fun to read, with a lot
of good inside information. If you missed
the event, be sure to catch up with those
newsletters. You’ll get a good idea of what
equipment the winners were using to make
it to the podium. Study them carefully and
you’ll see what might be needed to be the
next contender. When you come to the
Nats, count on being noticed worldwide.
As I mentioned, an event such as the
Nats has many stories—countless is more
like it—both large and small. However, a
couple affected me in ways that were
favorable and encouraged greater
participation among those involved. They
were inspirational experiences that would
be shared to charge others with the mission
of coming to Muncie next year to perhaps
build their own benchmarks.
Much of what is inspirational about
modeling comes from the living history of
full-scale aircraft. Dreams of flight are the
primary reasons why aviation enthusiasts
turn to modeling, because it’s a practical
and much safer outlet.
Leo Loudenslager was one of those fullscale
aviators who carried out his
aspirations methodically and triumphantly.
He took his Laser 200 aircraft to the limits
of its capability and set the standards for
air-show performances and safety along the
way.
Leo’s pursuits led him to create a
radical new aerobatic aircraft that was duly
named for its unique appearance. However,
he died before his commissioned aircraft
was able to be flown.
Baron Johnson is an aspiring
aeronautical engineer who is involved in
full-scale aircraft and RC models. With the
aid of his father Fred Johnson, Baron
sought to find out whether or not Leo’s
ideas could finally be realized. Baron
studied the Shark, as Leo’s aircraft came to
be known, to complete his research and
build an RC model of the Zivko
Aeronautics-built aircraft.
The biggest tell about the Shark model
is the tail section that includes an upper and
lower fin that pivot together at a root point.
The lower fin is retractable, as on the fullscale
version, to provide ground clearance.
(JR/Horizon Hobby made a servo
especially for the application.)
Numerous other points about the model,
such as the airfoils, fuselage side area, and
wing placement, were carefully calculated
to promote a harmonious relationship.
Baron produced countless amounts of data
concerning the expectations of the fullscale
aircraft and how he needed an IMAC
(International Miniature Aerobatic Club)
model to perform.
Wanting to use the popular DA-150
engine, Baron scaled the model at exactly
38.8%. His Loudenslager Shark mimics all
the innovations of the full-scale airplane
except the full-flying stabilizer (but he’s
planning on having that function on a
future model).
Did it work? The model was flight
tested approximately a month before the
Nats, finally recording into history the first
flight of a Loudenslager Shark. Even at the
Nats Baron flew the model cautiously. He
says it will do 3-D, but since his primary
goal was to compete in the RC Scale
Aerobatics Unlimited class, sequence
flying had been its only repertoire.
The Shark’s success allowed Baron to
qualify for the finals. However, Fred took
ill the evening before the final rounds, so
Baron reverentially bowed out of the
competition to see his father safely home.
(Fred is recovering very well.)
Baron’s scores from the preliminaries
were strong enough to keep him well away
from last place; he came in eighth out of
the 12 finalists. That has to say something,
doesn’t it?
Bene Rodriguez of Brazil has made it a
point to attend the Nats CL Precision
Aerobatics (Stunt) competition for years
and place high in the standings. He has a
thing for Mustangs and has modified Al
Rabe’s famous P-51 to suit himself.
As I understand it, Bene’s close friend
Thomas Case used his own finances to
arrange for Bene and 28 of his friends to
attend the Nats. That’s 28 pilots in addition
to all the support personnel (family and
helpers). Dubbed the “Brazilian Invasion,”
it was more like a celebration with a P-51
theme. All the aircraft used were the same
Rodriguez-modified Mustangs, for which
he supplied kits.
You might think this was some kind of
stunt (pun intended) to flood the scoreboard
in their favor; however, the gesture was
nothing of the sort. Not that there weren’t
any “ringers” in the group, but overall these
people were a fine cross-section of
modelers from beginner to expert.
The Brazilian group exemplified the
meaning of sportsmanship. Each pilot
proudly flew his Mustang to some level of
stature, much to the delight of his
benefactor. In addition, Thomas Case Jr.
placed second in Junior CL Stunt.
The AMA Nats was only the beginning
of this group’s tour; its next stop was
Spain, where it was going to support its
team at the CL World Championships.
It’s great to see hard work pay off with a
win at the Nats. Any initiative to recognize
achievement is rewarding not only for the
talent, but for the aeromodeling community
in general.
A special promotion to recognize
worthy individuals was led by NSRCA
(National Society of Radio Control
Aerobatics) Treasurer Rusty Dose and was
called the Concours d’Elegance. This was
basically a beauty contest in which RC
Aerobatics (Pattern) participants were
asked to judge the models and sight on the
numerous points regarding craftsmanship
and quality of the aircraft.
The event concluded with two winners:
Sean McMurtry and Mike Hester. Their
aircraft clearly emulated everything Patterncompetitors are known to do extremely well.
From the construction, to the application of
the paint, to the choice of hardware, Sean’s
Astral XX and Mike’s Black Magic were
perfect examples of form and function.
The reminder here is that craftsmanship is
still a huge part of the hobby. As the CL Stunt
community has done for years with static
points as a regular part of competition, it is
hoped that this new program will inspire
future craftsmen to step up.
The FF portion of the Nats is the biggest,
with the largest number of registered
contestants. The Outdoor portion alone had
more than 200 pilots, and all of them
competed in multiple events. Roughly 1,000
aircraft were flown during the five-day
competition.
The FFers arrive with trailers and
recreational vehicles—everything a modeler
would need to set a duration record and then
race cross-country to retrieve the beloved
aircraft floating downwind.
FF attracts the most diverse age range of
contestants, with seasoned masters strutting
their stuff while mentoring neophytes who are
soon nipping at their teachers’ heels. And in
some cases the new fliers win out. It’s the
nature of competition and, lucky for
aeromodeling, a phenomena that hasn’t
quenched the sportsmanship.
Even though the interest of FF is thickly
coated with tradition, there’s still room for
innovation to peek around the corner from
time to time. This year Bruce Kimball barked
at tradition and made many scratch their
heads as they bent their necks skyward in
amazement. In the highly contested Hand-
Launched Glider event, in which physical
agility is as much a part of winning as
modeling skill, Bruce introduced the discuslaunch
method.
RC Soaring gave up the overhand toss
long ago for this spin-and-fling launch
technique. Some design changes were made
to Bruce’s model to accommodate the
different stresses involved in the discus
launch, but there seemed to be almost no
detriment to flight performance.
The future of the sport is certainly
changed forever. The performance of the
launch technique dramatically put Bruce’s
flight times far past any other, soundly
putting any chance for sudden-death flyoffs
to bed.
The 2006 Nats produced many memories,
any one of which will hopefully have
sparked the participants’ positive outlook on
the hobby/sport of aeromodeling. What I
enjoyed experiencing was the springboard
effect that this type of event promotes.
The AMA Nats is for all to share in the
aviation passion. The competition attracts
the sportsman and the professional who
come to the event hoping to excel and reap
the rewards, not just in the form of a trophy,
but also in the successes that might occur on
the sidelines. It was gratifying to see that the
people who made the sacrifice and put in the
hard work were rewarded with a place in
AMA history.
I encourage anyone who is looking to
debut any new program or idea about the
hobby to use the Nats as the avenue toward
launching themselves into the mainstream
of the hobby.
In a location where CL, FF, and RC
contests are happening at the same time, I
find it hard to choose where I want to hang
out. I feel fortunate to have experienced the
Nats for a second year and find myself
anxiously waiting for the third MA
Michael Ramsey
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,28,30,32,33
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,28,30,32,33
November 2006 17
T h e 2 0 0 6
Chris Starleaf launches his FF Curtiss SB3C Helldiver for a max
time. A biplane with retracts has an advantage.
Bill Wisniewski adjusts the engine on his CL Formula 40 Pink
Lady. His engine-tuning skill has earned him numerous
championships.
THE NATS IS unlike any other annual “contest” in the world. The
idea of the event is to attract competitors from across the nation so
that they may come together in a face-off, if you will, to determine
who is the best. With luck, skill, or otherwise, a champion is
crowned who has outdone those who have participated in a
particular special-interest event.
The AMA Nationals reflects, to a reasonable degree, what is
popular in the hobby today. Not every discipline can be held during
the summer at one location; some exceptions have to be made.
The Indoor FF portion of the Nats has to be held off-site in
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Dennis Crooks’s Eurofighter Typhoon proved to be a smooth flier in the RC Sport Scale competition.
The Nats reunited AMA’s family during six weeks in the Midwest
for a sumptuous helping of tradition and today’s latest
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:08 AM Page 1718 MODEL AVIATION
Jason Shulman carries Sean McMurtry’s
Astral XX to the runway. The anhedral
stabilizer offers more finite control in FAIclass
rolling maneuvers.
Bob Harris scratch-built this Hiller OH-23D. Larger gas-engine-powered models proved
to have smoother flight characteristics, which earned them higher flight scores.
A Big Bruce Racing Products Polecat waits at the ready line for the next Quarter 40 RC
Pylon race. Equipped with the stock Nelson Q40 engine, the combination is a winner.
Just for fun, Cox Models hosted an unofficial pylon race with its
latest RTF Micro Warbirds. Could this be a future Nats RC
Electrics event?
Windy Urtnowski rounds the Stunt circles
finished in real Ferrari paint.
Photos by the author
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:15 AM Page 18November 2006 19
Kenny Willis, shown with his sister Kimmy, took second in
Advanced RC Scale Aerobatics with his Composite-ARF 40%
Extra 330.
To snatch an opponent’s streamer, Randy Hodges coats his RC
Combat model’s LE with a sticky paste called Tanglefoot Bird
Repellent.
Greg Hahn, with wife Susie, connects the flight batteries to his
electric-powered Sport Scale B-25. Top Flite will soon release this
model as an ARF.
with his Ro-Jett .77-powered Testarossa. His 62-ounce tribute model is
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:29 AM Page 1920 MODEL AVIATION
RC Combat Scale 2610 winner Brian Gilkey holds his streamercovered
Zero. His aggressive tactics (and keen eyesight) made
him the pilot to beat.
One of the most popular events in RC Soaring is Rudder-Elevator-
Spoiler (RES). Pilot skill wins out over radio-programming skill.
Terry Duke’s Vario 1:5.5-scale Hughes 500E is powered with a Zenoah G-23. It uses four-point CCPM control and a dual-axis gyro for
solid hovers.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:18 AM Page 20November 2006 21
A good launch in RC Pylon can give the pilot that added edge. Gino DelPonte catches some air as he launches Lyle Larson’s Dago Red.
RC Scale welcomed the spectators out onto the runway for the noon lineup. These
models are contenders in the Sport Scale through Expert classes.
Paul Wicks leans way back to draw his FF
Catapult Glider into the launch position.
The tough part is trimming for high winds
and best glide.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:21 AM Page 2122 MODEL AVIATION
Stewart Cummins’ FF Old Time Rubber Cabin model gets an
inspection while poised on its winding stooge. Braided rubber
motors are known to improve performance.
A typical lineup of aircraft at the RC Scale Aerobatics Advanced
and Unlimited flightline. The 40%-scale models were typical.
Kevin Knebel modeled his Ziroli Stearman after the Navy N2S-3 variation. Its Saito 2.20 four-stroke engine was perfectly hidden among
the six dummy cylinders.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:30 AM Page 22November 2006 23
Eric Henderson’s O.S. 1.60 engine-equipped
Oxai Pinnacle for RC Aerobatics used a
custom-built exhaust header made by Karl
Mueller. Attention to these details sets the
winners apart.
Standing at the center of the circle, Don
Cranfill launches a CL Combat F2D model
for an eager beginner. These airplanes are
some of the fastest in competition.
David P. Andersen entered his 1/3-scale
Lynx in RC Designer Scale competition.
The reliable Zenoah GT-80 engine was
used for power.
The streamlined fuselage of Scott Gray’s Kyosho Sylphide 90 FAI helicopter aids in
presenting smoother-looking maneuvers to the panel of judges.
Jay Steward flew this Curtiss F8C Helldiver in RC Team Scale. His brother Jack modeled
the aircraft after the type used in the vintage King Kong film.
Larry Davidson’s T-bird is inverted after its dethermalizer is
deployed. The 1950s design is a popular choice in the class B
Nostalgia Gas event.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:46 AM Page 2324 MODEL AVIATION
Mark Gellart launches his RES Soaring model as Don Richmond
times the flight. The winch systems used new trickle chargers to
help ensure consistent launches.
Frank Beatty makes a level pass around the CL Scale circle with his Designer-class Pasped Skylark. Frank was inducted into the Model
Aviation Hall of Fame during the Nats.
2006 Nats Sponsors
In recognition of the funding necessary to run the entire
Nats program of events at the National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana, the preceding manufacturers made specific
donations directly to AMA. MA
—Michael Ramsey
2006 NatsNews Authors
Event Author
FF Indoor (May 31-June 4) John Kagan
RC Scale Aerobatics (July 4-7) Brad Jorgenson
RC Helicopter (July 7-11) Craig Bradley
RC Pylon Racing (July 9-14) Jim Allen
CL Racing (July 10-14) Tim Stone
CL Stunt (July 10-14) Allen Brickhaus
CL Speed (July 10-14) Dave Mark
CL Combat (July 11-14) Wayne McDaniel
CL Navy Carrier (July 12-14) Richard Perry
RC Combat (July 12-15) Greg Rose
RC Aerobatics (July 16-20) Eric Henderson
RC Soaring (July 21-28) Don Richmond
RC Electrics (July 29-August 1) Gary and Connie Bussell
FF Outdoor (July 31-August 4) Don DeLoach
RC Scale (August 3-6) Stan Alexander
CL Scale (August 3-6) Fred and Diana Gregg
To check out the daily Nats events visit www.modelaircraft.org/
events/natsnews.asp. For the official final scores, go to www.model
aircraft.org/events/scores04.asp. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Powermaster Hobby Products
Horizon Hobby Distributors
BP Hobbies
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 12:09 PM Page 24November 2006 25
Ric Vaughn launches Ernie Schlumberger’s Unlimited-class RC
Electrics model. Ric designed the Stardust Special just for this
competition.
Baron Johnson makes a knife-edge pass with his scratch-built
Loudenslager Shark. Notice how the entire vertical fin rotates.
World Champion Chip Hyde (R) mentors Ryan Archer before Ryan’s next flight in the Intermediate-class RC Pattern competition.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:55 AM Page 2526 MODEL AVIATION
Quique Somenzini found that the addition of the fixed fin behind the canopy of his RC
Aerobatics model made a positive difference in side-area control performance.
All the way from England, Len Mount’s scratch-built, turbine-powered Westland Scout
AH Mk.1 took first place in the RC Scale Helicopter category.
Scale Aerobatics Intermediate competitor Josh Jordan’s 40% 3W Extra 330 was finished with an airbrushed tribute to the Manhattan
skyline.
2006 Nats Entries
Discipline Registrants
CL (General Interest) 213
RC Electric 25
Indoor FF 63
Outdoor FF 205
RC Aerobatics 115
RC Combat 30
RC Helicopter 37
RC Pylon Racing 81
RC Scale Aerobatics 65
CL Scale 17
RC Scale (Fixed Wing) 45
RC Soaring 129
Total 1,025
Johnson City, Tennessee, at the East
Tennessee State University Mini-Dome. And
holding an RC Slope Soaring event on the
open plains of Indiana isn’t exactly an
attractive idea.
Exceptions are made as to what events
are run, but the clear goal is to promote
excellence in the hobby. New events are
added to the Nats schedule when enough
interest and support are generated.
Opportunity is a side effect of vying for a
national title. Many participants see the Nats
as a chance to be recognized, and they can
make their mark on a number of levels. The
recognition of their peers is a great reward,
but sometimes a person can catch a lucky
break and be “discovered” as a new talent,
the benefits of which vary greatly, but the
prospect is exciting.
The most gratifying, and most often
accomplished, aspect of the Nats is the
opportunity to have a lot of fun while in the
pursuit of what can be learned about this
treasured pastime. But the really cool part is
that modelers put their best foot forward at
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:27 AM Page 262006 Nats Volunteer Personnel
Management:
Event Directors:
Name Event SIG
Mike Condon RC Pylon Racing Canadian American Pylon Society
Craig Bradley RC Helicopter International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association
Mark Jorgensen RC Aerobatics International Miniature Aerobatic Club
Warren Tiahrt CL Precision Aerobatics (Stunt) Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association
Barry Tippett CL Speed North American Speed Society
Tim Smith CL Racing National Control Line Racing Association
Bill Calkins CL Carrier Navy Carrier Society
Roy Glenn CL Combat Miniature Aircraft Combat Association
Dave Guerin RC Aerobatics (Pattern) National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics
Marc Gellart RC Soaring League of Silent Flight
Ric Vaughn RC Electric National Electric Aircraft Council
Jim Juhl FF National Free Flight Society
Jim Rediske RC Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Rick Fraley RC Combat Radio Control Combat Association
Chuck Snyder CL Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Thanks to the 2006 Nats management staff and event directors. Their hard work and dedication make the contest a success. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Name Title
Ron Morgan Nationals Director/Manager
Al Williamson RC Category Manager
Wayne Yeager RC Category Director
Brenda Schuette CL Manager
Phil Sullivan FF Manager
Name Title
Joe Vislay Assistant RC Director
Amy Wilson AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Randa Coats AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Yolanda Jonesthe Nats, and they do it for many reasons—
some of which are more humble than others.
Imagine the Oscars, with the celebrities
and the screaming fans. The heroes and
talented individuals who attend the Nats
create an aura that breeds excitement. What
happens at a Nats competition is the stuff
legends are made of, and anyone who is
privileged with the experience can’t help but
feel like part of something that is truly
special.
Many pilots in the popular events make
good on their promises to their sponsors, but
there are also those who use the Nats to
maintain friendships and continue their
pursuit of becoming better modelers. Most
times these people are one and the same—a
point that strongly illustrates the personality
and character of those who are attracted to
this hobby.
I’ve never witnessed more moments of
pride than at the Nats. Sportsmanship flows
freely, which is an example of why
aeromodeling has so many time-honored
traditions.
Sportsmen are those who have an
obvious affection for what they want to do
well; in this case it’s anything having to do
with model airplanes. They have an attitude
that encourages others to envy them and
challenge their aptitude in a friendly
manner.
When friends get together to play, a
good time usually prevails. Traditions
unfold into events that are organized with
the same passion so the future of those
events can be secured for generations.
Bringing the Nats together takes an
enormous amount of effort. If you’ve ever
been to any kind of flying event, or a
simple backyard barbecue for that matter,
multiply that amount of planning,
preparation, and affection by 100. If you
can imagine that level of commitment, you
might realize, in a small way, how really
big the AMA Nats is, and perhaps how
much it means to so many people.
Planning for the Nats actually starts in
October of the year prior. Volunteers led
by Ron Morgan, Wayne Yeager, and Bob
Brown (just to name a few) take time out
of their busy schedules to meet with SIG
volunteer representatives. These SIG
personnel take the opportunity to
challenge themselves with the prospect of
running one of the more than 15 RC, CL,
or FF events hosted at the 1,000-plus-acre
AMA National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana.
The AMA facility is basically at the
disposal of the individual SIGs so they can
run their own contests. After all, each of
these groups has the responsibility of
keeping up with the times, so they’re the
experts when it comes to running an event
that best emulates the current status of that
particular part of the hobby.
The Nats is where many competitors
come to make a statement. Winning here
means having bested top modelers and
pilots from across the US. An enticing
aspect of making it at the Nats is that it’s
an open event, meaning that anyone can
compete.
Let’s say you’re new to the hobby and
you’ve got some skill. It’s not who you
know; it’s what you know and that you
make the effort to go—as in to the Nats.
Great stories come out of the Nats about this
very phenomenon—about nobodies
becoming somebodies in the blink of an eye.
To ask one author to spill out in one article
all that happened during a 38-day contest is
ludicrous and degrades the meaning of
everything the event honors. However, I will
share some stories that represent what this
year’s Nats experience was for me.
My goal at this year’s Nats was to meet as
many people as possible to gain as much
information as I could about the contest
happenings. Lucky for me, the AMA
Publications Department had an ace in the
hole called NatsNews.
The Nats is a huge event, and it justifies a
worthy report from those who know the
interests. NatsNews Chief Editor Liz Helms
and I led a team of skilled reporters to bring
everyone—not just AMA members—news
from the Nats on a daily basis.
Posted online (at www.modelair
craft.org/events/natsnews.asp) and printed
for the people on-site, almost 300 pages
and more than 800 photos streamed with
stories to bring the reader deep into the
events. In addition, there were extra tidbits
of information that reminded us that we’re
out there to have a good time.
30 MODELThe NatsNews is fun to read, with a lot
of good inside information. If you missed
the event, be sure to catch up with those
newsletters. You’ll get a good idea of what
equipment the winners were using to make
it to the podium. Study them carefully and
you’ll see what might be needed to be the
next contender. When you come to the
Nats, count on being noticed worldwide.
As I mentioned, an event such as the
Nats has many stories—countless is more
like it—both large and small. However, a
couple affected me in ways that were
favorable and encouraged greater
participation among those involved. They
were inspirational experiences that would
be shared to charge others with the mission
of coming to Muncie next year to perhaps
build their own benchmarks.
Much of what is inspirational about
modeling comes from the living history of
full-scale aircraft. Dreams of flight are the
primary reasons why aviation enthusiasts
turn to modeling, because it’s a practical
and much safer outlet.
Leo Loudenslager was one of those fullscale
aviators who carried out his
aspirations methodically and triumphantly.
He took his Laser 200 aircraft to the limits
of its capability and set the standards for
air-show performances and safety along the
way.
Leo’s pursuits led him to create a
radical new aerobatic aircraft that was duly
named for its unique appearance. However,
he died before his commissioned aircraft
was able to be flown.
Baron Johnson is an aspiring
aeronautical engineer who is involved in
full-scale aircraft and RC models. With the
aid of his father Fred Johnson, Baron
sought to find out whether or not Leo’s
ideas could finally be realized. Baron
studied the Shark, as Leo’s aircraft came to
be known, to complete his research and
build an RC model of the Zivko
Aeronautics-built aircraft.
The biggest tell about the Shark model
is the tail section that includes an upper and
lower fin that pivot together at a root point.
The lower fin is retractable, as on the fullscale
version, to provide ground clearance.
(JR/Horizon Hobby made a servo
especially for the application.)
Numerous other points about the model,
such as the airfoils, fuselage side area, and
wing placement, were carefully calculated
to promote a harmonious relationship.
Baron produced countless amounts of data
concerning the expectations of the fullscale
aircraft and how he needed an IMAC
(International Miniature Aerobatic Club)
model to perform.
Wanting to use the popular DA-150
engine, Baron scaled the model at exactly
38.8%. His Loudenslager Shark mimics all
the innovations of the full-scale airplane
except the full-flying stabilizer (but he’s
planning on having that function on a
future model).
Did it work? The model was flight
tested approximately a month before the
Nats, finally recording into history the first
flight of a Loudenslager Shark. Even at the
Nats Baron flew the model cautiously. He
says it will do 3-D, but since his primary
goal was to compete in the RC Scale
Aerobatics Unlimited class, sequence
flying had been its only repertoire.
The Shark’s success allowed Baron to
qualify for the finals. However, Fred took
ill the evening before the final rounds, so
Baron reverentially bowed out of the
competition to see his father safely home.
(Fred is recovering very well.)
Baron’s scores from the preliminaries
were strong enough to keep him well away
from last place; he came in eighth out of
the 12 finalists. That has to say something,
doesn’t it?
Bene Rodriguez of Brazil has made it a
point to attend the Nats CL Precision
Aerobatics (Stunt) competition for years
and place high in the standings. He has a
thing for Mustangs and has modified Al
Rabe’s famous P-51 to suit himself.
As I understand it, Bene’s close friend
Thomas Case used his own finances to
arrange for Bene and 28 of his friends to
attend the Nats. That’s 28 pilots in addition
to all the support personnel (family and
helpers). Dubbed the “Brazilian Invasion,”
it was more like a celebration with a P-51
theme. All the aircraft used were the same
Rodriguez-modified Mustangs, for which
he supplied kits.
You might think this was some kind of
stunt (pun intended) to flood the scoreboard
in their favor; however, the gesture was
nothing of the sort. Not that there weren’t
any “ringers” in the group, but overall these
people were a fine cross-section of
modelers from beginner to expert.
The Brazilian group exemplified the
meaning of sportsmanship. Each pilot
proudly flew his Mustang to some level of
stature, much to the delight of his
benefactor. In addition, Thomas Case Jr.
placed second in Junior CL Stunt.
The AMA Nats was only the beginning
of this group’s tour; its next stop was
Spain, where it was going to support its
team at the CL World Championships.
It’s great to see hard work pay off with a
win at the Nats. Any initiative to recognize
achievement is rewarding not only for the
talent, but for the aeromodeling community
in general.
A special promotion to recognize
worthy individuals was led by NSRCA
(National Society of Radio Control
Aerobatics) Treasurer Rusty Dose and was
called the Concours d’Elegance. This was
basically a beauty contest in which RC
Aerobatics (Pattern) participants were
asked to judge the models and sight on the
numerous points regarding craftsmanship
and quality of the aircraft.
The event concluded with two winners:
Sean McMurtry and Mike Hester. Their
aircraft clearly emulated everything Patterncompetitors are known to do extremely well.
From the construction, to the application of
the paint, to the choice of hardware, Sean’s
Astral XX and Mike’s Black Magic were
perfect examples of form and function.
The reminder here is that craftsmanship is
still a huge part of the hobby. As the CL Stunt
community has done for years with static
points as a regular part of competition, it is
hoped that this new program will inspire
future craftsmen to step up.
The FF portion of the Nats is the biggest,
with the largest number of registered
contestants. The Outdoor portion alone had
more than 200 pilots, and all of them
competed in multiple events. Roughly 1,000
aircraft were flown during the five-day
competition.
The FFers arrive with trailers and
recreational vehicles—everything a modeler
would need to set a duration record and then
race cross-country to retrieve the beloved
aircraft floating downwind.
FF attracts the most diverse age range of
contestants, with seasoned masters strutting
their stuff while mentoring neophytes who are
soon nipping at their teachers’ heels. And in
some cases the new fliers win out. It’s the
nature of competition and, lucky for
aeromodeling, a phenomena that hasn’t
quenched the sportsmanship.
Even though the interest of FF is thickly
coated with tradition, there’s still room for
innovation to peek around the corner from
time to time. This year Bruce Kimball barked
at tradition and made many scratch their
heads as they bent their necks skyward in
amazement. In the highly contested Hand-
Launched Glider event, in which physical
agility is as much a part of winning as
modeling skill, Bruce introduced the discuslaunch
method.
RC Soaring gave up the overhand toss
long ago for this spin-and-fling launch
technique. Some design changes were made
to Bruce’s model to accommodate the
different stresses involved in the discus
launch, but there seemed to be almost no
detriment to flight performance.
The future of the sport is certainly
changed forever. The performance of the
launch technique dramatically put Bruce’s
flight times far past any other, soundly
putting any chance for sudden-death flyoffs
to bed.
The 2006 Nats produced many memories,
any one of which will hopefully have
sparked the participants’ positive outlook on
the hobby/sport of aeromodeling. What I
enjoyed experiencing was the springboard
effect that this type of event promotes.
The AMA Nats is for all to share in the
aviation passion. The competition attracts
the sportsman and the professional who
come to the event hoping to excel and reap
the rewards, not just in the form of a trophy,
but also in the successes that might occur on
the sidelines. It was gratifying to see that the
people who made the sacrifice and put in the
hard work were rewarded with a place in
AMA history.
I encourage anyone who is looking to
debut any new program or idea about the
hobby to use the Nats as the avenue toward
launching themselves into the mainstream
of the hobby.
In a location where CL, FF, and RC
contests are happening at the same time, I
find it hard to choose where I want to hang
out. I feel fortunate to have experienced the
Nats for a second year and find myself
anxiously waiting for the third MA
Michael Ramsey
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,28,30,32,33
November 2006 17
T h e 2 0 0 6
Chris Starleaf launches his FF Curtiss SB3C Helldiver for a max
time. A biplane with retracts has an advantage.
Bill Wisniewski adjusts the engine on his CL Formula 40 Pink
Lady. His engine-tuning skill has earned him numerous
championships.
THE NATS IS unlike any other annual “contest” in the world. The
idea of the event is to attract competitors from across the nation so
that they may come together in a face-off, if you will, to determine
who is the best. With luck, skill, or otherwise, a champion is
crowned who has outdone those who have participated in a
particular special-interest event.
The AMA Nationals reflects, to a reasonable degree, what is
popular in the hobby today. Not every discipline can be held during
the summer at one location; some exceptions have to be made.
The Indoor FF portion of the Nats has to be held off-site in
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Dennis Crooks’s Eurofighter Typhoon proved to be a smooth flier in the RC Sport Scale competition.
The Nats reunited AMA’s family during six weeks in the Midwest
for a sumptuous helping of tradition and today’s latest
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:08 AM Page 1718 MODEL AVIATION
Jason Shulman carries Sean McMurtry’s
Astral XX to the runway. The anhedral
stabilizer offers more finite control in FAIclass
rolling maneuvers.
Bob Harris scratch-built this Hiller OH-23D. Larger gas-engine-powered models proved
to have smoother flight characteristics, which earned them higher flight scores.
A Big Bruce Racing Products Polecat waits at the ready line for the next Quarter 40 RC
Pylon race. Equipped with the stock Nelson Q40 engine, the combination is a winner.
Just for fun, Cox Models hosted an unofficial pylon race with its
latest RTF Micro Warbirds. Could this be a future Nats RC
Electrics event?
Windy Urtnowski rounds the Stunt circles
finished in real Ferrari paint.
Photos by the author
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:15 AM Page 18November 2006 19
Kenny Willis, shown with his sister Kimmy, took second in
Advanced RC Scale Aerobatics with his Composite-ARF 40%
Extra 330.
To snatch an opponent’s streamer, Randy Hodges coats his RC
Combat model’s LE with a sticky paste called Tanglefoot Bird
Repellent.
Greg Hahn, with wife Susie, connects the flight batteries to his
electric-powered Sport Scale B-25. Top Flite will soon release this
model as an ARF.
with his Ro-Jett .77-powered Testarossa. His 62-ounce tribute model is
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:29 AM Page 1920 MODEL AVIATION
RC Combat Scale 2610 winner Brian Gilkey holds his streamercovered
Zero. His aggressive tactics (and keen eyesight) made
him the pilot to beat.
One of the most popular events in RC Soaring is Rudder-Elevator-
Spoiler (RES). Pilot skill wins out over radio-programming skill.
Terry Duke’s Vario 1:5.5-scale Hughes 500E is powered with a Zenoah G-23. It uses four-point CCPM control and a dual-axis gyro for
solid hovers.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:18 AM Page 20November 2006 21
A good launch in RC Pylon can give the pilot that added edge. Gino DelPonte catches some air as he launches Lyle Larson’s Dago Red.
RC Scale welcomed the spectators out onto the runway for the noon lineup. These
models are contenders in the Sport Scale through Expert classes.
Paul Wicks leans way back to draw his FF
Catapult Glider into the launch position.
The tough part is trimming for high winds
and best glide.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:21 AM Page 2122 MODEL AVIATION
Stewart Cummins’ FF Old Time Rubber Cabin model gets an
inspection while poised on its winding stooge. Braided rubber
motors are known to improve performance.
A typical lineup of aircraft at the RC Scale Aerobatics Advanced
and Unlimited flightline. The 40%-scale models were typical.
Kevin Knebel modeled his Ziroli Stearman after the Navy N2S-3 variation. Its Saito 2.20 four-stroke engine was perfectly hidden among
the six dummy cylinders.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:30 AM Page 22November 2006 23
Eric Henderson’s O.S. 1.60 engine-equipped
Oxai Pinnacle for RC Aerobatics used a
custom-built exhaust header made by Karl
Mueller. Attention to these details sets the
winners apart.
Standing at the center of the circle, Don
Cranfill launches a CL Combat F2D model
for an eager beginner. These airplanes are
some of the fastest in competition.
David P. Andersen entered his 1/3-scale
Lynx in RC Designer Scale competition.
The reliable Zenoah GT-80 engine was
used for power.
The streamlined fuselage of Scott Gray’s Kyosho Sylphide 90 FAI helicopter aids in
presenting smoother-looking maneuvers to the panel of judges.
Jay Steward flew this Curtiss F8C Helldiver in RC Team Scale. His brother Jack modeled
the aircraft after the type used in the vintage King Kong film.
Larry Davidson’s T-bird is inverted after its dethermalizer is
deployed. The 1950s design is a popular choice in the class B
Nostalgia Gas event.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:46 AM Page 2324 MODEL AVIATION
Mark Gellart launches his RES Soaring model as Don Richmond
times the flight. The winch systems used new trickle chargers to
help ensure consistent launches.
Frank Beatty makes a level pass around the CL Scale circle with his Designer-class Pasped Skylark. Frank was inducted into the Model
Aviation Hall of Fame during the Nats.
2006 Nats Sponsors
In recognition of the funding necessary to run the entire
Nats program of events at the National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana, the preceding manufacturers made specific
donations directly to AMA. MA
—Michael Ramsey
2006 NatsNews Authors
Event Author
FF Indoor (May 31-June 4) John Kagan
RC Scale Aerobatics (July 4-7) Brad Jorgenson
RC Helicopter (July 7-11) Craig Bradley
RC Pylon Racing (July 9-14) Jim Allen
CL Racing (July 10-14) Tim Stone
CL Stunt (July 10-14) Allen Brickhaus
CL Speed (July 10-14) Dave Mark
CL Combat (July 11-14) Wayne McDaniel
CL Navy Carrier (July 12-14) Richard Perry
RC Combat (July 12-15) Greg Rose
RC Aerobatics (July 16-20) Eric Henderson
RC Soaring (July 21-28) Don Richmond
RC Electrics (July 29-August 1) Gary and Connie Bussell
FF Outdoor (July 31-August 4) Don DeLoach
RC Scale (August 3-6) Stan Alexander
CL Scale (August 3-6) Fred and Diana Gregg
To check out the daily Nats events visit www.modelaircraft.org/
events/natsnews.asp. For the official final scores, go to www.model
aircraft.org/events/scores04.asp. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Powermaster Hobby Products
Horizon Hobby Distributors
BP Hobbies
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 12:09 PM Page 24November 2006 25
Ric Vaughn launches Ernie Schlumberger’s Unlimited-class RC
Electrics model. Ric designed the Stardust Special just for this
competition.
Baron Johnson makes a knife-edge pass with his scratch-built
Loudenslager Shark. Notice how the entire vertical fin rotates.
World Champion Chip Hyde (R) mentors Ryan Archer before Ryan’s next flight in the Intermediate-class RC Pattern competition.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:55 AM Page 2526 MODEL AVIATION
Quique Somenzini found that the addition of the fixed fin behind the canopy of his RC
Aerobatics model made a positive difference in side-area control performance.
All the way from England, Len Mount’s scratch-built, turbine-powered Westland Scout
AH Mk.1 took first place in the RC Scale Helicopter category.
Scale Aerobatics Intermediate competitor Josh Jordan’s 40% 3W Extra 330 was finished with an airbrushed tribute to the Manhattan
skyline.
2006 Nats Entries
Discipline Registrants
CL (General Interest) 213
RC Electric 25
Indoor FF 63
Outdoor FF 205
RC Aerobatics 115
RC Combat 30
RC Helicopter 37
RC Pylon Racing 81
RC Scale Aerobatics 65
CL Scale 17
RC Scale (Fixed Wing) 45
RC Soaring 129
Total 1,025
Johnson City, Tennessee, at the East
Tennessee State University Mini-Dome. And
holding an RC Slope Soaring event on the
open plains of Indiana isn’t exactly an
attractive idea.
Exceptions are made as to what events
are run, but the clear goal is to promote
excellence in the hobby. New events are
added to the Nats schedule when enough
interest and support are generated.
Opportunity is a side effect of vying for a
national title. Many participants see the Nats
as a chance to be recognized, and they can
make their mark on a number of levels. The
recognition of their peers is a great reward,
but sometimes a person can catch a lucky
break and be “discovered” as a new talent,
the benefits of which vary greatly, but the
prospect is exciting.
The most gratifying, and most often
accomplished, aspect of the Nats is the
opportunity to have a lot of fun while in the
pursuit of what can be learned about this
treasured pastime. But the really cool part is
that modelers put their best foot forward at
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:27 AM Page 262006 Nats Volunteer Personnel
Management:
Event Directors:
Name Event SIG
Mike Condon RC Pylon Racing Canadian American Pylon Society
Craig Bradley RC Helicopter International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association
Mark Jorgensen RC Aerobatics International Miniature Aerobatic Club
Warren Tiahrt CL Precision Aerobatics (Stunt) Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association
Barry Tippett CL Speed North American Speed Society
Tim Smith CL Racing National Control Line Racing Association
Bill Calkins CL Carrier Navy Carrier Society
Roy Glenn CL Combat Miniature Aircraft Combat Association
Dave Guerin RC Aerobatics (Pattern) National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics
Marc Gellart RC Soaring League of Silent Flight
Ric Vaughn RC Electric National Electric Aircraft Council
Jim Juhl FF National Free Flight Society
Jim Rediske RC Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Rick Fraley RC Combat Radio Control Combat Association
Chuck Snyder CL Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Thanks to the 2006 Nats management staff and event directors. Their hard work and dedication make the contest a success. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Name Title
Ron Morgan Nationals Director/Manager
Al Williamson RC Category Manager
Wayne Yeager RC Category Director
Brenda Schuette CL Manager
Phil Sullivan FF Manager
Name Title
Joe Vislay Assistant RC Director
Amy Wilson AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Randa Coats AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Yolanda Jonesthe Nats, and they do it for many reasons—
some of which are more humble than others.
Imagine the Oscars, with the celebrities
and the screaming fans. The heroes and
talented individuals who attend the Nats
create an aura that breeds excitement. What
happens at a Nats competition is the stuff
legends are made of, and anyone who is
privileged with the experience can’t help but
feel like part of something that is truly
special.
Many pilots in the popular events make
good on their promises to their sponsors, but
there are also those who use the Nats to
maintain friendships and continue their
pursuit of becoming better modelers. Most
times these people are one and the same—a
point that strongly illustrates the personality
and character of those who are attracted to
this hobby.
I’ve never witnessed more moments of
pride than at the Nats. Sportsmanship flows
freely, which is an example of why
aeromodeling has so many time-honored
traditions.
Sportsmen are those who have an
obvious affection for what they want to do
well; in this case it’s anything having to do
with model airplanes. They have an attitude
that encourages others to envy them and
challenge their aptitude in a friendly
manner.
When friends get together to play, a
good time usually prevails. Traditions
unfold into events that are organized with
the same passion so the future of those
events can be secured for generations.
Bringing the Nats together takes an
enormous amount of effort. If you’ve ever
been to any kind of flying event, or a
simple backyard barbecue for that matter,
multiply that amount of planning,
preparation, and affection by 100. If you
can imagine that level of commitment, you
might realize, in a small way, how really
big the AMA Nats is, and perhaps how
much it means to so many people.
Planning for the Nats actually starts in
October of the year prior. Volunteers led
by Ron Morgan, Wayne Yeager, and Bob
Brown (just to name a few) take time out
of their busy schedules to meet with SIG
volunteer representatives. These SIG
personnel take the opportunity to
challenge themselves with the prospect of
running one of the more than 15 RC, CL,
or FF events hosted at the 1,000-plus-acre
AMA National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana.
The AMA facility is basically at the
disposal of the individual SIGs so they can
run their own contests. After all, each of
these groups has the responsibility of
keeping up with the times, so they’re the
experts when it comes to running an event
that best emulates the current status of that
particular part of the hobby.
The Nats is where many competitors
come to make a statement. Winning here
means having bested top modelers and
pilots from across the US. An enticing
aspect of making it at the Nats is that it’s
an open event, meaning that anyone can
compete.
Let’s say you’re new to the hobby and
you’ve got some skill. It’s not who you
know; it’s what you know and that you
make the effort to go—as in to the Nats.
Great stories come out of the Nats about this
very phenomenon—about nobodies
becoming somebodies in the blink of an eye.
To ask one author to spill out in one article
all that happened during a 38-day contest is
ludicrous and degrades the meaning of
everything the event honors. However, I will
share some stories that represent what this
year’s Nats experience was for me.
My goal at this year’s Nats was to meet as
many people as possible to gain as much
information as I could about the contest
happenings. Lucky for me, the AMA
Publications Department had an ace in the
hole called NatsNews.
The Nats is a huge event, and it justifies a
worthy report from those who know the
interests. NatsNews Chief Editor Liz Helms
and I led a team of skilled reporters to bring
everyone—not just AMA members—news
from the Nats on a daily basis.
Posted online (at www.modelair
craft.org/events/natsnews.asp) and printed
for the people on-site, almost 300 pages
and more than 800 photos streamed with
stories to bring the reader deep into the
events. In addition, there were extra tidbits
of information that reminded us that we’re
out there to have a good time.
30 MODELThe NatsNews is fun to read, with a lot
of good inside information. If you missed
the event, be sure to catch up with those
newsletters. You’ll get a good idea of what
equipment the winners were using to make
it to the podium. Study them carefully and
you’ll see what might be needed to be the
next contender. When you come to the
Nats, count on being noticed worldwide.
As I mentioned, an event such as the
Nats has many stories—countless is more
like it—both large and small. However, a
couple affected me in ways that were
favorable and encouraged greater
participation among those involved. They
were inspirational experiences that would
be shared to charge others with the mission
of coming to Muncie next year to perhaps
build their own benchmarks.
Much of what is inspirational about
modeling comes from the living history of
full-scale aircraft. Dreams of flight are the
primary reasons why aviation enthusiasts
turn to modeling, because it’s a practical
and much safer outlet.
Leo Loudenslager was one of those fullscale
aviators who carried out his
aspirations methodically and triumphantly.
He took his Laser 200 aircraft to the limits
of its capability and set the standards for
air-show performances and safety along the
way.
Leo’s pursuits led him to create a
radical new aerobatic aircraft that was duly
named for its unique appearance. However,
he died before his commissioned aircraft
was able to be flown.
Baron Johnson is an aspiring
aeronautical engineer who is involved in
full-scale aircraft and RC models. With the
aid of his father Fred Johnson, Baron
sought to find out whether or not Leo’s
ideas could finally be realized. Baron
studied the Shark, as Leo’s aircraft came to
be known, to complete his research and
build an RC model of the Zivko
Aeronautics-built aircraft.
The biggest tell about the Shark model
is the tail section that includes an upper and
lower fin that pivot together at a root point.
The lower fin is retractable, as on the fullscale
version, to provide ground clearance.
(JR/Horizon Hobby made a servo
especially for the application.)
Numerous other points about the model,
such as the airfoils, fuselage side area, and
wing placement, were carefully calculated
to promote a harmonious relationship.
Baron produced countless amounts of data
concerning the expectations of the fullscale
aircraft and how he needed an IMAC
(International Miniature Aerobatic Club)
model to perform.
Wanting to use the popular DA-150
engine, Baron scaled the model at exactly
38.8%. His Loudenslager Shark mimics all
the innovations of the full-scale airplane
except the full-flying stabilizer (but he’s
planning on having that function on a
future model).
Did it work? The model was flight
tested approximately a month before the
Nats, finally recording into history the first
flight of a Loudenslager Shark. Even at the
Nats Baron flew the model cautiously. He
says it will do 3-D, but since his primary
goal was to compete in the RC Scale
Aerobatics Unlimited class, sequence
flying had been its only repertoire.
The Shark’s success allowed Baron to
qualify for the finals. However, Fred took
ill the evening before the final rounds, so
Baron reverentially bowed out of the
competition to see his father safely home.
(Fred is recovering very well.)
Baron’s scores from the preliminaries
were strong enough to keep him well away
from last place; he came in eighth out of
the 12 finalists. That has to say something,
doesn’t it?
Bene Rodriguez of Brazil has made it a
point to attend the Nats CL Precision
Aerobatics (Stunt) competition for years
and place high in the standings. He has a
thing for Mustangs and has modified Al
Rabe’s famous P-51 to suit himself.
As I understand it, Bene’s close friend
Thomas Case used his own finances to
arrange for Bene and 28 of his friends to
attend the Nats. That’s 28 pilots in addition
to all the support personnel (family and
helpers). Dubbed the “Brazilian Invasion,”
it was more like a celebration with a P-51
theme. All the aircraft used were the same
Rodriguez-modified Mustangs, for which
he supplied kits.
You might think this was some kind of
stunt (pun intended) to flood the scoreboard
in their favor; however, the gesture was
nothing of the sort. Not that there weren’t
any “ringers” in the group, but overall these
people were a fine cross-section of
modelers from beginner to expert.
The Brazilian group exemplified the
meaning of sportsmanship. Each pilot
proudly flew his Mustang to some level of
stature, much to the delight of his
benefactor. In addition, Thomas Case Jr.
placed second in Junior CL Stunt.
The AMA Nats was only the beginning
of this group’s tour; its next stop was
Spain, where it was going to support its
team at the CL World Championships.
It’s great to see hard work pay off with a
win at the Nats. Any initiative to recognize
achievement is rewarding not only for the
talent, but for the aeromodeling community
in general.
A special promotion to recognize
worthy individuals was led by NSRCA
(National Society of Radio Control
Aerobatics) Treasurer Rusty Dose and was
called the Concours d’Elegance. This was
basically a beauty contest in which RC
Aerobatics (Pattern) participants were
asked to judge the models and sight on the
numerous points regarding craftsmanship
and quality of the aircraft.
The event concluded with two winners:
Sean McMurtry and Mike Hester. Their
aircraft clearly emulated everything Patterncompetitors are known to do extremely well.
From the construction, to the application of
the paint, to the choice of hardware, Sean’s
Astral XX and Mike’s Black Magic were
perfect examples of form and function.
The reminder here is that craftsmanship is
still a huge part of the hobby. As the CL Stunt
community has done for years with static
points as a regular part of competition, it is
hoped that this new program will inspire
future craftsmen to step up.
The FF portion of the Nats is the biggest,
with the largest number of registered
contestants. The Outdoor portion alone had
more than 200 pilots, and all of them
competed in multiple events. Roughly 1,000
aircraft were flown during the five-day
competition.
The FFers arrive with trailers and
recreational vehicles—everything a modeler
would need to set a duration record and then
race cross-country to retrieve the beloved
aircraft floating downwind.
FF attracts the most diverse age range of
contestants, with seasoned masters strutting
their stuff while mentoring neophytes who are
soon nipping at their teachers’ heels. And in
some cases the new fliers win out. It’s the
nature of competition and, lucky for
aeromodeling, a phenomena that hasn’t
quenched the sportsmanship.
Even though the interest of FF is thickly
coated with tradition, there’s still room for
innovation to peek around the corner from
time to time. This year Bruce Kimball barked
at tradition and made many scratch their
heads as they bent their necks skyward in
amazement. In the highly contested Hand-
Launched Glider event, in which physical
agility is as much a part of winning as
modeling skill, Bruce introduced the discuslaunch
method.
RC Soaring gave up the overhand toss
long ago for this spin-and-fling launch
technique. Some design changes were made
to Bruce’s model to accommodate the
different stresses involved in the discus
launch, but there seemed to be almost no
detriment to flight performance.
The future of the sport is certainly
changed forever. The performance of the
launch technique dramatically put Bruce’s
flight times far past any other, soundly
putting any chance for sudden-death flyoffs
to bed.
The 2006 Nats produced many memories,
any one of which will hopefully have
sparked the participants’ positive outlook on
the hobby/sport of aeromodeling. What I
enjoyed experiencing was the springboard
effect that this type of event promotes.
The AMA Nats is for all to share in the
aviation passion. The competition attracts
the sportsman and the professional who
come to the event hoping to excel and reap
the rewards, not just in the form of a trophy,
but also in the successes that might occur on
the sidelines. It was gratifying to see that the
people who made the sacrifice and put in the
hard work were rewarded with a place in
AMA history.
I encourage anyone who is looking to
debut any new program or idea about the
hobby to use the Nats as the avenue toward
launching themselves into the mainstream
of the hobby.
In a location where CL, FF, and RC
contests are happening at the same time, I
find it hard to choose where I want to hang
out. I feel fortunate to have experienced the
Nats for a second year and find myself
anxiously waiting for the third MA
Michael Ramsey
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,28,30,32,33
November 2006 17
T h e 2 0 0 6
Chris Starleaf launches his FF Curtiss SB3C Helldiver for a max
time. A biplane with retracts has an advantage.
Bill Wisniewski adjusts the engine on his CL Formula 40 Pink
Lady. His engine-tuning skill has earned him numerous
championships.
THE NATS IS unlike any other annual “contest” in the world. The
idea of the event is to attract competitors from across the nation so
that they may come together in a face-off, if you will, to determine
who is the best. With luck, skill, or otherwise, a champion is
crowned who has outdone those who have participated in a
particular special-interest event.
The AMA Nationals reflects, to a reasonable degree, what is
popular in the hobby today. Not every discipline can be held during
the summer at one location; some exceptions have to be made.
The Indoor FF portion of the Nats has to be held off-site in
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Dennis Crooks’s Eurofighter Typhoon proved to be a smooth flier in the RC Sport Scale competition.
The Nats reunited AMA’s family during six weeks in the Midwest
for a sumptuous helping of tradition and today’s latest
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:08 AM Page 1718 MODEL AVIATION
Jason Shulman carries Sean McMurtry’s
Astral XX to the runway. The anhedral
stabilizer offers more finite control in FAIclass
rolling maneuvers.
Bob Harris scratch-built this Hiller OH-23D. Larger gas-engine-powered models proved
to have smoother flight characteristics, which earned them higher flight scores.
A Big Bruce Racing Products Polecat waits at the ready line for the next Quarter 40 RC
Pylon race. Equipped with the stock Nelson Q40 engine, the combination is a winner.
Just for fun, Cox Models hosted an unofficial pylon race with its
latest RTF Micro Warbirds. Could this be a future Nats RC
Electrics event?
Windy Urtnowski rounds the Stunt circles
finished in real Ferrari paint.
Photos by the author
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:15 AM Page 18November 2006 19
Kenny Willis, shown with his sister Kimmy, took second in
Advanced RC Scale Aerobatics with his Composite-ARF 40%
Extra 330.
To snatch an opponent’s streamer, Randy Hodges coats his RC
Combat model’s LE with a sticky paste called Tanglefoot Bird
Repellent.
Greg Hahn, with wife Susie, connects the flight batteries to his
electric-powered Sport Scale B-25. Top Flite will soon release this
model as an ARF.
with his Ro-Jett .77-powered Testarossa. His 62-ounce tribute model is
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:29 AM Page 1920 MODEL AVIATION
RC Combat Scale 2610 winner Brian Gilkey holds his streamercovered
Zero. His aggressive tactics (and keen eyesight) made
him the pilot to beat.
One of the most popular events in RC Soaring is Rudder-Elevator-
Spoiler (RES). Pilot skill wins out over radio-programming skill.
Terry Duke’s Vario 1:5.5-scale Hughes 500E is powered with a Zenoah G-23. It uses four-point CCPM control and a dual-axis gyro for
solid hovers.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:18 AM Page 20November 2006 21
A good launch in RC Pylon can give the pilot that added edge. Gino DelPonte catches some air as he launches Lyle Larson’s Dago Red.
RC Scale welcomed the spectators out onto the runway for the noon lineup. These
models are contenders in the Sport Scale through Expert classes.
Paul Wicks leans way back to draw his FF
Catapult Glider into the launch position.
The tough part is trimming for high winds
and best glide.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:21 AM Page 2122 MODEL AVIATION
Stewart Cummins’ FF Old Time Rubber Cabin model gets an
inspection while poised on its winding stooge. Braided rubber
motors are known to improve performance.
A typical lineup of aircraft at the RC Scale Aerobatics Advanced
and Unlimited flightline. The 40%-scale models were typical.
Kevin Knebel modeled his Ziroli Stearman after the Navy N2S-3 variation. Its Saito 2.20 four-stroke engine was perfectly hidden among
the six dummy cylinders.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:30 AM Page 22November 2006 23
Eric Henderson’s O.S. 1.60 engine-equipped
Oxai Pinnacle for RC Aerobatics used a
custom-built exhaust header made by Karl
Mueller. Attention to these details sets the
winners apart.
Standing at the center of the circle, Don
Cranfill launches a CL Combat F2D model
for an eager beginner. These airplanes are
some of the fastest in competition.
David P. Andersen entered his 1/3-scale
Lynx in RC Designer Scale competition.
The reliable Zenoah GT-80 engine was
used for power.
The streamlined fuselage of Scott Gray’s Kyosho Sylphide 90 FAI helicopter aids in
presenting smoother-looking maneuvers to the panel of judges.
Jay Steward flew this Curtiss F8C Helldiver in RC Team Scale. His brother Jack modeled
the aircraft after the type used in the vintage King Kong film.
Larry Davidson’s T-bird is inverted after its dethermalizer is
deployed. The 1950s design is a popular choice in the class B
Nostalgia Gas event.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:46 AM Page 2324 MODEL AVIATION
Mark Gellart launches his RES Soaring model as Don Richmond
times the flight. The winch systems used new trickle chargers to
help ensure consistent launches.
Frank Beatty makes a level pass around the CL Scale circle with his Designer-class Pasped Skylark. Frank was inducted into the Model
Aviation Hall of Fame during the Nats.
2006 Nats Sponsors
In recognition of the funding necessary to run the entire
Nats program of events at the National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana, the preceding manufacturers made specific
donations directly to AMA. MA
—Michael Ramsey
2006 NatsNews Authors
Event Author
FF Indoor (May 31-June 4) John Kagan
RC Scale Aerobatics (July 4-7) Brad Jorgenson
RC Helicopter (July 7-11) Craig Bradley
RC Pylon Racing (July 9-14) Jim Allen
CL Racing (July 10-14) Tim Stone
CL Stunt (July 10-14) Allen Brickhaus
CL Speed (July 10-14) Dave Mark
CL Combat (July 11-14) Wayne McDaniel
CL Navy Carrier (July 12-14) Richard Perry
RC Combat (July 12-15) Greg Rose
RC Aerobatics (July 16-20) Eric Henderson
RC Soaring (July 21-28) Don Richmond
RC Electrics (July 29-August 1) Gary and Connie Bussell
FF Outdoor (July 31-August 4) Don DeLoach
RC Scale (August 3-6) Stan Alexander
CL Scale (August 3-6) Fred and Diana Gregg
To check out the daily Nats events visit www.modelaircraft.org/
events/natsnews.asp. For the official final scores, go to www.model
aircraft.org/events/scores04.asp. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Powermaster Hobby Products
Horizon Hobby Distributors
BP Hobbies
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 12:09 PM Page 24November 2006 25
Ric Vaughn launches Ernie Schlumberger’s Unlimited-class RC
Electrics model. Ric designed the Stardust Special just for this
competition.
Baron Johnson makes a knife-edge pass with his scratch-built
Loudenslager Shark. Notice how the entire vertical fin rotates.
World Champion Chip Hyde (R) mentors Ryan Archer before Ryan’s next flight in the Intermediate-class RC Pattern competition.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:55 AM Page 2526 MODEL AVIATION
Quique Somenzini found that the addition of the fixed fin behind the canopy of his RC
Aerobatics model made a positive difference in side-area control performance.
All the way from England, Len Mount’s scratch-built, turbine-powered Westland Scout
AH Mk.1 took first place in the RC Scale Helicopter category.
Scale Aerobatics Intermediate competitor Josh Jordan’s 40% 3W Extra 330 was finished with an airbrushed tribute to the Manhattan
skyline.
2006 Nats Entries
Discipline Registrants
CL (General Interest) 213
RC Electric 25
Indoor FF 63
Outdoor FF 205
RC Aerobatics 115
RC Combat 30
RC Helicopter 37
RC Pylon Racing 81
RC Scale Aerobatics 65
CL Scale 17
RC Scale (Fixed Wing) 45
RC Soaring 129
Total 1,025
Johnson City, Tennessee, at the East
Tennessee State University Mini-Dome. And
holding an RC Slope Soaring event on the
open plains of Indiana isn’t exactly an
attractive idea.
Exceptions are made as to what events
are run, but the clear goal is to promote
excellence in the hobby. New events are
added to the Nats schedule when enough
interest and support are generated.
Opportunity is a side effect of vying for a
national title. Many participants see the Nats
as a chance to be recognized, and they can
make their mark on a number of levels. The
recognition of their peers is a great reward,
but sometimes a person can catch a lucky
break and be “discovered” as a new talent,
the benefits of which vary greatly, but the
prospect is exciting.
The most gratifying, and most often
accomplished, aspect of the Nats is the
opportunity to have a lot of fun while in the
pursuit of what can be learned about this
treasured pastime. But the really cool part is
that modelers put their best foot forward at
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:27 AM Page 262006 Nats Volunteer Personnel
Management:
Event Directors:
Name Event SIG
Mike Condon RC Pylon Racing Canadian American Pylon Society
Craig Bradley RC Helicopter International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association
Mark Jorgensen RC Aerobatics International Miniature Aerobatic Club
Warren Tiahrt CL Precision Aerobatics (Stunt) Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association
Barry Tippett CL Speed North American Speed Society
Tim Smith CL Racing National Control Line Racing Association
Bill Calkins CL Carrier Navy Carrier Society
Roy Glenn CL Combat Miniature Aircraft Combat Association
Dave Guerin RC Aerobatics (Pattern) National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics
Marc Gellart RC Soaring League of Silent Flight
Ric Vaughn RC Electric National Electric Aircraft Council
Jim Juhl FF National Free Flight Society
Jim Rediske RC Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Rick Fraley RC Combat Radio Control Combat Association
Chuck Snyder CL Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Thanks to the 2006 Nats management staff and event directors. Their hard work and dedication make the contest a success. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Name Title
Ron Morgan Nationals Director/Manager
Al Williamson RC Category Manager
Wayne Yeager RC Category Director
Brenda Schuette CL Manager
Phil Sullivan FF Manager
Name Title
Joe Vislay Assistant RC Director
Amy Wilson AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Randa Coats AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Yolanda Jonesthe Nats, and they do it for many reasons—
some of which are more humble than others.
Imagine the Oscars, with the celebrities
and the screaming fans. The heroes and
talented individuals who attend the Nats
create an aura that breeds excitement. What
happens at a Nats competition is the stuff
legends are made of, and anyone who is
privileged with the experience can’t help but
feel like part of something that is truly
special.
Many pilots in the popular events make
good on their promises to their sponsors, but
there are also those who use the Nats to
maintain friendships and continue their
pursuit of becoming better modelers. Most
times these people are one and the same—a
point that strongly illustrates the personality
and character of those who are attracted to
this hobby.
I’ve never witnessed more moments of
pride than at the Nats. Sportsmanship flows
freely, which is an example of why
aeromodeling has so many time-honored
traditions.
Sportsmen are those who have an
obvious affection for what they want to do
well; in this case it’s anything having to do
with model airplanes. They have an attitude
that encourages others to envy them and
challenge their aptitude in a friendly
manner.
When friends get together to play, a
good time usually prevails. Traditions
unfold into events that are organized with
the same passion so the future of those
events can be secured for generations.
Bringing the Nats together takes an
enormous amount of effort. If you’ve ever
been to any kind of flying event, or a
simple backyard barbecue for that matter,
multiply that amount of planning,
preparation, and affection by 100. If you
can imagine that level of commitment, you
might realize, in a small way, how really
big the AMA Nats is, and perhaps how
much it means to so many people.
Planning for the Nats actually starts in
October of the year prior. Volunteers led
by Ron Morgan, Wayne Yeager, and Bob
Brown (just to name a few) take time out
of their busy schedules to meet with SIG
volunteer representatives. These SIG
personnel take the opportunity to
challenge themselves with the prospect of
running one of the more than 15 RC, CL,
or FF events hosted at the 1,000-plus-acre
AMA National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana.
The AMA facility is basically at the
disposal of the individual SIGs so they can
run their own contests. After all, each of
these groups has the responsibility of
keeping up with the times, so they’re the
experts when it comes to running an event
that best emulates the current status of that
particular part of the hobby.
The Nats is where many competitors
come to make a statement. Winning here
means having bested top modelers and
pilots from across the US. An enticing
aspect of making it at the Nats is that it’s
an open event, meaning that anyone can
compete.
Let’s say you’re new to the hobby and
you’ve got some skill. It’s not who you
know; it’s what you know and that you
make the effort to go—as in to the Nats.
Great stories come out of the Nats about this
very phenomenon—about nobodies
becoming somebodies in the blink of an eye.
To ask one author to spill out in one article
all that happened during a 38-day contest is
ludicrous and degrades the meaning of
everything the event honors. However, I will
share some stories that represent what this
year’s Nats experience was for me.
My goal at this year’s Nats was to meet as
many people as possible to gain as much
information as I could about the contest
happenings. Lucky for me, the AMA
Publications Department had an ace in the
hole called NatsNews.
The Nats is a huge event, and it justifies a
worthy report from those who know the
interests. NatsNews Chief Editor Liz Helms
and I led a team of skilled reporters to bring
everyone—not just AMA members—news
from the Nats on a daily basis.
Posted online (at www.modelair
craft.org/events/natsnews.asp) and printed
for the people on-site, almost 300 pages
and more than 800 photos streamed with
stories to bring the reader deep into the
events. In addition, there were extra tidbits
of information that reminded us that we’re
out there to have a good time.
30 MODELThe NatsNews is fun to read, with a lot
of good inside information. If you missed
the event, be sure to catch up with those
newsletters. You’ll get a good idea of what
equipment the winners were using to make
it to the podium. Study them carefully and
you’ll see what might be needed to be the
next contender. When you come to the
Nats, count on being noticed worldwide.
As I mentioned, an event such as the
Nats has many stories—countless is more
like it—both large and small. However, a
couple affected me in ways that were
favorable and encouraged greater
participation among those involved. They
were inspirational experiences that would
be shared to charge others with the mission
of coming to Muncie next year to perhaps
build their own benchmarks.
Much of what is inspirational about
modeling comes from the living history of
full-scale aircraft. Dreams of flight are the
primary reasons why aviation enthusiasts
turn to modeling, because it’s a practical
and much safer outlet.
Leo Loudenslager was one of those fullscale
aviators who carried out his
aspirations methodically and triumphantly.
He took his Laser 200 aircraft to the limits
of its capability and set the standards for
air-show performances and safety along the
way.
Leo’s pursuits led him to create a
radical new aerobatic aircraft that was duly
named for its unique appearance. However,
he died before his commissioned aircraft
was able to be flown.
Baron Johnson is an aspiring
aeronautical engineer who is involved in
full-scale aircraft and RC models. With the
aid of his father Fred Johnson, Baron
sought to find out whether or not Leo’s
ideas could finally be realized. Baron
studied the Shark, as Leo’s aircraft came to
be known, to complete his research and
build an RC model of the Zivko
Aeronautics-built aircraft.
The biggest tell about the Shark model
is the tail section that includes an upper and
lower fin that pivot together at a root point.
The lower fin is retractable, as on the fullscale
version, to provide ground clearance.
(JR/Horizon Hobby made a servo
especially for the application.)
Numerous other points about the model,
such as the airfoils, fuselage side area, and
wing placement, were carefully calculated
to promote a harmonious relationship.
Baron produced countless amounts of data
concerning the expectations of the fullscale
aircraft and how he needed an IMAC
(International Miniature Aerobatic Club)
model to perform.
Wanting to use the popular DA-150
engine, Baron scaled the model at exactly
38.8%. His Loudenslager Shark mimics all
the innovations of the full-scale airplane
except the full-flying stabilizer (but he’s
planning on having that function on a
future model).
Did it work? The model was flight
tested approximately a month before the
Nats, finally recording into history the first
flight of a Loudenslager Shark. Even at the
Nats Baron flew the model cautiously. He
says it will do 3-D, but since his primary
goal was to compete in the RC Scale
Aerobatics Unlimited class, sequence
flying had been its only repertoire.
The Shark’s success allowed Baron to
qualify for the finals. However, Fred took
ill the evening before the final rounds, so
Baron reverentially bowed out of the
competition to see his father safely home.
(Fred is recovering very well.)
Baron’s scores from the preliminaries
were strong enough to keep him well away
from last place; he came in eighth out of
the 12 finalists. That has to say something,
doesn’t it?
Bene Rodriguez of Brazil has made it a
point to attend the Nats CL Precision
Aerobatics (Stunt) competition for years
and place high in the standings. He has a
thing for Mustangs and has modified Al
Rabe’s famous P-51 to suit himself.
As I understand it, Bene’s close friend
Thomas Case used his own finances to
arrange for Bene and 28 of his friends to
attend the Nats. That’s 28 pilots in addition
to all the support personnel (family and
helpers). Dubbed the “Brazilian Invasion,”
it was more like a celebration with a P-51
theme. All the aircraft used were the same
Rodriguez-modified Mustangs, for which
he supplied kits.
You might think this was some kind of
stunt (pun intended) to flood the scoreboard
in their favor; however, the gesture was
nothing of the sort. Not that there weren’t
any “ringers” in the group, but overall these
people were a fine cross-section of
modelers from beginner to expert.
The Brazilian group exemplified the
meaning of sportsmanship. Each pilot
proudly flew his Mustang to some level of
stature, much to the delight of his
benefactor. In addition, Thomas Case Jr.
placed second in Junior CL Stunt.
The AMA Nats was only the beginning
of this group’s tour; its next stop was
Spain, where it was going to support its
team at the CL World Championships.
It’s great to see hard work pay off with a
win at the Nats. Any initiative to recognize
achievement is rewarding not only for the
talent, but for the aeromodeling community
in general.
A special promotion to recognize
worthy individuals was led by NSRCA
(National Society of Radio Control
Aerobatics) Treasurer Rusty Dose and was
called the Concours d’Elegance. This was
basically a beauty contest in which RC
Aerobatics (Pattern) participants were
asked to judge the models and sight on the
numerous points regarding craftsmanship
and quality of the aircraft.
The event concluded with two winners:
Sean McMurtry and Mike Hester. Their
aircraft clearly emulated everything Patterncompetitors are known to do extremely well.
From the construction, to the application of
the paint, to the choice of hardware, Sean’s
Astral XX and Mike’s Black Magic were
perfect examples of form and function.
The reminder here is that craftsmanship is
still a huge part of the hobby. As the CL Stunt
community has done for years with static
points as a regular part of competition, it is
hoped that this new program will inspire
future craftsmen to step up.
The FF portion of the Nats is the biggest,
with the largest number of registered
contestants. The Outdoor portion alone had
more than 200 pilots, and all of them
competed in multiple events. Roughly 1,000
aircraft were flown during the five-day
competition.
The FFers arrive with trailers and
recreational vehicles—everything a modeler
would need to set a duration record and then
race cross-country to retrieve the beloved
aircraft floating downwind.
FF attracts the most diverse age range of
contestants, with seasoned masters strutting
their stuff while mentoring neophytes who are
soon nipping at their teachers’ heels. And in
some cases the new fliers win out. It’s the
nature of competition and, lucky for
aeromodeling, a phenomena that hasn’t
quenched the sportsmanship.
Even though the interest of FF is thickly
coated with tradition, there’s still room for
innovation to peek around the corner from
time to time. This year Bruce Kimball barked
at tradition and made many scratch their
heads as they bent their necks skyward in
amazement. In the highly contested Hand-
Launched Glider event, in which physical
agility is as much a part of winning as
modeling skill, Bruce introduced the discuslaunch
method.
RC Soaring gave up the overhand toss
long ago for this spin-and-fling launch
technique. Some design changes were made
to Bruce’s model to accommodate the
different stresses involved in the discus
launch, but there seemed to be almost no
detriment to flight performance.
The future of the sport is certainly
changed forever. The performance of the
launch technique dramatically put Bruce’s
flight times far past any other, soundly
putting any chance for sudden-death flyoffs
to bed.
The 2006 Nats produced many memories,
any one of which will hopefully have
sparked the participants’ positive outlook on
the hobby/sport of aeromodeling. What I
enjoyed experiencing was the springboard
effect that this type of event promotes.
The AMA Nats is for all to share in the
aviation passion. The competition attracts
the sportsman and the professional who
come to the event hoping to excel and reap
the rewards, not just in the form of a trophy,
but also in the successes that might occur on
the sidelines. It was gratifying to see that the
people who made the sacrifice and put in the
hard work were rewarded with a place in
AMA history.
I encourage anyone who is looking to
debut any new program or idea about the
hobby to use the Nats as the avenue toward
launching themselves into the mainstream
of the hobby.
In a location where CL, FF, and RC
contests are happening at the same time, I
find it hard to choose where I want to hang
out. I feel fortunate to have experienced the
Nats for a second year and find myself
anxiously waiting for the third MA
Michael Ramsey
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,28,30,32,33
November 2006 17
T h e 2 0 0 6
Chris Starleaf launches his FF Curtiss SB3C Helldiver for a max
time. A biplane with retracts has an advantage.
Bill Wisniewski adjusts the engine on his CL Formula 40 Pink
Lady. His engine-tuning skill has earned him numerous
championships.
THE NATS IS unlike any other annual “contest” in the world. The
idea of the event is to attract competitors from across the nation so
that they may come together in a face-off, if you will, to determine
who is the best. With luck, skill, or otherwise, a champion is
crowned who has outdone those who have participated in a
particular special-interest event.
The AMA Nationals reflects, to a reasonable degree, what is
popular in the hobby today. Not every discipline can be held during
the summer at one location; some exceptions have to be made.
The Indoor FF portion of the Nats has to be held off-site in
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Dennis Crooks’s Eurofighter Typhoon proved to be a smooth flier in the RC Sport Scale competition.
The Nats reunited AMA’s family during six weeks in the Midwest
for a sumptuous helping of tradition and today’s latest
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:08 AM Page 1718 MODEL AVIATION
Jason Shulman carries Sean McMurtry’s
Astral XX to the runway. The anhedral
stabilizer offers more finite control in FAIclass
rolling maneuvers.
Bob Harris scratch-built this Hiller OH-23D. Larger gas-engine-powered models proved
to have smoother flight characteristics, which earned them higher flight scores.
A Big Bruce Racing Products Polecat waits at the ready line for the next Quarter 40 RC
Pylon race. Equipped with the stock Nelson Q40 engine, the combination is a winner.
Just for fun, Cox Models hosted an unofficial pylon race with its
latest RTF Micro Warbirds. Could this be a future Nats RC
Electrics event?
Windy Urtnowski rounds the Stunt circles
finished in real Ferrari paint.
Photos by the author
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:15 AM Page 18November 2006 19
Kenny Willis, shown with his sister Kimmy, took second in
Advanced RC Scale Aerobatics with his Composite-ARF 40%
Extra 330.
To snatch an opponent’s streamer, Randy Hodges coats his RC
Combat model’s LE with a sticky paste called Tanglefoot Bird
Repellent.
Greg Hahn, with wife Susie, connects the flight batteries to his
electric-powered Sport Scale B-25. Top Flite will soon release this
model as an ARF.
with his Ro-Jett .77-powered Testarossa. His 62-ounce tribute model is
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:29 AM Page 1920 MODEL AVIATION
RC Combat Scale 2610 winner Brian Gilkey holds his streamercovered
Zero. His aggressive tactics (and keen eyesight) made
him the pilot to beat.
One of the most popular events in RC Soaring is Rudder-Elevator-
Spoiler (RES). Pilot skill wins out over radio-programming skill.
Terry Duke’s Vario 1:5.5-scale Hughes 500E is powered with a Zenoah G-23. It uses four-point CCPM control and a dual-axis gyro for
solid hovers.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:18 AM Page 20November 2006 21
A good launch in RC Pylon can give the pilot that added edge. Gino DelPonte catches some air as he launches Lyle Larson’s Dago Red.
RC Scale welcomed the spectators out onto the runway for the noon lineup. These
models are contenders in the Sport Scale through Expert classes.
Paul Wicks leans way back to draw his FF
Catapult Glider into the launch position.
The tough part is trimming for high winds
and best glide.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:21 AM Page 2122 MODEL AVIATION
Stewart Cummins’ FF Old Time Rubber Cabin model gets an
inspection while poised on its winding stooge. Braided rubber
motors are known to improve performance.
A typical lineup of aircraft at the RC Scale Aerobatics Advanced
and Unlimited flightline. The 40%-scale models were typical.
Kevin Knebel modeled his Ziroli Stearman after the Navy N2S-3 variation. Its Saito 2.20 four-stroke engine was perfectly hidden among
the six dummy cylinders.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:30 AM Page 22November 2006 23
Eric Henderson’s O.S. 1.60 engine-equipped
Oxai Pinnacle for RC Aerobatics used a
custom-built exhaust header made by Karl
Mueller. Attention to these details sets the
winners apart.
Standing at the center of the circle, Don
Cranfill launches a CL Combat F2D model
for an eager beginner. These airplanes are
some of the fastest in competition.
David P. Andersen entered his 1/3-scale
Lynx in RC Designer Scale competition.
The reliable Zenoah GT-80 engine was
used for power.
The streamlined fuselage of Scott Gray’s Kyosho Sylphide 90 FAI helicopter aids in
presenting smoother-looking maneuvers to the panel of judges.
Jay Steward flew this Curtiss F8C Helldiver in RC Team Scale. His brother Jack modeled
the aircraft after the type used in the vintage King Kong film.
Larry Davidson’s T-bird is inverted after its dethermalizer is
deployed. The 1950s design is a popular choice in the class B
Nostalgia Gas event.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:46 AM Page 2324 MODEL AVIATION
Mark Gellart launches his RES Soaring model as Don Richmond
times the flight. The winch systems used new trickle chargers to
help ensure consistent launches.
Frank Beatty makes a level pass around the CL Scale circle with his Designer-class Pasped Skylark. Frank was inducted into the Model
Aviation Hall of Fame during the Nats.
2006 Nats Sponsors
In recognition of the funding necessary to run the entire
Nats program of events at the National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana, the preceding manufacturers made specific
donations directly to AMA. MA
—Michael Ramsey
2006 NatsNews Authors
Event Author
FF Indoor (May 31-June 4) John Kagan
RC Scale Aerobatics (July 4-7) Brad Jorgenson
RC Helicopter (July 7-11) Craig Bradley
RC Pylon Racing (July 9-14) Jim Allen
CL Racing (July 10-14) Tim Stone
CL Stunt (July 10-14) Allen Brickhaus
CL Speed (July 10-14) Dave Mark
CL Combat (July 11-14) Wayne McDaniel
CL Navy Carrier (July 12-14) Richard Perry
RC Combat (July 12-15) Greg Rose
RC Aerobatics (July 16-20) Eric Henderson
RC Soaring (July 21-28) Don Richmond
RC Electrics (July 29-August 1) Gary and Connie Bussell
FF Outdoor (July 31-August 4) Don DeLoach
RC Scale (August 3-6) Stan Alexander
CL Scale (August 3-6) Fred and Diana Gregg
To check out the daily Nats events visit www.modelaircraft.org/
events/natsnews.asp. For the official final scores, go to www.model
aircraft.org/events/scores04.asp. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Powermaster Hobby Products
Horizon Hobby Distributors
BP Hobbies
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 12:09 PM Page 24November 2006 25
Ric Vaughn launches Ernie Schlumberger’s Unlimited-class RC
Electrics model. Ric designed the Stardust Special just for this
competition.
Baron Johnson makes a knife-edge pass with his scratch-built
Loudenslager Shark. Notice how the entire vertical fin rotates.
World Champion Chip Hyde (R) mentors Ryan Archer before Ryan’s next flight in the Intermediate-class RC Pattern competition.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:55 AM Page 2526 MODEL AVIATION
Quique Somenzini found that the addition of the fixed fin behind the canopy of his RC
Aerobatics model made a positive difference in side-area control performance.
All the way from England, Len Mount’s scratch-built, turbine-powered Westland Scout
AH Mk.1 took first place in the RC Scale Helicopter category.
Scale Aerobatics Intermediate competitor Josh Jordan’s 40% 3W Extra 330 was finished with an airbrushed tribute to the Manhattan
skyline.
2006 Nats Entries
Discipline Registrants
CL (General Interest) 213
RC Electric 25
Indoor FF 63
Outdoor FF 205
RC Aerobatics 115
RC Combat 30
RC Helicopter 37
RC Pylon Racing 81
RC Scale Aerobatics 65
CL Scale 17
RC Scale (Fixed Wing) 45
RC Soaring 129
Total 1,025
Johnson City, Tennessee, at the East
Tennessee State University Mini-Dome. And
holding an RC Slope Soaring event on the
open plains of Indiana isn’t exactly an
attractive idea.
Exceptions are made as to what events
are run, but the clear goal is to promote
excellence in the hobby. New events are
added to the Nats schedule when enough
interest and support are generated.
Opportunity is a side effect of vying for a
national title. Many participants see the Nats
as a chance to be recognized, and they can
make their mark on a number of levels. The
recognition of their peers is a great reward,
but sometimes a person can catch a lucky
break and be “discovered” as a new talent,
the benefits of which vary greatly, but the
prospect is exciting.
The most gratifying, and most often
accomplished, aspect of the Nats is the
opportunity to have a lot of fun while in the
pursuit of what can be learned about this
treasured pastime. But the really cool part is
that modelers put their best foot forward at
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:27 AM Page 262006 Nats Volunteer Personnel
Management:
Event Directors:
Name Event SIG
Mike Condon RC Pylon Racing Canadian American Pylon Society
Craig Bradley RC Helicopter International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association
Mark Jorgensen RC Aerobatics International Miniature Aerobatic Club
Warren Tiahrt CL Precision Aerobatics (Stunt) Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association
Barry Tippett CL Speed North American Speed Society
Tim Smith CL Racing National Control Line Racing Association
Bill Calkins CL Carrier Navy Carrier Society
Roy Glenn CL Combat Miniature Aircraft Combat Association
Dave Guerin RC Aerobatics (Pattern) National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics
Marc Gellart RC Soaring League of Silent Flight
Ric Vaughn RC Electric National Electric Aircraft Council
Jim Juhl FF National Free Flight Society
Jim Rediske RC Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Rick Fraley RC Combat Radio Control Combat Association
Chuck Snyder CL Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Thanks to the 2006 Nats management staff and event directors. Their hard work and dedication make the contest a success. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Name Title
Ron Morgan Nationals Director/Manager
Al Williamson RC Category Manager
Wayne Yeager RC Category Director
Brenda Schuette CL Manager
Phil Sullivan FF Manager
Name Title
Joe Vislay Assistant RC Director
Amy Wilson AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Randa Coats AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Yolanda Jonesthe Nats, and they do it for many reasons—
some of which are more humble than others.
Imagine the Oscars, with the celebrities
and the screaming fans. The heroes and
talented individuals who attend the Nats
create an aura that breeds excitement. What
happens at a Nats competition is the stuff
legends are made of, and anyone who is
privileged with the experience can’t help but
feel like part of something that is truly
special.
Many pilots in the popular events make
good on their promises to their sponsors, but
there are also those who use the Nats to
maintain friendships and continue their
pursuit of becoming better modelers. Most
times these people are one and the same—a
point that strongly illustrates the personality
and character of those who are attracted to
this hobby.
I’ve never witnessed more moments of
pride than at the Nats. Sportsmanship flows
freely, which is an example of why
aeromodeling has so many time-honored
traditions.
Sportsmen are those who have an
obvious affection for what they want to do
well; in this case it’s anything having to do
with model airplanes. They have an attitude
that encourages others to envy them and
challenge their aptitude in a friendly
manner.
When friends get together to play, a
good time usually prevails. Traditions
unfold into events that are organized with
the same passion so the future of those
events can be secured for generations.
Bringing the Nats together takes an
enormous amount of effort. If you’ve ever
been to any kind of flying event, or a
simple backyard barbecue for that matter,
multiply that amount of planning,
preparation, and affection by 100. If you
can imagine that level of commitment, you
might realize, in a small way, how really
big the AMA Nats is, and perhaps how
much it means to so many people.
Planning for the Nats actually starts in
October of the year prior. Volunteers led
by Ron Morgan, Wayne Yeager, and Bob
Brown (just to name a few) take time out
of their busy schedules to meet with SIG
volunteer representatives. These SIG
personnel take the opportunity to
challenge themselves with the prospect of
running one of the more than 15 RC, CL,
or FF events hosted at the 1,000-plus-acre
AMA National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana.
The AMA facility is basically at the
disposal of the individual SIGs so they can
run their own contests. After all, each of
these groups has the responsibility of
keeping up with the times, so they’re the
experts when it comes to running an event
that best emulates the current status of that
particular part of the hobby.
The Nats is where many competitors
come to make a statement. Winning here
means having bested top modelers and
pilots from across the US. An enticing
aspect of making it at the Nats is that it’s
an open event, meaning that anyone can
compete.
Let’s say you’re new to the hobby and
you’ve got some skill. It’s not who you
know; it’s what you know and that you
make the effort to go—as in to the Nats.
Great stories come out of the Nats about this
very phenomenon—about nobodies
becoming somebodies in the blink of an eye.
To ask one author to spill out in one article
all that happened during a 38-day contest is
ludicrous and degrades the meaning of
everything the event honors. However, I will
share some stories that represent what this
year’s Nats experience was for me.
My goal at this year’s Nats was to meet as
many people as possible to gain as much
information as I could about the contest
happenings. Lucky for me, the AMA
Publications Department had an ace in the
hole called NatsNews.
The Nats is a huge event, and it justifies a
worthy report from those who know the
interests. NatsNews Chief Editor Liz Helms
and I led a team of skilled reporters to bring
everyone—not just AMA members—news
from the Nats on a daily basis.
Posted online (at www.modelair
craft.org/events/natsnews.asp) and printed
for the people on-site, almost 300 pages
and more than 800 photos streamed with
stories to bring the reader deep into the
events. In addition, there were extra tidbits
of information that reminded us that we’re
out there to have a good time.
30 MODELThe NatsNews is fun to read, with a lot
of good inside information. If you missed
the event, be sure to catch up with those
newsletters. You’ll get a good idea of what
equipment the winners were using to make
it to the podium. Study them carefully and
you’ll see what might be needed to be the
next contender. When you come to the
Nats, count on being noticed worldwide.
As I mentioned, an event such as the
Nats has many stories—countless is more
like it—both large and small. However, a
couple affected me in ways that were
favorable and encouraged greater
participation among those involved. They
were inspirational experiences that would
be shared to charge others with the mission
of coming to Muncie next year to perhaps
build their own benchmarks.
Much of what is inspirational about
modeling comes from the living history of
full-scale aircraft. Dreams of flight are the
primary reasons why aviation enthusiasts
turn to modeling, because it’s a practical
and much safer outlet.
Leo Loudenslager was one of those fullscale
aviators who carried out his
aspirations methodically and triumphantly.
He took his Laser 200 aircraft to the limits
of its capability and set the standards for
air-show performances and safety along the
way.
Leo’s pursuits led him to create a
radical new aerobatic aircraft that was duly
named for its unique appearance. However,
he died before his commissioned aircraft
was able to be flown.
Baron Johnson is an aspiring
aeronautical engineer who is involved in
full-scale aircraft and RC models. With the
aid of his father Fred Johnson, Baron
sought to find out whether or not Leo’s
ideas could finally be realized. Baron
studied the Shark, as Leo’s aircraft came to
be known, to complete his research and
build an RC model of the Zivko
Aeronautics-built aircraft.
The biggest tell about the Shark model
is the tail section that includes an upper and
lower fin that pivot together at a root point.
The lower fin is retractable, as on the fullscale
version, to provide ground clearance.
(JR/Horizon Hobby made a servo
especially for the application.)
Numerous other points about the model,
such as the airfoils, fuselage side area, and
wing placement, were carefully calculated
to promote a harmonious relationship.
Baron produced countless amounts of data
concerning the expectations of the fullscale
aircraft and how he needed an IMAC
(International Miniature Aerobatic Club)
model to perform.
Wanting to use the popular DA-150
engine, Baron scaled the model at exactly
38.8%. His Loudenslager Shark mimics all
the innovations of the full-scale airplane
except the full-flying stabilizer (but he’s
planning on having that function on a
future model).
Did it work? The model was flight
tested approximately a month before the
Nats, finally recording into history the first
flight of a Loudenslager Shark. Even at the
Nats Baron flew the model cautiously. He
says it will do 3-D, but since his primary
goal was to compete in the RC Scale
Aerobatics Unlimited class, sequence
flying had been its only repertoire.
The Shark’s success allowed Baron to
qualify for the finals. However, Fred took
ill the evening before the final rounds, so
Baron reverentially bowed out of the
competition to see his father safely home.
(Fred is recovering very well.)
Baron’s scores from the preliminaries
were strong enough to keep him well away
from last place; he came in eighth out of
the 12 finalists. That has to say something,
doesn’t it?
Bene Rodriguez of Brazil has made it a
point to attend the Nats CL Precision
Aerobatics (Stunt) competition for years
and place high in the standings. He has a
thing for Mustangs and has modified Al
Rabe’s famous P-51 to suit himself.
As I understand it, Bene’s close friend
Thomas Case used his own finances to
arrange for Bene and 28 of his friends to
attend the Nats. That’s 28 pilots in addition
to all the support personnel (family and
helpers). Dubbed the “Brazilian Invasion,”
it was more like a celebration with a P-51
theme. All the aircraft used were the same
Rodriguez-modified Mustangs, for which
he supplied kits.
You might think this was some kind of
stunt (pun intended) to flood the scoreboard
in their favor; however, the gesture was
nothing of the sort. Not that there weren’t
any “ringers” in the group, but overall these
people were a fine cross-section of
modelers from beginner to expert.
The Brazilian group exemplified the
meaning of sportsmanship. Each pilot
proudly flew his Mustang to some level of
stature, much to the delight of his
benefactor. In addition, Thomas Case Jr.
placed second in Junior CL Stunt.
The AMA Nats was only the beginning
of this group’s tour; its next stop was
Spain, where it was going to support its
team at the CL World Championships.
It’s great to see hard work pay off with a
win at the Nats. Any initiative to recognize
achievement is rewarding not only for the
talent, but for the aeromodeling community
in general.
A special promotion to recognize
worthy individuals was led by NSRCA
(National Society of Radio Control
Aerobatics) Treasurer Rusty Dose and was
called the Concours d’Elegance. This was
basically a beauty contest in which RC
Aerobatics (Pattern) participants were
asked to judge the models and sight on the
numerous points regarding craftsmanship
and quality of the aircraft.
The event concluded with two winners:
Sean McMurtry and Mike Hester. Their
aircraft clearly emulated everything Patterncompetitors are known to do extremely well.
From the construction, to the application of
the paint, to the choice of hardware, Sean’s
Astral XX and Mike’s Black Magic were
perfect examples of form and function.
The reminder here is that craftsmanship is
still a huge part of the hobby. As the CL Stunt
community has done for years with static
points as a regular part of competition, it is
hoped that this new program will inspire
future craftsmen to step up.
The FF portion of the Nats is the biggest,
with the largest number of registered
contestants. The Outdoor portion alone had
more than 200 pilots, and all of them
competed in multiple events. Roughly 1,000
aircraft were flown during the five-day
competition.
The FFers arrive with trailers and
recreational vehicles—everything a modeler
would need to set a duration record and then
race cross-country to retrieve the beloved
aircraft floating downwind.
FF attracts the most diverse age range of
contestants, with seasoned masters strutting
their stuff while mentoring neophytes who are
soon nipping at their teachers’ heels. And in
some cases the new fliers win out. It’s the
nature of competition and, lucky for
aeromodeling, a phenomena that hasn’t
quenched the sportsmanship.
Even though the interest of FF is thickly
coated with tradition, there’s still room for
innovation to peek around the corner from
time to time. This year Bruce Kimball barked
at tradition and made many scratch their
heads as they bent their necks skyward in
amazement. In the highly contested Hand-
Launched Glider event, in which physical
agility is as much a part of winning as
modeling skill, Bruce introduced the discuslaunch
method.
RC Soaring gave up the overhand toss
long ago for this spin-and-fling launch
technique. Some design changes were made
to Bruce’s model to accommodate the
different stresses involved in the discus
launch, but there seemed to be almost no
detriment to flight performance.
The future of the sport is certainly
changed forever. The performance of the
launch technique dramatically put Bruce’s
flight times far past any other, soundly
putting any chance for sudden-death flyoffs
to bed.
The 2006 Nats produced many memories,
any one of which will hopefully have
sparked the participants’ positive outlook on
the hobby/sport of aeromodeling. What I
enjoyed experiencing was the springboard
effect that this type of event promotes.
The AMA Nats is for all to share in the
aviation passion. The competition attracts
the sportsman and the professional who
come to the event hoping to excel and reap
the rewards, not just in the form of a trophy,
but also in the successes that might occur on
the sidelines. It was gratifying to see that the
people who made the sacrifice and put in the
hard work were rewarded with a place in
AMA history.
I encourage anyone who is looking to
debut any new program or idea about the
hobby to use the Nats as the avenue toward
launching themselves into the mainstream
of the hobby.
In a location where CL, FF, and RC
contests are happening at the same time, I
find it hard to choose where I want to hang
out. I feel fortunate to have experienced the
Nats for a second year and find myself
anxiously waiting for the third MA
Michael Ramsey
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,28,30,32,33
November 2006 17
T h e 2 0 0 6
Chris Starleaf launches his FF Curtiss SB3C Helldiver for a max
time. A biplane with retracts has an advantage.
Bill Wisniewski adjusts the engine on his CL Formula 40 Pink
Lady. His engine-tuning skill has earned him numerous
championships.
THE NATS IS unlike any other annual “contest” in the world. The
idea of the event is to attract competitors from across the nation so
that they may come together in a face-off, if you will, to determine
who is the best. With luck, skill, or otherwise, a champion is
crowned who has outdone those who have participated in a
particular special-interest event.
The AMA Nationals reflects, to a reasonable degree, what is
popular in the hobby today. Not every discipline can be held during
the summer at one location; some exceptions have to be made.
The Indoor FF portion of the Nats has to be held off-site in
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Dennis Crooks’s Eurofighter Typhoon proved to be a smooth flier in the RC Sport Scale competition.
The Nats reunited AMA’s family during six weeks in the Midwest
for a sumptuous helping of tradition and today’s latest
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:08 AM Page 1718 MODEL AVIATION
Jason Shulman carries Sean McMurtry’s
Astral XX to the runway. The anhedral
stabilizer offers more finite control in FAIclass
rolling maneuvers.
Bob Harris scratch-built this Hiller OH-23D. Larger gas-engine-powered models proved
to have smoother flight characteristics, which earned them higher flight scores.
A Big Bruce Racing Products Polecat waits at the ready line for the next Quarter 40 RC
Pylon race. Equipped with the stock Nelson Q40 engine, the combination is a winner.
Just for fun, Cox Models hosted an unofficial pylon race with its
latest RTF Micro Warbirds. Could this be a future Nats RC
Electrics event?
Windy Urtnowski rounds the Stunt circles
finished in real Ferrari paint.
Photos by the author
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:15 AM Page 18November 2006 19
Kenny Willis, shown with his sister Kimmy, took second in
Advanced RC Scale Aerobatics with his Composite-ARF 40%
Extra 330.
To snatch an opponent’s streamer, Randy Hodges coats his RC
Combat model’s LE with a sticky paste called Tanglefoot Bird
Repellent.
Greg Hahn, with wife Susie, connects the flight batteries to his
electric-powered Sport Scale B-25. Top Flite will soon release this
model as an ARF.
with his Ro-Jett .77-powered Testarossa. His 62-ounce tribute model is
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:29 AM Page 1920 MODEL AVIATION
RC Combat Scale 2610 winner Brian Gilkey holds his streamercovered
Zero. His aggressive tactics (and keen eyesight) made
him the pilot to beat.
One of the most popular events in RC Soaring is Rudder-Elevator-
Spoiler (RES). Pilot skill wins out over radio-programming skill.
Terry Duke’s Vario 1:5.5-scale Hughes 500E is powered with a Zenoah G-23. It uses four-point CCPM control and a dual-axis gyro for
solid hovers.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:18 AM Page 20November 2006 21
A good launch in RC Pylon can give the pilot that added edge. Gino DelPonte catches some air as he launches Lyle Larson’s Dago Red.
RC Scale welcomed the spectators out onto the runway for the noon lineup. These
models are contenders in the Sport Scale through Expert classes.
Paul Wicks leans way back to draw his FF
Catapult Glider into the launch position.
The tough part is trimming for high winds
and best glide.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:21 AM Page 2122 MODEL AVIATION
Stewart Cummins’ FF Old Time Rubber Cabin model gets an
inspection while poised on its winding stooge. Braided rubber
motors are known to improve performance.
A typical lineup of aircraft at the RC Scale Aerobatics Advanced
and Unlimited flightline. The 40%-scale models were typical.
Kevin Knebel modeled his Ziroli Stearman after the Navy N2S-3 variation. Its Saito 2.20 four-stroke engine was perfectly hidden among
the six dummy cylinders.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:30 AM Page 22November 2006 23
Eric Henderson’s O.S. 1.60 engine-equipped
Oxai Pinnacle for RC Aerobatics used a
custom-built exhaust header made by Karl
Mueller. Attention to these details sets the
winners apart.
Standing at the center of the circle, Don
Cranfill launches a CL Combat F2D model
for an eager beginner. These airplanes are
some of the fastest in competition.
David P. Andersen entered his 1/3-scale
Lynx in RC Designer Scale competition.
The reliable Zenoah GT-80 engine was
used for power.
The streamlined fuselage of Scott Gray’s Kyosho Sylphide 90 FAI helicopter aids in
presenting smoother-looking maneuvers to the panel of judges.
Jay Steward flew this Curtiss F8C Helldiver in RC Team Scale. His brother Jack modeled
the aircraft after the type used in the vintage King Kong film.
Larry Davidson’s T-bird is inverted after its dethermalizer is
deployed. The 1950s design is a popular choice in the class B
Nostalgia Gas event.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:46 AM Page 2324 MODEL AVIATION
Mark Gellart launches his RES Soaring model as Don Richmond
times the flight. The winch systems used new trickle chargers to
help ensure consistent launches.
Frank Beatty makes a level pass around the CL Scale circle with his Designer-class Pasped Skylark. Frank was inducted into the Model
Aviation Hall of Fame during the Nats.
2006 Nats Sponsors
In recognition of the funding necessary to run the entire
Nats program of events at the National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana, the preceding manufacturers made specific
donations directly to AMA. MA
—Michael Ramsey
2006 NatsNews Authors
Event Author
FF Indoor (May 31-June 4) John Kagan
RC Scale Aerobatics (July 4-7) Brad Jorgenson
RC Helicopter (July 7-11) Craig Bradley
RC Pylon Racing (July 9-14) Jim Allen
CL Racing (July 10-14) Tim Stone
CL Stunt (July 10-14) Allen Brickhaus
CL Speed (July 10-14) Dave Mark
CL Combat (July 11-14) Wayne McDaniel
CL Navy Carrier (July 12-14) Richard Perry
RC Combat (July 12-15) Greg Rose
RC Aerobatics (July 16-20) Eric Henderson
RC Soaring (July 21-28) Don Richmond
RC Electrics (July 29-August 1) Gary and Connie Bussell
FF Outdoor (July 31-August 4) Don DeLoach
RC Scale (August 3-6) Stan Alexander
CL Scale (August 3-6) Fred and Diana Gregg
To check out the daily Nats events visit www.modelaircraft.org/
events/natsnews.asp. For the official final scores, go to www.model
aircraft.org/events/scores04.asp. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Powermaster Hobby Products
Horizon Hobby Distributors
BP Hobbies
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 12:09 PM Page 24November 2006 25
Ric Vaughn launches Ernie Schlumberger’s Unlimited-class RC
Electrics model. Ric designed the Stardust Special just for this
competition.
Baron Johnson makes a knife-edge pass with his scratch-built
Loudenslager Shark. Notice how the entire vertical fin rotates.
World Champion Chip Hyde (R) mentors Ryan Archer before Ryan’s next flight in the Intermediate-class RC Pattern competition.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:55 AM Page 2526 MODEL AVIATION
Quique Somenzini found that the addition of the fixed fin behind the canopy of his RC
Aerobatics model made a positive difference in side-area control performance.
All the way from England, Len Mount’s scratch-built, turbine-powered Westland Scout
AH Mk.1 took first place in the RC Scale Helicopter category.
Scale Aerobatics Intermediate competitor Josh Jordan’s 40% 3W Extra 330 was finished with an airbrushed tribute to the Manhattan
skyline.
2006 Nats Entries
Discipline Registrants
CL (General Interest) 213
RC Electric 25
Indoor FF 63
Outdoor FF 205
RC Aerobatics 115
RC Combat 30
RC Helicopter 37
RC Pylon Racing 81
RC Scale Aerobatics 65
CL Scale 17
RC Scale (Fixed Wing) 45
RC Soaring 129
Total 1,025
Johnson City, Tennessee, at the East
Tennessee State University Mini-Dome. And
holding an RC Slope Soaring event on the
open plains of Indiana isn’t exactly an
attractive idea.
Exceptions are made as to what events
are run, but the clear goal is to promote
excellence in the hobby. New events are
added to the Nats schedule when enough
interest and support are generated.
Opportunity is a side effect of vying for a
national title. Many participants see the Nats
as a chance to be recognized, and they can
make their mark on a number of levels. The
recognition of their peers is a great reward,
but sometimes a person can catch a lucky
break and be “discovered” as a new talent,
the benefits of which vary greatly, but the
prospect is exciting.
The most gratifying, and most often
accomplished, aspect of the Nats is the
opportunity to have a lot of fun while in the
pursuit of what can be learned about this
treasured pastime. But the really cool part is
that modelers put their best foot forward at
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:27 AM Page 262006 Nats Volunteer Personnel
Management:
Event Directors:
Name Event SIG
Mike Condon RC Pylon Racing Canadian American Pylon Society
Craig Bradley RC Helicopter International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association
Mark Jorgensen RC Aerobatics International Miniature Aerobatic Club
Warren Tiahrt CL Precision Aerobatics (Stunt) Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association
Barry Tippett CL Speed North American Speed Society
Tim Smith CL Racing National Control Line Racing Association
Bill Calkins CL Carrier Navy Carrier Society
Roy Glenn CL Combat Miniature Aircraft Combat Association
Dave Guerin RC Aerobatics (Pattern) National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics
Marc Gellart RC Soaring League of Silent Flight
Ric Vaughn RC Electric National Electric Aircraft Council
Jim Juhl FF National Free Flight Society
Jim Rediske RC Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Rick Fraley RC Combat Radio Control Combat Association
Chuck Snyder CL Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Thanks to the 2006 Nats management staff and event directors. Their hard work and dedication make the contest a success. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Name Title
Ron Morgan Nationals Director/Manager
Al Williamson RC Category Manager
Wayne Yeager RC Category Director
Brenda Schuette CL Manager
Phil Sullivan FF Manager
Name Title
Joe Vislay Assistant RC Director
Amy Wilson AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Randa Coats AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Yolanda Jonesthe Nats, and they do it for many reasons—
some of which are more humble than others.
Imagine the Oscars, with the celebrities
and the screaming fans. The heroes and
talented individuals who attend the Nats
create an aura that breeds excitement. What
happens at a Nats competition is the stuff
legends are made of, and anyone who is
privileged with the experience can’t help but
feel like part of something that is truly
special.
Many pilots in the popular events make
good on their promises to their sponsors, but
there are also those who use the Nats to
maintain friendships and continue their
pursuit of becoming better modelers. Most
times these people are one and the same—a
point that strongly illustrates the personality
and character of those who are attracted to
this hobby.
I’ve never witnessed more moments of
pride than at the Nats. Sportsmanship flows
freely, which is an example of why
aeromodeling has so many time-honored
traditions.
Sportsmen are those who have an
obvious affection for what they want to do
well; in this case it’s anything having to do
with model airplanes. They have an attitude
that encourages others to envy them and
challenge their aptitude in a friendly
manner.
When friends get together to play, a
good time usually prevails. Traditions
unfold into events that are organized with
the same passion so the future of those
events can be secured for generations.
Bringing the Nats together takes an
enormous amount of effort. If you’ve ever
been to any kind of flying event, or a
simple backyard barbecue for that matter,
multiply that amount of planning,
preparation, and affection by 100. If you
can imagine that level of commitment, you
might realize, in a small way, how really
big the AMA Nats is, and perhaps how
much it means to so many people.
Planning for the Nats actually starts in
October of the year prior. Volunteers led
by Ron Morgan, Wayne Yeager, and Bob
Brown (just to name a few) take time out
of their busy schedules to meet with SIG
volunteer representatives. These SIG
personnel take the opportunity to
challenge themselves with the prospect of
running one of the more than 15 RC, CL,
or FF events hosted at the 1,000-plus-acre
AMA National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana.
The AMA facility is basically at the
disposal of the individual SIGs so they can
run their own contests. After all, each of
these groups has the responsibility of
keeping up with the times, so they’re the
experts when it comes to running an event
that best emulates the current status of that
particular part of the hobby.
The Nats is where many competitors
come to make a statement. Winning here
means having bested top modelers and
pilots from across the US. An enticing
aspect of making it at the Nats is that it’s
an open event, meaning that anyone can
compete.
Let’s say you’re new to the hobby and
you’ve got some skill. It’s not who you
know; it’s what you know and that you
make the effort to go—as in to the Nats.
Great stories come out of the Nats about this
very phenomenon—about nobodies
becoming somebodies in the blink of an eye.
To ask one author to spill out in one article
all that happened during a 38-day contest is
ludicrous and degrades the meaning of
everything the event honors. However, I will
share some stories that represent what this
year’s Nats experience was for me.
My goal at this year’s Nats was to meet as
many people as possible to gain as much
information as I could about the contest
happenings. Lucky for me, the AMA
Publications Department had an ace in the
hole called NatsNews.
The Nats is a huge event, and it justifies a
worthy report from those who know the
interests. NatsNews Chief Editor Liz Helms
and I led a team of skilled reporters to bring
everyone—not just AMA members—news
from the Nats on a daily basis.
Posted online (at www.modelair
craft.org/events/natsnews.asp) and printed
for the people on-site, almost 300 pages
and more than 800 photos streamed with
stories to bring the reader deep into the
events. In addition, there were extra tidbits
of information that reminded us that we’re
out there to have a good time.
30 MODELThe NatsNews is fun to read, with a lot
of good inside information. If you missed
the event, be sure to catch up with those
newsletters. You’ll get a good idea of what
equipment the winners were using to make
it to the podium. Study them carefully and
you’ll see what might be needed to be the
next contender. When you come to the
Nats, count on being noticed worldwide.
As I mentioned, an event such as the
Nats has many stories—countless is more
like it—both large and small. However, a
couple affected me in ways that were
favorable and encouraged greater
participation among those involved. They
were inspirational experiences that would
be shared to charge others with the mission
of coming to Muncie next year to perhaps
build their own benchmarks.
Much of what is inspirational about
modeling comes from the living history of
full-scale aircraft. Dreams of flight are the
primary reasons why aviation enthusiasts
turn to modeling, because it’s a practical
and much safer outlet.
Leo Loudenslager was one of those fullscale
aviators who carried out his
aspirations methodically and triumphantly.
He took his Laser 200 aircraft to the limits
of its capability and set the standards for
air-show performances and safety along the
way.
Leo’s pursuits led him to create a
radical new aerobatic aircraft that was duly
named for its unique appearance. However,
he died before his commissioned aircraft
was able to be flown.
Baron Johnson is an aspiring
aeronautical engineer who is involved in
full-scale aircraft and RC models. With the
aid of his father Fred Johnson, Baron
sought to find out whether or not Leo’s
ideas could finally be realized. Baron
studied the Shark, as Leo’s aircraft came to
be known, to complete his research and
build an RC model of the Zivko
Aeronautics-built aircraft.
The biggest tell about the Shark model
is the tail section that includes an upper and
lower fin that pivot together at a root point.
The lower fin is retractable, as on the fullscale
version, to provide ground clearance.
(JR/Horizon Hobby made a servo
especially for the application.)
Numerous other points about the model,
such as the airfoils, fuselage side area, and
wing placement, were carefully calculated
to promote a harmonious relationship.
Baron produced countless amounts of data
concerning the expectations of the fullscale
aircraft and how he needed an IMAC
(International Miniature Aerobatic Club)
model to perform.
Wanting to use the popular DA-150
engine, Baron scaled the model at exactly
38.8%. His Loudenslager Shark mimics all
the innovations of the full-scale airplane
except the full-flying stabilizer (but he’s
planning on having that function on a
future model).
Did it work? The model was flight
tested approximately a month before the
Nats, finally recording into history the first
flight of a Loudenslager Shark. Even at the
Nats Baron flew the model cautiously. He
says it will do 3-D, but since his primary
goal was to compete in the RC Scale
Aerobatics Unlimited class, sequence
flying had been its only repertoire.
The Shark’s success allowed Baron to
qualify for the finals. However, Fred took
ill the evening before the final rounds, so
Baron reverentially bowed out of the
competition to see his father safely home.
(Fred is recovering very well.)
Baron’s scores from the preliminaries
were strong enough to keep him well away
from last place; he came in eighth out of
the 12 finalists. That has to say something,
doesn’t it?
Bene Rodriguez of Brazil has made it a
point to attend the Nats CL Precision
Aerobatics (Stunt) competition for years
and place high in the standings. He has a
thing for Mustangs and has modified Al
Rabe’s famous P-51 to suit himself.
As I understand it, Bene’s close friend
Thomas Case used his own finances to
arrange for Bene and 28 of his friends to
attend the Nats. That’s 28 pilots in addition
to all the support personnel (family and
helpers). Dubbed the “Brazilian Invasion,”
it was more like a celebration with a P-51
theme. All the aircraft used were the same
Rodriguez-modified Mustangs, for which
he supplied kits.
You might think this was some kind of
stunt (pun intended) to flood the scoreboard
in their favor; however, the gesture was
nothing of the sort. Not that there weren’t
any “ringers” in the group, but overall these
people were a fine cross-section of
modelers from beginner to expert.
The Brazilian group exemplified the
meaning of sportsmanship. Each pilot
proudly flew his Mustang to some level of
stature, much to the delight of his
benefactor. In addition, Thomas Case Jr.
placed second in Junior CL Stunt.
The AMA Nats was only the beginning
of this group’s tour; its next stop was
Spain, where it was going to support its
team at the CL World Championships.
It’s great to see hard work pay off with a
win at the Nats. Any initiative to recognize
achievement is rewarding not only for the
talent, but for the aeromodeling community
in general.
A special promotion to recognize
worthy individuals was led by NSRCA
(National Society of Radio Control
Aerobatics) Treasurer Rusty Dose and was
called the Concours d’Elegance. This was
basically a beauty contest in which RC
Aerobatics (Pattern) participants were
asked to judge the models and sight on the
numerous points regarding craftsmanship
and quality of the aircraft.
The event concluded with two winners:
Sean McMurtry and Mike Hester. Their
aircraft clearly emulated everything Patterncompetitors are known to do extremely well.
From the construction, to the application of
the paint, to the choice of hardware, Sean’s
Astral XX and Mike’s Black Magic were
perfect examples of form and function.
The reminder here is that craftsmanship is
still a huge part of the hobby. As the CL Stunt
community has done for years with static
points as a regular part of competition, it is
hoped that this new program will inspire
future craftsmen to step up.
The FF portion of the Nats is the biggest,
with the largest number of registered
contestants. The Outdoor portion alone had
more than 200 pilots, and all of them
competed in multiple events. Roughly 1,000
aircraft were flown during the five-day
competition.
The FFers arrive with trailers and
recreational vehicles—everything a modeler
would need to set a duration record and then
race cross-country to retrieve the beloved
aircraft floating downwind.
FF attracts the most diverse age range of
contestants, with seasoned masters strutting
their stuff while mentoring neophytes who are
soon nipping at their teachers’ heels. And in
some cases the new fliers win out. It’s the
nature of competition and, lucky for
aeromodeling, a phenomena that hasn’t
quenched the sportsmanship.
Even though the interest of FF is thickly
coated with tradition, there’s still room for
innovation to peek around the corner from
time to time. This year Bruce Kimball barked
at tradition and made many scratch their
heads as they bent their necks skyward in
amazement. In the highly contested Hand-
Launched Glider event, in which physical
agility is as much a part of winning as
modeling skill, Bruce introduced the discuslaunch
method.
RC Soaring gave up the overhand toss
long ago for this spin-and-fling launch
technique. Some design changes were made
to Bruce’s model to accommodate the
different stresses involved in the discus
launch, but there seemed to be almost no
detriment to flight performance.
The future of the sport is certainly
changed forever. The performance of the
launch technique dramatically put Bruce’s
flight times far past any other, soundly
putting any chance for sudden-death flyoffs
to bed.
The 2006 Nats produced many memories,
any one of which will hopefully have
sparked the participants’ positive outlook on
the hobby/sport of aeromodeling. What I
enjoyed experiencing was the springboard
effect that this type of event promotes.
The AMA Nats is for all to share in the
aviation passion. The competition attracts
the sportsman and the professional who
come to the event hoping to excel and reap
the rewards, not just in the form of a trophy,
but also in the successes that might occur on
the sidelines. It was gratifying to see that the
people who made the sacrifice and put in the
hard work were rewarded with a place in
AMA history.
I encourage anyone who is looking to
debut any new program or idea about the
hobby to use the Nats as the avenue toward
launching themselves into the mainstream
of the hobby.
In a location where CL, FF, and RC
contests are happening at the same time, I
find it hard to choose where I want to hang
out. I feel fortunate to have experienced the
Nats for a second year and find myself
anxiously waiting for the third MA
Michael Ramsey
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,28,30,32,33
November 2006 17
T h e 2 0 0 6
Chris Starleaf launches his FF Curtiss SB3C Helldiver for a max
time. A biplane with retracts has an advantage.
Bill Wisniewski adjusts the engine on his CL Formula 40 Pink
Lady. His engine-tuning skill has earned him numerous
championships.
THE NATS IS unlike any other annual “contest” in the world. The
idea of the event is to attract competitors from across the nation so
that they may come together in a face-off, if you will, to determine
who is the best. With luck, skill, or otherwise, a champion is
crowned who has outdone those who have participated in a
particular special-interest event.
The AMA Nationals reflects, to a reasonable degree, what is
popular in the hobby today. Not every discipline can be held during
the summer at one location; some exceptions have to be made.
The Indoor FF portion of the Nats has to be held off-site in
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Dennis Crooks’s Eurofighter Typhoon proved to be a smooth flier in the RC Sport Scale competition.
The Nats reunited AMA’s family during six weeks in the Midwest
for a sumptuous helping of tradition and today’s latest
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:08 AM Page 1718 MODEL AVIATION
Jason Shulman carries Sean McMurtry’s
Astral XX to the runway. The anhedral
stabilizer offers more finite control in FAIclass
rolling maneuvers.
Bob Harris scratch-built this Hiller OH-23D. Larger gas-engine-powered models proved
to have smoother flight characteristics, which earned them higher flight scores.
A Big Bruce Racing Products Polecat waits at the ready line for the next Quarter 40 RC
Pylon race. Equipped with the stock Nelson Q40 engine, the combination is a winner.
Just for fun, Cox Models hosted an unofficial pylon race with its
latest RTF Micro Warbirds. Could this be a future Nats RC
Electrics event?
Windy Urtnowski rounds the Stunt circles
finished in real Ferrari paint.
Photos by the author
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:15 AM Page 18November 2006 19
Kenny Willis, shown with his sister Kimmy, took second in
Advanced RC Scale Aerobatics with his Composite-ARF 40%
Extra 330.
To snatch an opponent’s streamer, Randy Hodges coats his RC
Combat model’s LE with a sticky paste called Tanglefoot Bird
Repellent.
Greg Hahn, with wife Susie, connects the flight batteries to his
electric-powered Sport Scale B-25. Top Flite will soon release this
model as an ARF.
with his Ro-Jett .77-powered Testarossa. His 62-ounce tribute model is
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:29 AM Page 1920 MODEL AVIATION
RC Combat Scale 2610 winner Brian Gilkey holds his streamercovered
Zero. His aggressive tactics (and keen eyesight) made
him the pilot to beat.
One of the most popular events in RC Soaring is Rudder-Elevator-
Spoiler (RES). Pilot skill wins out over radio-programming skill.
Terry Duke’s Vario 1:5.5-scale Hughes 500E is powered with a Zenoah G-23. It uses four-point CCPM control and a dual-axis gyro for
solid hovers.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:18 AM Page 20November 2006 21
A good launch in RC Pylon can give the pilot that added edge. Gino DelPonte catches some air as he launches Lyle Larson’s Dago Red.
RC Scale welcomed the spectators out onto the runway for the noon lineup. These
models are contenders in the Sport Scale through Expert classes.
Paul Wicks leans way back to draw his FF
Catapult Glider into the launch position.
The tough part is trimming for high winds
and best glide.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:21 AM Page 2122 MODEL AVIATION
Stewart Cummins’ FF Old Time Rubber Cabin model gets an
inspection while poised on its winding stooge. Braided rubber
motors are known to improve performance.
A typical lineup of aircraft at the RC Scale Aerobatics Advanced
and Unlimited flightline. The 40%-scale models were typical.
Kevin Knebel modeled his Ziroli Stearman after the Navy N2S-3 variation. Its Saito 2.20 four-stroke engine was perfectly hidden among
the six dummy cylinders.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:30 AM Page 22November 2006 23
Eric Henderson’s O.S. 1.60 engine-equipped
Oxai Pinnacle for RC Aerobatics used a
custom-built exhaust header made by Karl
Mueller. Attention to these details sets the
winners apart.
Standing at the center of the circle, Don
Cranfill launches a CL Combat F2D model
for an eager beginner. These airplanes are
some of the fastest in competition.
David P. Andersen entered his 1/3-scale
Lynx in RC Designer Scale competition.
The reliable Zenoah GT-80 engine was
used for power.
The streamlined fuselage of Scott Gray’s Kyosho Sylphide 90 FAI helicopter aids in
presenting smoother-looking maneuvers to the panel of judges.
Jay Steward flew this Curtiss F8C Helldiver in RC Team Scale. His brother Jack modeled
the aircraft after the type used in the vintage King Kong film.
Larry Davidson’s T-bird is inverted after its dethermalizer is
deployed. The 1950s design is a popular choice in the class B
Nostalgia Gas event.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:46 AM Page 2324 MODEL AVIATION
Mark Gellart launches his RES Soaring model as Don Richmond
times the flight. The winch systems used new trickle chargers to
help ensure consistent launches.
Frank Beatty makes a level pass around the CL Scale circle with his Designer-class Pasped Skylark. Frank was inducted into the Model
Aviation Hall of Fame during the Nats.
2006 Nats Sponsors
In recognition of the funding necessary to run the entire
Nats program of events at the National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana, the preceding manufacturers made specific
donations directly to AMA. MA
—Michael Ramsey
2006 NatsNews Authors
Event Author
FF Indoor (May 31-June 4) John Kagan
RC Scale Aerobatics (July 4-7) Brad Jorgenson
RC Helicopter (July 7-11) Craig Bradley
RC Pylon Racing (July 9-14) Jim Allen
CL Racing (July 10-14) Tim Stone
CL Stunt (July 10-14) Allen Brickhaus
CL Speed (July 10-14) Dave Mark
CL Combat (July 11-14) Wayne McDaniel
CL Navy Carrier (July 12-14) Richard Perry
RC Combat (July 12-15) Greg Rose
RC Aerobatics (July 16-20) Eric Henderson
RC Soaring (July 21-28) Don Richmond
RC Electrics (July 29-August 1) Gary and Connie Bussell
FF Outdoor (July 31-August 4) Don DeLoach
RC Scale (August 3-6) Stan Alexander
CL Scale (August 3-6) Fred and Diana Gregg
To check out the daily Nats events visit www.modelaircraft.org/
events/natsnews.asp. For the official final scores, go to www.model
aircraft.org/events/scores04.asp. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Powermaster Hobby Products
Horizon Hobby Distributors
BP Hobbies
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 12:09 PM Page 24November 2006 25
Ric Vaughn launches Ernie Schlumberger’s Unlimited-class RC
Electrics model. Ric designed the Stardust Special just for this
competition.
Baron Johnson makes a knife-edge pass with his scratch-built
Loudenslager Shark. Notice how the entire vertical fin rotates.
World Champion Chip Hyde (R) mentors Ryan Archer before Ryan’s next flight in the Intermediate-class RC Pattern competition.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:55 AM Page 2526 MODEL AVIATION
Quique Somenzini found that the addition of the fixed fin behind the canopy of his RC
Aerobatics model made a positive difference in side-area control performance.
All the way from England, Len Mount’s scratch-built, turbine-powered Westland Scout
AH Mk.1 took first place in the RC Scale Helicopter category.
Scale Aerobatics Intermediate competitor Josh Jordan’s 40% 3W Extra 330 was finished with an airbrushed tribute to the Manhattan
skyline.
2006 Nats Entries
Discipline Registrants
CL (General Interest) 213
RC Electric 25
Indoor FF 63
Outdoor FF 205
RC Aerobatics 115
RC Combat 30
RC Helicopter 37
RC Pylon Racing 81
RC Scale Aerobatics 65
CL Scale 17
RC Scale (Fixed Wing) 45
RC Soaring 129
Total 1,025
Johnson City, Tennessee, at the East
Tennessee State University Mini-Dome. And
holding an RC Slope Soaring event on the
open plains of Indiana isn’t exactly an
attractive idea.
Exceptions are made as to what events
are run, but the clear goal is to promote
excellence in the hobby. New events are
added to the Nats schedule when enough
interest and support are generated.
Opportunity is a side effect of vying for a
national title. Many participants see the Nats
as a chance to be recognized, and they can
make their mark on a number of levels. The
recognition of their peers is a great reward,
but sometimes a person can catch a lucky
break and be “discovered” as a new talent,
the benefits of which vary greatly, but the
prospect is exciting.
The most gratifying, and most often
accomplished, aspect of the Nats is the
opportunity to have a lot of fun while in the
pursuit of what can be learned about this
treasured pastime. But the really cool part is
that modelers put their best foot forward at
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:27 AM Page 262006 Nats Volunteer Personnel
Management:
Event Directors:
Name Event SIG
Mike Condon RC Pylon Racing Canadian American Pylon Society
Craig Bradley RC Helicopter International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association
Mark Jorgensen RC Aerobatics International Miniature Aerobatic Club
Warren Tiahrt CL Precision Aerobatics (Stunt) Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association
Barry Tippett CL Speed North American Speed Society
Tim Smith CL Racing National Control Line Racing Association
Bill Calkins CL Carrier Navy Carrier Society
Roy Glenn CL Combat Miniature Aircraft Combat Association
Dave Guerin RC Aerobatics (Pattern) National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics
Marc Gellart RC Soaring League of Silent Flight
Ric Vaughn RC Electric National Electric Aircraft Council
Jim Juhl FF National Free Flight Society
Jim Rediske RC Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Rick Fraley RC Combat Radio Control Combat Association
Chuck Snyder CL Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Thanks to the 2006 Nats management staff and event directors. Their hard work and dedication make the contest a success. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Name Title
Ron Morgan Nationals Director/Manager
Al Williamson RC Category Manager
Wayne Yeager RC Category Director
Brenda Schuette CL Manager
Phil Sullivan FF Manager
Name Title
Joe Vislay Assistant RC Director
Amy Wilson AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Randa Coats AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Yolanda Jonesthe Nats, and they do it for many reasons—
some of which are more humble than others.
Imagine the Oscars, with the celebrities
and the screaming fans. The heroes and
talented individuals who attend the Nats
create an aura that breeds excitement. What
happens at a Nats competition is the stuff
legends are made of, and anyone who is
privileged with the experience can’t help but
feel like part of something that is truly
special.
Many pilots in the popular events make
good on their promises to their sponsors, but
there are also those who use the Nats to
maintain friendships and continue their
pursuit of becoming better modelers. Most
times these people are one and the same—a
point that strongly illustrates the personality
and character of those who are attracted to
this hobby.
I’ve never witnessed more moments of
pride than at the Nats. Sportsmanship flows
freely, which is an example of why
aeromodeling has so many time-honored
traditions.
Sportsmen are those who have an
obvious affection for what they want to do
well; in this case it’s anything having to do
with model airplanes. They have an attitude
that encourages others to envy them and
challenge their aptitude in a friendly
manner.
When friends get together to play, a
good time usually prevails. Traditions
unfold into events that are organized with
the same passion so the future of those
events can be secured for generations.
Bringing the Nats together takes an
enormous amount of effort. If you’ve ever
been to any kind of flying event, or a
simple backyard barbecue for that matter,
multiply that amount of planning,
preparation, and affection by 100. If you
can imagine that level of commitment, you
might realize, in a small way, how really
big the AMA Nats is, and perhaps how
much it means to so many people.
Planning for the Nats actually starts in
October of the year prior. Volunteers led
by Ron Morgan, Wayne Yeager, and Bob
Brown (just to name a few) take time out
of their busy schedules to meet with SIG
volunteer representatives. These SIG
personnel take the opportunity to
challenge themselves with the prospect of
running one of the more than 15 RC, CL,
or FF events hosted at the 1,000-plus-acre
AMA National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana.
The AMA facility is basically at the
disposal of the individual SIGs so they can
run their own contests. After all, each of
these groups has the responsibility of
keeping up with the times, so they’re the
experts when it comes to running an event
that best emulates the current status of that
particular part of the hobby.
The Nats is where many competitors
come to make a statement. Winning here
means having bested top modelers and
pilots from across the US. An enticing
aspect of making it at the Nats is that it’s
an open event, meaning that anyone can
compete.
Let’s say you’re new to the hobby and
you’ve got some skill. It’s not who you
know; it’s what you know and that you
make the effort to go—as in to the Nats.
Great stories come out of the Nats about this
very phenomenon—about nobodies
becoming somebodies in the blink of an eye.
To ask one author to spill out in one article
all that happened during a 38-day contest is
ludicrous and degrades the meaning of
everything the event honors. However, I will
share some stories that represent what this
year’s Nats experience was for me.
My goal at this year’s Nats was to meet as
many people as possible to gain as much
information as I could about the contest
happenings. Lucky for me, the AMA
Publications Department had an ace in the
hole called NatsNews.
The Nats is a huge event, and it justifies a
worthy report from those who know the
interests. NatsNews Chief Editor Liz Helms
and I led a team of skilled reporters to bring
everyone—not just AMA members—news
from the Nats on a daily basis.
Posted online (at www.modelair
craft.org/events/natsnews.asp) and printed
for the people on-site, almost 300 pages
and more than 800 photos streamed with
stories to bring the reader deep into the
events. In addition, there were extra tidbits
of information that reminded us that we’re
out there to have a good time.
30 MODELThe NatsNews is fun to read, with a lot
of good inside information. If you missed
the event, be sure to catch up with those
newsletters. You’ll get a good idea of what
equipment the winners were using to make
it to the podium. Study them carefully and
you’ll see what might be needed to be the
next contender. When you come to the
Nats, count on being noticed worldwide.
As I mentioned, an event such as the
Nats has many stories—countless is more
like it—both large and small. However, a
couple affected me in ways that were
favorable and encouraged greater
participation among those involved. They
were inspirational experiences that would
be shared to charge others with the mission
of coming to Muncie next year to perhaps
build their own benchmarks.
Much of what is inspirational about
modeling comes from the living history of
full-scale aircraft. Dreams of flight are the
primary reasons why aviation enthusiasts
turn to modeling, because it’s a practical
and much safer outlet.
Leo Loudenslager was one of those fullscale
aviators who carried out his
aspirations methodically and triumphantly.
He took his Laser 200 aircraft to the limits
of its capability and set the standards for
air-show performances and safety along the
way.
Leo’s pursuits led him to create a
radical new aerobatic aircraft that was duly
named for its unique appearance. However,
he died before his commissioned aircraft
was able to be flown.
Baron Johnson is an aspiring
aeronautical engineer who is involved in
full-scale aircraft and RC models. With the
aid of his father Fred Johnson, Baron
sought to find out whether or not Leo’s
ideas could finally be realized. Baron
studied the Shark, as Leo’s aircraft came to
be known, to complete his research and
build an RC model of the Zivko
Aeronautics-built aircraft.
The biggest tell about the Shark model
is the tail section that includes an upper and
lower fin that pivot together at a root point.
The lower fin is retractable, as on the fullscale
version, to provide ground clearance.
(JR/Horizon Hobby made a servo
especially for the application.)
Numerous other points about the model,
such as the airfoils, fuselage side area, and
wing placement, were carefully calculated
to promote a harmonious relationship.
Baron produced countless amounts of data
concerning the expectations of the fullscale
aircraft and how he needed an IMAC
(International Miniature Aerobatic Club)
model to perform.
Wanting to use the popular DA-150
engine, Baron scaled the model at exactly
38.8%. His Loudenslager Shark mimics all
the innovations of the full-scale airplane
except the full-flying stabilizer (but he’s
planning on having that function on a
future model).
Did it work? The model was flight
tested approximately a month before the
Nats, finally recording into history the first
flight of a Loudenslager Shark. Even at the
Nats Baron flew the model cautiously. He
says it will do 3-D, but since his primary
goal was to compete in the RC Scale
Aerobatics Unlimited class, sequence
flying had been its only repertoire.
The Shark’s success allowed Baron to
qualify for the finals. However, Fred took
ill the evening before the final rounds, so
Baron reverentially bowed out of the
competition to see his father safely home.
(Fred is recovering very well.)
Baron’s scores from the preliminaries
were strong enough to keep him well away
from last place; he came in eighth out of
the 12 finalists. That has to say something,
doesn’t it?
Bene Rodriguez of Brazil has made it a
point to attend the Nats CL Precision
Aerobatics (Stunt) competition for years
and place high in the standings. He has a
thing for Mustangs and has modified Al
Rabe’s famous P-51 to suit himself.
As I understand it, Bene’s close friend
Thomas Case used his own finances to
arrange for Bene and 28 of his friends to
attend the Nats. That’s 28 pilots in addition
to all the support personnel (family and
helpers). Dubbed the “Brazilian Invasion,”
it was more like a celebration with a P-51
theme. All the aircraft used were the same
Rodriguez-modified Mustangs, for which
he supplied kits.
You might think this was some kind of
stunt (pun intended) to flood the scoreboard
in their favor; however, the gesture was
nothing of the sort. Not that there weren’t
any “ringers” in the group, but overall these
people were a fine cross-section of
modelers from beginner to expert.
The Brazilian group exemplified the
meaning of sportsmanship. Each pilot
proudly flew his Mustang to some level of
stature, much to the delight of his
benefactor. In addition, Thomas Case Jr.
placed second in Junior CL Stunt.
The AMA Nats was only the beginning
of this group’s tour; its next stop was
Spain, where it was going to support its
team at the CL World Championships.
It’s great to see hard work pay off with a
win at the Nats. Any initiative to recognize
achievement is rewarding not only for the
talent, but for the aeromodeling community
in general.
A special promotion to recognize
worthy individuals was led by NSRCA
(National Society of Radio Control
Aerobatics) Treasurer Rusty Dose and was
called the Concours d’Elegance. This was
basically a beauty contest in which RC
Aerobatics (Pattern) participants were
asked to judge the models and sight on the
numerous points regarding craftsmanship
and quality of the aircraft.
The event concluded with two winners:
Sean McMurtry and Mike Hester. Their
aircraft clearly emulated everything Patterncompetitors are known to do extremely well.
From the construction, to the application of
the paint, to the choice of hardware, Sean’s
Astral XX and Mike’s Black Magic were
perfect examples of form and function.
The reminder here is that craftsmanship is
still a huge part of the hobby. As the CL Stunt
community has done for years with static
points as a regular part of competition, it is
hoped that this new program will inspire
future craftsmen to step up.
The FF portion of the Nats is the biggest,
with the largest number of registered
contestants. The Outdoor portion alone had
more than 200 pilots, and all of them
competed in multiple events. Roughly 1,000
aircraft were flown during the five-day
competition.
The FFers arrive with trailers and
recreational vehicles—everything a modeler
would need to set a duration record and then
race cross-country to retrieve the beloved
aircraft floating downwind.
FF attracts the most diverse age range of
contestants, with seasoned masters strutting
their stuff while mentoring neophytes who are
soon nipping at their teachers’ heels. And in
some cases the new fliers win out. It’s the
nature of competition and, lucky for
aeromodeling, a phenomena that hasn’t
quenched the sportsmanship.
Even though the interest of FF is thickly
coated with tradition, there’s still room for
innovation to peek around the corner from
time to time. This year Bruce Kimball barked
at tradition and made many scratch their
heads as they bent their necks skyward in
amazement. In the highly contested Hand-
Launched Glider event, in which physical
agility is as much a part of winning as
modeling skill, Bruce introduced the discuslaunch
method.
RC Soaring gave up the overhand toss
long ago for this spin-and-fling launch
technique. Some design changes were made
to Bruce’s model to accommodate the
different stresses involved in the discus
launch, but there seemed to be almost no
detriment to flight performance.
The future of the sport is certainly
changed forever. The performance of the
launch technique dramatically put Bruce’s
flight times far past any other, soundly
putting any chance for sudden-death flyoffs
to bed.
The 2006 Nats produced many memories,
any one of which will hopefully have
sparked the participants’ positive outlook on
the hobby/sport of aeromodeling. What I
enjoyed experiencing was the springboard
effect that this type of event promotes.
The AMA Nats is for all to share in the
aviation passion. The competition attracts
the sportsman and the professional who
come to the event hoping to excel and reap
the rewards, not just in the form of a trophy,
but also in the successes that might occur on
the sidelines. It was gratifying to see that the
people who made the sacrifice and put in the
hard work were rewarded with a place in
AMA history.
I encourage anyone who is looking to
debut any new program or idea about the
hobby to use the Nats as the avenue toward
launching themselves into the mainstream
of the hobby.
In a location where CL, FF, and RC
contests are happening at the same time, I
find it hard to choose where I want to hang
out. I feel fortunate to have experienced the
Nats for a second year and find myself
anxiously waiting for the third MA
Michael Ramsey
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,28,30,32,33
November 2006 17
T h e 2 0 0 6
Chris Starleaf launches his FF Curtiss SB3C Helldiver for a max
time. A biplane with retracts has an advantage.
Bill Wisniewski adjusts the engine on his CL Formula 40 Pink
Lady. His engine-tuning skill has earned him numerous
championships.
THE NATS IS unlike any other annual “contest” in the world. The
idea of the event is to attract competitors from across the nation so
that they may come together in a face-off, if you will, to determine
who is the best. With luck, skill, or otherwise, a champion is
crowned who has outdone those who have participated in a
particular special-interest event.
The AMA Nationals reflects, to a reasonable degree, what is
popular in the hobby today. Not every discipline can be held during
the summer at one location; some exceptions have to be made.
The Indoor FF portion of the Nats has to be held off-site in
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Dennis Crooks’s Eurofighter Typhoon proved to be a smooth flier in the RC Sport Scale competition.
The Nats reunited AMA’s family during six weeks in the Midwest
for a sumptuous helping of tradition and today’s latest
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:08 AM Page 1718 MODEL AVIATION
Jason Shulman carries Sean McMurtry’s
Astral XX to the runway. The anhedral
stabilizer offers more finite control in FAIclass
rolling maneuvers.
Bob Harris scratch-built this Hiller OH-23D. Larger gas-engine-powered models proved
to have smoother flight characteristics, which earned them higher flight scores.
A Big Bruce Racing Products Polecat waits at the ready line for the next Quarter 40 RC
Pylon race. Equipped with the stock Nelson Q40 engine, the combination is a winner.
Just for fun, Cox Models hosted an unofficial pylon race with its
latest RTF Micro Warbirds. Could this be a future Nats RC
Electrics event?
Windy Urtnowski rounds the Stunt circles
finished in real Ferrari paint.
Photos by the author
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:15 AM Page 18November 2006 19
Kenny Willis, shown with his sister Kimmy, took second in
Advanced RC Scale Aerobatics with his Composite-ARF 40%
Extra 330.
To snatch an opponent’s streamer, Randy Hodges coats his RC
Combat model’s LE with a sticky paste called Tanglefoot Bird
Repellent.
Greg Hahn, with wife Susie, connects the flight batteries to his
electric-powered Sport Scale B-25. Top Flite will soon release this
model as an ARF.
with his Ro-Jett .77-powered Testarossa. His 62-ounce tribute model is
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:29 AM Page 1920 MODEL AVIATION
RC Combat Scale 2610 winner Brian Gilkey holds his streamercovered
Zero. His aggressive tactics (and keen eyesight) made
him the pilot to beat.
One of the most popular events in RC Soaring is Rudder-Elevator-
Spoiler (RES). Pilot skill wins out over radio-programming skill.
Terry Duke’s Vario 1:5.5-scale Hughes 500E is powered with a Zenoah G-23. It uses four-point CCPM control and a dual-axis gyro for
solid hovers.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:18 AM Page 20November 2006 21
A good launch in RC Pylon can give the pilot that added edge. Gino DelPonte catches some air as he launches Lyle Larson’s Dago Red.
RC Scale welcomed the spectators out onto the runway for the noon lineup. These
models are contenders in the Sport Scale through Expert classes.
Paul Wicks leans way back to draw his FF
Catapult Glider into the launch position.
The tough part is trimming for high winds
and best glide.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:21 AM Page 2122 MODEL AVIATION
Stewart Cummins’ FF Old Time Rubber Cabin model gets an
inspection while poised on its winding stooge. Braided rubber
motors are known to improve performance.
A typical lineup of aircraft at the RC Scale Aerobatics Advanced
and Unlimited flightline. The 40%-scale models were typical.
Kevin Knebel modeled his Ziroli Stearman after the Navy N2S-3 variation. Its Saito 2.20 four-stroke engine was perfectly hidden among
the six dummy cylinders.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:30 AM Page 22November 2006 23
Eric Henderson’s O.S. 1.60 engine-equipped
Oxai Pinnacle for RC Aerobatics used a
custom-built exhaust header made by Karl
Mueller. Attention to these details sets the
winners apart.
Standing at the center of the circle, Don
Cranfill launches a CL Combat F2D model
for an eager beginner. These airplanes are
some of the fastest in competition.
David P. Andersen entered his 1/3-scale
Lynx in RC Designer Scale competition.
The reliable Zenoah GT-80 engine was
used for power.
The streamlined fuselage of Scott Gray’s Kyosho Sylphide 90 FAI helicopter aids in
presenting smoother-looking maneuvers to the panel of judges.
Jay Steward flew this Curtiss F8C Helldiver in RC Team Scale. His brother Jack modeled
the aircraft after the type used in the vintage King Kong film.
Larry Davidson’s T-bird is inverted after its dethermalizer is
deployed. The 1950s design is a popular choice in the class B
Nostalgia Gas event.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:46 AM Page 2324 MODEL AVIATION
Mark Gellart launches his RES Soaring model as Don Richmond
times the flight. The winch systems used new trickle chargers to
help ensure consistent launches.
Frank Beatty makes a level pass around the CL Scale circle with his Designer-class Pasped Skylark. Frank was inducted into the Model
Aviation Hall of Fame during the Nats.
2006 Nats Sponsors
In recognition of the funding necessary to run the entire
Nats program of events at the National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana, the preceding manufacturers made specific
donations directly to AMA. MA
—Michael Ramsey
2006 NatsNews Authors
Event Author
FF Indoor (May 31-June 4) John Kagan
RC Scale Aerobatics (July 4-7) Brad Jorgenson
RC Helicopter (July 7-11) Craig Bradley
RC Pylon Racing (July 9-14) Jim Allen
CL Racing (July 10-14) Tim Stone
CL Stunt (July 10-14) Allen Brickhaus
CL Speed (July 10-14) Dave Mark
CL Combat (July 11-14) Wayne McDaniel
CL Navy Carrier (July 12-14) Richard Perry
RC Combat (July 12-15) Greg Rose
RC Aerobatics (July 16-20) Eric Henderson
RC Soaring (July 21-28) Don Richmond
RC Electrics (July 29-August 1) Gary and Connie Bussell
FF Outdoor (July 31-August 4) Don DeLoach
RC Scale (August 3-6) Stan Alexander
CL Scale (August 3-6) Fred and Diana Gregg
To check out the daily Nats events visit www.modelaircraft.org/
events/natsnews.asp. For the official final scores, go to www.model
aircraft.org/events/scores04.asp. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Powermaster Hobby Products
Horizon Hobby Distributors
BP Hobbies
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 12:09 PM Page 24November 2006 25
Ric Vaughn launches Ernie Schlumberger’s Unlimited-class RC
Electrics model. Ric designed the Stardust Special just for this
competition.
Baron Johnson makes a knife-edge pass with his scratch-built
Loudenslager Shark. Notice how the entire vertical fin rotates.
World Champion Chip Hyde (R) mentors Ryan Archer before Ryan’s next flight in the Intermediate-class RC Pattern competition.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:55 AM Page 2526 MODEL AVIATION
Quique Somenzini found that the addition of the fixed fin behind the canopy of his RC
Aerobatics model made a positive difference in side-area control performance.
All the way from England, Len Mount’s scratch-built, turbine-powered Westland Scout
AH Mk.1 took first place in the RC Scale Helicopter category.
Scale Aerobatics Intermediate competitor Josh Jordan’s 40% 3W Extra 330 was finished with an airbrushed tribute to the Manhattan
skyline.
2006 Nats Entries
Discipline Registrants
CL (General Interest) 213
RC Electric 25
Indoor FF 63
Outdoor FF 205
RC Aerobatics 115
RC Combat 30
RC Helicopter 37
RC Pylon Racing 81
RC Scale Aerobatics 65
CL Scale 17
RC Scale (Fixed Wing) 45
RC Soaring 129
Total 1,025
Johnson City, Tennessee, at the East
Tennessee State University Mini-Dome. And
holding an RC Slope Soaring event on the
open plains of Indiana isn’t exactly an
attractive idea.
Exceptions are made as to what events
are run, but the clear goal is to promote
excellence in the hobby. New events are
added to the Nats schedule when enough
interest and support are generated.
Opportunity is a side effect of vying for a
national title. Many participants see the Nats
as a chance to be recognized, and they can
make their mark on a number of levels. The
recognition of their peers is a great reward,
but sometimes a person can catch a lucky
break and be “discovered” as a new talent,
the benefits of which vary greatly, but the
prospect is exciting.
The most gratifying, and most often
accomplished, aspect of the Nats is the
opportunity to have a lot of fun while in the
pursuit of what can be learned about this
treasured pastime. But the really cool part is
that modelers put their best foot forward at
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:27 AM Page 262006 Nats Volunteer Personnel
Management:
Event Directors:
Name Event SIG
Mike Condon RC Pylon Racing Canadian American Pylon Society
Craig Bradley RC Helicopter International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association
Mark Jorgensen RC Aerobatics International Miniature Aerobatic Club
Warren Tiahrt CL Precision Aerobatics (Stunt) Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association
Barry Tippett CL Speed North American Speed Society
Tim Smith CL Racing National Control Line Racing Association
Bill Calkins CL Carrier Navy Carrier Society
Roy Glenn CL Combat Miniature Aircraft Combat Association
Dave Guerin RC Aerobatics (Pattern) National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics
Marc Gellart RC Soaring League of Silent Flight
Ric Vaughn RC Electric National Electric Aircraft Council
Jim Juhl FF National Free Flight Society
Jim Rediske RC Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Rick Fraley RC Combat Radio Control Combat Association
Chuck Snyder CL Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Thanks to the 2006 Nats management staff and event directors. Their hard work and dedication make the contest a success. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Name Title
Ron Morgan Nationals Director/Manager
Al Williamson RC Category Manager
Wayne Yeager RC Category Director
Brenda Schuette CL Manager
Phil Sullivan FF Manager
Name Title
Joe Vislay Assistant RC Director
Amy Wilson AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Randa Coats AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Yolanda Jonesthe Nats, and they do it for many reasons—
some of which are more humble than others.
Imagine the Oscars, with the celebrities
and the screaming fans. The heroes and
talented individuals who attend the Nats
create an aura that breeds excitement. What
happens at a Nats competition is the stuff
legends are made of, and anyone who is
privileged with the experience can’t help but
feel like part of something that is truly
special.
Many pilots in the popular events make
good on their promises to their sponsors, but
there are also those who use the Nats to
maintain friendships and continue their
pursuit of becoming better modelers. Most
times these people are one and the same—a
point that strongly illustrates the personality
and character of those who are attracted to
this hobby.
I’ve never witnessed more moments of
pride than at the Nats. Sportsmanship flows
freely, which is an example of why
aeromodeling has so many time-honored
traditions.
Sportsmen are those who have an
obvious affection for what they want to do
well; in this case it’s anything having to do
with model airplanes. They have an attitude
that encourages others to envy them and
challenge their aptitude in a friendly
manner.
When friends get together to play, a
good time usually prevails. Traditions
unfold into events that are organized with
the same passion so the future of those
events can be secured for generations.
Bringing the Nats together takes an
enormous amount of effort. If you’ve ever
been to any kind of flying event, or a
simple backyard barbecue for that matter,
multiply that amount of planning,
preparation, and affection by 100. If you
can imagine that level of commitment, you
might realize, in a small way, how really
big the AMA Nats is, and perhaps how
much it means to so many people.
Planning for the Nats actually starts in
October of the year prior. Volunteers led
by Ron Morgan, Wayne Yeager, and Bob
Brown (just to name a few) take time out
of their busy schedules to meet with SIG
volunteer representatives. These SIG
personnel take the opportunity to
challenge themselves with the prospect of
running one of the more than 15 RC, CL,
or FF events hosted at the 1,000-plus-acre
AMA National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana.
The AMA facility is basically at the
disposal of the individual SIGs so they can
run their own contests. After all, each of
these groups has the responsibility of
keeping up with the times, so they’re the
experts when it comes to running an event
that best emulates the current status of that
particular part of the hobby.
The Nats is where many competitors
come to make a statement. Winning here
means having bested top modelers and
pilots from across the US. An enticing
aspect of making it at the Nats is that it’s
an open event, meaning that anyone can
compete.
Let’s say you’re new to the hobby and
you’ve got some skill. It’s not who you
know; it’s what you know and that you
make the effort to go—as in to the Nats.
Great stories come out of the Nats about this
very phenomenon—about nobodies
becoming somebodies in the blink of an eye.
To ask one author to spill out in one article
all that happened during a 38-day contest is
ludicrous and degrades the meaning of
everything the event honors. However, I will
share some stories that represent what this
year’s Nats experience was for me.
My goal at this year’s Nats was to meet as
many people as possible to gain as much
information as I could about the contest
happenings. Lucky for me, the AMA
Publications Department had an ace in the
hole called NatsNews.
The Nats is a huge event, and it justifies a
worthy report from those who know the
interests. NatsNews Chief Editor Liz Helms
and I led a team of skilled reporters to bring
everyone—not just AMA members—news
from the Nats on a daily basis.
Posted online (at www.modelair
craft.org/events/natsnews.asp) and printed
for the people on-site, almost 300 pages
and more than 800 photos streamed with
stories to bring the reader deep into the
events. In addition, there were extra tidbits
of information that reminded us that we’re
out there to have a good time.
30 MODELThe NatsNews is fun to read, with a lot
of good inside information. If you missed
the event, be sure to catch up with those
newsletters. You’ll get a good idea of what
equipment the winners were using to make
it to the podium. Study them carefully and
you’ll see what might be needed to be the
next contender. When you come to the
Nats, count on being noticed worldwide.
As I mentioned, an event such as the
Nats has many stories—countless is more
like it—both large and small. However, a
couple affected me in ways that were
favorable and encouraged greater
participation among those involved. They
were inspirational experiences that would
be shared to charge others with the mission
of coming to Muncie next year to perhaps
build their own benchmarks.
Much of what is inspirational about
modeling comes from the living history of
full-scale aircraft. Dreams of flight are the
primary reasons why aviation enthusiasts
turn to modeling, because it’s a practical
and much safer outlet.
Leo Loudenslager was one of those fullscale
aviators who carried out his
aspirations methodically and triumphantly.
He took his Laser 200 aircraft to the limits
of its capability and set the standards for
air-show performances and safety along the
way.
Leo’s pursuits led him to create a
radical new aerobatic aircraft that was duly
named for its unique appearance. However,
he died before his commissioned aircraft
was able to be flown.
Baron Johnson is an aspiring
aeronautical engineer who is involved in
full-scale aircraft and RC models. With the
aid of his father Fred Johnson, Baron
sought to find out whether or not Leo’s
ideas could finally be realized. Baron
studied the Shark, as Leo’s aircraft came to
be known, to complete his research and
build an RC model of the Zivko
Aeronautics-built aircraft.
The biggest tell about the Shark model
is the tail section that includes an upper and
lower fin that pivot together at a root point.
The lower fin is retractable, as on the fullscale
version, to provide ground clearance.
(JR/Horizon Hobby made a servo
especially for the application.)
Numerous other points about the model,
such as the airfoils, fuselage side area, and
wing placement, were carefully calculated
to promote a harmonious relationship.
Baron produced countless amounts of data
concerning the expectations of the fullscale
aircraft and how he needed an IMAC
(International Miniature Aerobatic Club)
model to perform.
Wanting to use the popular DA-150
engine, Baron scaled the model at exactly
38.8%. His Loudenslager Shark mimics all
the innovations of the full-scale airplane
except the full-flying stabilizer (but he’s
planning on having that function on a
future model).
Did it work? The model was flight
tested approximately a month before the
Nats, finally recording into history the first
flight of a Loudenslager Shark. Even at the
Nats Baron flew the model cautiously. He
says it will do 3-D, but since his primary
goal was to compete in the RC Scale
Aerobatics Unlimited class, sequence
flying had been its only repertoire.
The Shark’s success allowed Baron to
qualify for the finals. However, Fred took
ill the evening before the final rounds, so
Baron reverentially bowed out of the
competition to see his father safely home.
(Fred is recovering very well.)
Baron’s scores from the preliminaries
were strong enough to keep him well away
from last place; he came in eighth out of
the 12 finalists. That has to say something,
doesn’t it?
Bene Rodriguez of Brazil has made it a
point to attend the Nats CL Precision
Aerobatics (Stunt) competition for years
and place high in the standings. He has a
thing for Mustangs and has modified Al
Rabe’s famous P-51 to suit himself.
As I understand it, Bene’s close friend
Thomas Case used his own finances to
arrange for Bene and 28 of his friends to
attend the Nats. That’s 28 pilots in addition
to all the support personnel (family and
helpers). Dubbed the “Brazilian Invasion,”
it was more like a celebration with a P-51
theme. All the aircraft used were the same
Rodriguez-modified Mustangs, for which
he supplied kits.
You might think this was some kind of
stunt (pun intended) to flood the scoreboard
in their favor; however, the gesture was
nothing of the sort. Not that there weren’t
any “ringers” in the group, but overall these
people were a fine cross-section of
modelers from beginner to expert.
The Brazilian group exemplified the
meaning of sportsmanship. Each pilot
proudly flew his Mustang to some level of
stature, much to the delight of his
benefactor. In addition, Thomas Case Jr.
placed second in Junior CL Stunt.
The AMA Nats was only the beginning
of this group’s tour; its next stop was
Spain, where it was going to support its
team at the CL World Championships.
It’s great to see hard work pay off with a
win at the Nats. Any initiative to recognize
achievement is rewarding not only for the
talent, but for the aeromodeling community
in general.
A special promotion to recognize
worthy individuals was led by NSRCA
(National Society of Radio Control
Aerobatics) Treasurer Rusty Dose and was
called the Concours d’Elegance. This was
basically a beauty contest in which RC
Aerobatics (Pattern) participants were
asked to judge the models and sight on the
numerous points regarding craftsmanship
and quality of the aircraft.
The event concluded with two winners:
Sean McMurtry and Mike Hester. Their
aircraft clearly emulated everything Patterncompetitors are known to do extremely well.
From the construction, to the application of
the paint, to the choice of hardware, Sean’s
Astral XX and Mike’s Black Magic were
perfect examples of form and function.
The reminder here is that craftsmanship is
still a huge part of the hobby. As the CL Stunt
community has done for years with static
points as a regular part of competition, it is
hoped that this new program will inspire
future craftsmen to step up.
The FF portion of the Nats is the biggest,
with the largest number of registered
contestants. The Outdoor portion alone had
more than 200 pilots, and all of them
competed in multiple events. Roughly 1,000
aircraft were flown during the five-day
competition.
The FFers arrive with trailers and
recreational vehicles—everything a modeler
would need to set a duration record and then
race cross-country to retrieve the beloved
aircraft floating downwind.
FF attracts the most diverse age range of
contestants, with seasoned masters strutting
their stuff while mentoring neophytes who are
soon nipping at their teachers’ heels. And in
some cases the new fliers win out. It’s the
nature of competition and, lucky for
aeromodeling, a phenomena that hasn’t
quenched the sportsmanship.
Even though the interest of FF is thickly
coated with tradition, there’s still room for
innovation to peek around the corner from
time to time. This year Bruce Kimball barked
at tradition and made many scratch their
heads as they bent their necks skyward in
amazement. In the highly contested Hand-
Launched Glider event, in which physical
agility is as much a part of winning as
modeling skill, Bruce introduced the discuslaunch
method.
RC Soaring gave up the overhand toss
long ago for this spin-and-fling launch
technique. Some design changes were made
to Bruce’s model to accommodate the
different stresses involved in the discus
launch, but there seemed to be almost no
detriment to flight performance.
The future of the sport is certainly
changed forever. The performance of the
launch technique dramatically put Bruce’s
flight times far past any other, soundly
putting any chance for sudden-death flyoffs
to bed.
The 2006 Nats produced many memories,
any one of which will hopefully have
sparked the participants’ positive outlook on
the hobby/sport of aeromodeling. What I
enjoyed experiencing was the springboard
effect that this type of event promotes.
The AMA Nats is for all to share in the
aviation passion. The competition attracts
the sportsman and the professional who
come to the event hoping to excel and reap
the rewards, not just in the form of a trophy,
but also in the successes that might occur on
the sidelines. It was gratifying to see that the
people who made the sacrifice and put in the
hard work were rewarded with a place in
AMA history.
I encourage anyone who is looking to
debut any new program or idea about the
hobby to use the Nats as the avenue toward
launching themselves into the mainstream
of the hobby.
In a location where CL, FF, and RC
contests are happening at the same time, I
find it hard to choose where I want to hang
out. I feel fortunate to have experienced the
Nats for a second year and find myself
anxiously waiting for the third MA
Michael Ramsey
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,28,30,32,33
November 2006 17
T h e 2 0 0 6
Chris Starleaf launches his FF Curtiss SB3C Helldiver for a max
time. A biplane with retracts has an advantage.
Bill Wisniewski adjusts the engine on his CL Formula 40 Pink
Lady. His engine-tuning skill has earned him numerous
championships.
THE NATS IS unlike any other annual “contest” in the world. The
idea of the event is to attract competitors from across the nation so
that they may come together in a face-off, if you will, to determine
who is the best. With luck, skill, or otherwise, a champion is
crowned who has outdone those who have participated in a
particular special-interest event.
The AMA Nationals reflects, to a reasonable degree, what is
popular in the hobby today. Not every discipline can be held during
the summer at one location; some exceptions have to be made.
The Indoor FF portion of the Nats has to be held off-site in
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Dennis Crooks’s Eurofighter Typhoon proved to be a smooth flier in the RC Sport Scale competition.
The Nats reunited AMA’s family during six weeks in the Midwest
for a sumptuous helping of tradition and today’s latest
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:08 AM Page 1718 MODEL AVIATION
Jason Shulman carries Sean McMurtry’s
Astral XX to the runway. The anhedral
stabilizer offers more finite control in FAIclass
rolling maneuvers.
Bob Harris scratch-built this Hiller OH-23D. Larger gas-engine-powered models proved
to have smoother flight characteristics, which earned them higher flight scores.
A Big Bruce Racing Products Polecat waits at the ready line for the next Quarter 40 RC
Pylon race. Equipped with the stock Nelson Q40 engine, the combination is a winner.
Just for fun, Cox Models hosted an unofficial pylon race with its
latest RTF Micro Warbirds. Could this be a future Nats RC
Electrics event?
Windy Urtnowski rounds the Stunt circles
finished in real Ferrari paint.
Photos by the author
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:15 AM Page 18November 2006 19
Kenny Willis, shown with his sister Kimmy, took second in
Advanced RC Scale Aerobatics with his Composite-ARF 40%
Extra 330.
To snatch an opponent’s streamer, Randy Hodges coats his RC
Combat model’s LE with a sticky paste called Tanglefoot Bird
Repellent.
Greg Hahn, with wife Susie, connects the flight batteries to his
electric-powered Sport Scale B-25. Top Flite will soon release this
model as an ARF.
with his Ro-Jett .77-powered Testarossa. His 62-ounce tribute model is
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:29 AM Page 1920 MODEL AVIATION
RC Combat Scale 2610 winner Brian Gilkey holds his streamercovered
Zero. His aggressive tactics (and keen eyesight) made
him the pilot to beat.
One of the most popular events in RC Soaring is Rudder-Elevator-
Spoiler (RES). Pilot skill wins out over radio-programming skill.
Terry Duke’s Vario 1:5.5-scale Hughes 500E is powered with a Zenoah G-23. It uses four-point CCPM control and a dual-axis gyro for
solid hovers.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:18 AM Page 20November 2006 21
A good launch in RC Pylon can give the pilot that added edge. Gino DelPonte catches some air as he launches Lyle Larson’s Dago Red.
RC Scale welcomed the spectators out onto the runway for the noon lineup. These
models are contenders in the Sport Scale through Expert classes.
Paul Wicks leans way back to draw his FF
Catapult Glider into the launch position.
The tough part is trimming for high winds
and best glide.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:21 AM Page 2122 MODEL AVIATION
Stewart Cummins’ FF Old Time Rubber Cabin model gets an
inspection while poised on its winding stooge. Braided rubber
motors are known to improve performance.
A typical lineup of aircraft at the RC Scale Aerobatics Advanced
and Unlimited flightline. The 40%-scale models were typical.
Kevin Knebel modeled his Ziroli Stearman after the Navy N2S-3 variation. Its Saito 2.20 four-stroke engine was perfectly hidden among
the six dummy cylinders.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:30 AM Page 22November 2006 23
Eric Henderson’s O.S. 1.60 engine-equipped
Oxai Pinnacle for RC Aerobatics used a
custom-built exhaust header made by Karl
Mueller. Attention to these details sets the
winners apart.
Standing at the center of the circle, Don
Cranfill launches a CL Combat F2D model
for an eager beginner. These airplanes are
some of the fastest in competition.
David P. Andersen entered his 1/3-scale
Lynx in RC Designer Scale competition.
The reliable Zenoah GT-80 engine was
used for power.
The streamlined fuselage of Scott Gray’s Kyosho Sylphide 90 FAI helicopter aids in
presenting smoother-looking maneuvers to the panel of judges.
Jay Steward flew this Curtiss F8C Helldiver in RC Team Scale. His brother Jack modeled
the aircraft after the type used in the vintage King Kong film.
Larry Davidson’s T-bird is inverted after its dethermalizer is
deployed. The 1950s design is a popular choice in the class B
Nostalgia Gas event.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:46 AM Page 2324 MODEL AVIATION
Mark Gellart launches his RES Soaring model as Don Richmond
times the flight. The winch systems used new trickle chargers to
help ensure consistent launches.
Frank Beatty makes a level pass around the CL Scale circle with his Designer-class Pasped Skylark. Frank was inducted into the Model
Aviation Hall of Fame during the Nats.
2006 Nats Sponsors
In recognition of the funding necessary to run the entire
Nats program of events at the National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana, the preceding manufacturers made specific
donations directly to AMA. MA
—Michael Ramsey
2006 NatsNews Authors
Event Author
FF Indoor (May 31-June 4) John Kagan
RC Scale Aerobatics (July 4-7) Brad Jorgenson
RC Helicopter (July 7-11) Craig Bradley
RC Pylon Racing (July 9-14) Jim Allen
CL Racing (July 10-14) Tim Stone
CL Stunt (July 10-14) Allen Brickhaus
CL Speed (July 10-14) Dave Mark
CL Combat (July 11-14) Wayne McDaniel
CL Navy Carrier (July 12-14) Richard Perry
RC Combat (July 12-15) Greg Rose
RC Aerobatics (July 16-20) Eric Henderson
RC Soaring (July 21-28) Don Richmond
RC Electrics (July 29-August 1) Gary and Connie Bussell
FF Outdoor (July 31-August 4) Don DeLoach
RC Scale (August 3-6) Stan Alexander
CL Scale (August 3-6) Fred and Diana Gregg
To check out the daily Nats events visit www.modelaircraft.org/
events/natsnews.asp. For the official final scores, go to www.model
aircraft.org/events/scores04.asp. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Powermaster Hobby Products
Horizon Hobby Distributors
BP Hobbies
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 12:09 PM Page 24November 2006 25
Ric Vaughn launches Ernie Schlumberger’s Unlimited-class RC
Electrics model. Ric designed the Stardust Special just for this
competition.
Baron Johnson makes a knife-edge pass with his scratch-built
Loudenslager Shark. Notice how the entire vertical fin rotates.
World Champion Chip Hyde (R) mentors Ryan Archer before Ryan’s next flight in the Intermediate-class RC Pattern competition.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:55 AM Page 2526 MODEL AVIATION
Quique Somenzini found that the addition of the fixed fin behind the canopy of his RC
Aerobatics model made a positive difference in side-area control performance.
All the way from England, Len Mount’s scratch-built, turbine-powered Westland Scout
AH Mk.1 took first place in the RC Scale Helicopter category.
Scale Aerobatics Intermediate competitor Josh Jordan’s 40% 3W Extra 330 was finished with an airbrushed tribute to the Manhattan
skyline.
2006 Nats Entries
Discipline Registrants
CL (General Interest) 213
RC Electric 25
Indoor FF 63
Outdoor FF 205
RC Aerobatics 115
RC Combat 30
RC Helicopter 37
RC Pylon Racing 81
RC Scale Aerobatics 65
CL Scale 17
RC Scale (Fixed Wing) 45
RC Soaring 129
Total 1,025
Johnson City, Tennessee, at the East
Tennessee State University Mini-Dome. And
holding an RC Slope Soaring event on the
open plains of Indiana isn’t exactly an
attractive idea.
Exceptions are made as to what events
are run, but the clear goal is to promote
excellence in the hobby. New events are
added to the Nats schedule when enough
interest and support are generated.
Opportunity is a side effect of vying for a
national title. Many participants see the Nats
as a chance to be recognized, and they can
make their mark on a number of levels. The
recognition of their peers is a great reward,
but sometimes a person can catch a lucky
break and be “discovered” as a new talent,
the benefits of which vary greatly, but the
prospect is exciting.
The most gratifying, and most often
accomplished, aspect of the Nats is the
opportunity to have a lot of fun while in the
pursuit of what can be learned about this
treasured pastime. But the really cool part is
that modelers put their best foot forward at
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:27 AM Page 262006 Nats Volunteer Personnel
Management:
Event Directors:
Name Event SIG
Mike Condon RC Pylon Racing Canadian American Pylon Society
Craig Bradley RC Helicopter International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association
Mark Jorgensen RC Aerobatics International Miniature Aerobatic Club
Warren Tiahrt CL Precision Aerobatics (Stunt) Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association
Barry Tippett CL Speed North American Speed Society
Tim Smith CL Racing National Control Line Racing Association
Bill Calkins CL Carrier Navy Carrier Society
Roy Glenn CL Combat Miniature Aircraft Combat Association
Dave Guerin RC Aerobatics (Pattern) National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics
Marc Gellart RC Soaring League of Silent Flight
Ric Vaughn RC Electric National Electric Aircraft Council
Jim Juhl FF National Free Flight Society
Jim Rediske RC Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Rick Fraley RC Combat Radio Control Combat Association
Chuck Snyder CL Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Thanks to the 2006 Nats management staff and event directors. Their hard work and dedication make the contest a success. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Name Title
Ron Morgan Nationals Director/Manager
Al Williamson RC Category Manager
Wayne Yeager RC Category Director
Brenda Schuette CL Manager
Phil Sullivan FF Manager
Name Title
Joe Vislay Assistant RC Director
Amy Wilson AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Randa Coats AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Yolanda Jonesthe Nats, and they do it for many reasons—
some of which are more humble than others.
Imagine the Oscars, with the celebrities
and the screaming fans. The heroes and
talented individuals who attend the Nats
create an aura that breeds excitement. What
happens at a Nats competition is the stuff
legends are made of, and anyone who is
privileged with the experience can’t help but
feel like part of something that is truly
special.
Many pilots in the popular events make
good on their promises to their sponsors, but
there are also those who use the Nats to
maintain friendships and continue their
pursuit of becoming better modelers. Most
times these people are one and the same—a
point that strongly illustrates the personality
and character of those who are attracted to
this hobby.
I’ve never witnessed more moments of
pride than at the Nats. Sportsmanship flows
freely, which is an example of why
aeromodeling has so many time-honored
traditions.
Sportsmen are those who have an
obvious affection for what they want to do
well; in this case it’s anything having to do
with model airplanes. They have an attitude
that encourages others to envy them and
challenge their aptitude in a friendly
manner.
When friends get together to play, a
good time usually prevails. Traditions
unfold into events that are organized with
the same passion so the future of those
events can be secured for generations.
Bringing the Nats together takes an
enormous amount of effort. If you’ve ever
been to any kind of flying event, or a
simple backyard barbecue for that matter,
multiply that amount of planning,
preparation, and affection by 100. If you
can imagine that level of commitment, you
might realize, in a small way, how really
big the AMA Nats is, and perhaps how
much it means to so many people.
Planning for the Nats actually starts in
October of the year prior. Volunteers led
by Ron Morgan, Wayne Yeager, and Bob
Brown (just to name a few) take time out
of their busy schedules to meet with SIG
volunteer representatives. These SIG
personnel take the opportunity to
challenge themselves with the prospect of
running one of the more than 15 RC, CL,
or FF events hosted at the 1,000-plus-acre
AMA National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana.
The AMA facility is basically at the
disposal of the individual SIGs so they can
run their own contests. After all, each of
these groups has the responsibility of
keeping up with the times, so they’re the
experts when it comes to running an event
that best emulates the current status of that
particular part of the hobby.
The Nats is where many competitors
come to make a statement. Winning here
means having bested top modelers and
pilots from across the US. An enticing
aspect of making it at the Nats is that it’s
an open event, meaning that anyone can
compete.
Let’s say you’re new to the hobby and
you’ve got some skill. It’s not who you
know; it’s what you know and that you
make the effort to go—as in to the Nats.
Great stories come out of the Nats about this
very phenomenon—about nobodies
becoming somebodies in the blink of an eye.
To ask one author to spill out in one article
all that happened during a 38-day contest is
ludicrous and degrades the meaning of
everything the event honors. However, I will
share some stories that represent what this
year’s Nats experience was for me.
My goal at this year’s Nats was to meet as
many people as possible to gain as much
information as I could about the contest
happenings. Lucky for me, the AMA
Publications Department had an ace in the
hole called NatsNews.
The Nats is a huge event, and it justifies a
worthy report from those who know the
interests. NatsNews Chief Editor Liz Helms
and I led a team of skilled reporters to bring
everyone—not just AMA members—news
from the Nats on a daily basis.
Posted online (at www.modelair
craft.org/events/natsnews.asp) and printed
for the people on-site, almost 300 pages
and more than 800 photos streamed with
stories to bring the reader deep into the
events. In addition, there were extra tidbits
of information that reminded us that we’re
out there to have a good time.
30 MODELThe NatsNews is fun to read, with a lot
of good inside information. If you missed
the event, be sure to catch up with those
newsletters. You’ll get a good idea of what
equipment the winners were using to make
it to the podium. Study them carefully and
you’ll see what might be needed to be the
next contender. When you come to the
Nats, count on being noticed worldwide.
As I mentioned, an event such as the
Nats has many stories—countless is more
like it—both large and small. However, a
couple affected me in ways that were
favorable and encouraged greater
participation among those involved. They
were inspirational experiences that would
be shared to charge others with the mission
of coming to Muncie next year to perhaps
build their own benchmarks.
Much of what is inspirational about
modeling comes from the living history of
full-scale aircraft. Dreams of flight are the
primary reasons why aviation enthusiasts
turn to modeling, because it’s a practical
and much safer outlet.
Leo Loudenslager was one of those fullscale
aviators who carried out his
aspirations methodically and triumphantly.
He took his Laser 200 aircraft to the limits
of its capability and set the standards for
air-show performances and safety along the
way.
Leo’s pursuits led him to create a
radical new aerobatic aircraft that was duly
named for its unique appearance. However,
he died before his commissioned aircraft
was able to be flown.
Baron Johnson is an aspiring
aeronautical engineer who is involved in
full-scale aircraft and RC models. With the
aid of his father Fred Johnson, Baron
sought to find out whether or not Leo’s
ideas could finally be realized. Baron
studied the Shark, as Leo’s aircraft came to
be known, to complete his research and
build an RC model of the Zivko
Aeronautics-built aircraft.
The biggest tell about the Shark model
is the tail section that includes an upper and
lower fin that pivot together at a root point.
The lower fin is retractable, as on the fullscale
version, to provide ground clearance.
(JR/Horizon Hobby made a servo
especially for the application.)
Numerous other points about the model,
such as the airfoils, fuselage side area, and
wing placement, were carefully calculated
to promote a harmonious relationship.
Baron produced countless amounts of data
concerning the expectations of the fullscale
aircraft and how he needed an IMAC
(International Miniature Aerobatic Club)
model to perform.
Wanting to use the popular DA-150
engine, Baron scaled the model at exactly
38.8%. His Loudenslager Shark mimics all
the innovations of the full-scale airplane
except the full-flying stabilizer (but he’s
planning on having that function on a
future model).
Did it work? The model was flight
tested approximately a month before the
Nats, finally recording into history the first
flight of a Loudenslager Shark. Even at the
Nats Baron flew the model cautiously. He
says it will do 3-D, but since his primary
goal was to compete in the RC Scale
Aerobatics Unlimited class, sequence
flying had been its only repertoire.
The Shark’s success allowed Baron to
qualify for the finals. However, Fred took
ill the evening before the final rounds, so
Baron reverentially bowed out of the
competition to see his father safely home.
(Fred is recovering very well.)
Baron’s scores from the preliminaries
were strong enough to keep him well away
from last place; he came in eighth out of
the 12 finalists. That has to say something,
doesn’t it?
Bene Rodriguez of Brazil has made it a
point to attend the Nats CL Precision
Aerobatics (Stunt) competition for years
and place high in the standings. He has a
thing for Mustangs and has modified Al
Rabe’s famous P-51 to suit himself.
As I understand it, Bene’s close friend
Thomas Case used his own finances to
arrange for Bene and 28 of his friends to
attend the Nats. That’s 28 pilots in addition
to all the support personnel (family and
helpers). Dubbed the “Brazilian Invasion,”
it was more like a celebration with a P-51
theme. All the aircraft used were the same
Rodriguez-modified Mustangs, for which
he supplied kits.
You might think this was some kind of
stunt (pun intended) to flood the scoreboard
in their favor; however, the gesture was
nothing of the sort. Not that there weren’t
any “ringers” in the group, but overall these
people were a fine cross-section of
modelers from beginner to expert.
The Brazilian group exemplified the
meaning of sportsmanship. Each pilot
proudly flew his Mustang to some level of
stature, much to the delight of his
benefactor. In addition, Thomas Case Jr.
placed second in Junior CL Stunt.
The AMA Nats was only the beginning
of this group’s tour; its next stop was
Spain, where it was going to support its
team at the CL World Championships.
It’s great to see hard work pay off with a
win at the Nats. Any initiative to recognize
achievement is rewarding not only for the
talent, but for the aeromodeling community
in general.
A special promotion to recognize
worthy individuals was led by NSRCA
(National Society of Radio Control
Aerobatics) Treasurer Rusty Dose and was
called the Concours d’Elegance. This was
basically a beauty contest in which RC
Aerobatics (Pattern) participants were
asked to judge the models and sight on the
numerous points regarding craftsmanship
and quality of the aircraft.
The event concluded with two winners:
Sean McMurtry and Mike Hester. Their
aircraft clearly emulated everything Patterncompetitors are known to do extremely well.
From the construction, to the application of
the paint, to the choice of hardware, Sean’s
Astral XX and Mike’s Black Magic were
perfect examples of form and function.
The reminder here is that craftsmanship is
still a huge part of the hobby. As the CL Stunt
community has done for years with static
points as a regular part of competition, it is
hoped that this new program will inspire
future craftsmen to step up.
The FF portion of the Nats is the biggest,
with the largest number of registered
contestants. The Outdoor portion alone had
more than 200 pilots, and all of them
competed in multiple events. Roughly 1,000
aircraft were flown during the five-day
competition.
The FFers arrive with trailers and
recreational vehicles—everything a modeler
would need to set a duration record and then
race cross-country to retrieve the beloved
aircraft floating downwind.
FF attracts the most diverse age range of
contestants, with seasoned masters strutting
their stuff while mentoring neophytes who are
soon nipping at their teachers’ heels. And in
some cases the new fliers win out. It’s the
nature of competition and, lucky for
aeromodeling, a phenomena that hasn’t
quenched the sportsmanship.
Even though the interest of FF is thickly
coated with tradition, there’s still room for
innovation to peek around the corner from
time to time. This year Bruce Kimball barked
at tradition and made many scratch their
heads as they bent their necks skyward in
amazement. In the highly contested Hand-
Launched Glider event, in which physical
agility is as much a part of winning as
modeling skill, Bruce introduced the discuslaunch
method.
RC Soaring gave up the overhand toss
long ago for this spin-and-fling launch
technique. Some design changes were made
to Bruce’s model to accommodate the
different stresses involved in the discus
launch, but there seemed to be almost no
detriment to flight performance.
The future of the sport is certainly
changed forever. The performance of the
launch technique dramatically put Bruce’s
flight times far past any other, soundly
putting any chance for sudden-death flyoffs
to bed.
The 2006 Nats produced many memories,
any one of which will hopefully have
sparked the participants’ positive outlook on
the hobby/sport of aeromodeling. What I
enjoyed experiencing was the springboard
effect that this type of event promotes.
The AMA Nats is for all to share in the
aviation passion. The competition attracts
the sportsman and the professional who
come to the event hoping to excel and reap
the rewards, not just in the form of a trophy,
but also in the successes that might occur on
the sidelines. It was gratifying to see that the
people who made the sacrifice and put in the
hard work were rewarded with a place in
AMA history.
I encourage anyone who is looking to
debut any new program or idea about the
hobby to use the Nats as the avenue toward
launching themselves into the mainstream
of the hobby.
In a location where CL, FF, and RC
contests are happening at the same time, I
find it hard to choose where I want to hang
out. I feel fortunate to have experienced the
Nats for a second year and find myself
anxiously waiting for the third MA
Michael Ramsey
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,28,30,32,33
November 2006 17
T h e 2 0 0 6
Chris Starleaf launches his FF Curtiss SB3C Helldiver for a max
time. A biplane with retracts has an advantage.
Bill Wisniewski adjusts the engine on his CL Formula 40 Pink
Lady. His engine-tuning skill has earned him numerous
championships.
THE NATS IS unlike any other annual “contest” in the world. The
idea of the event is to attract competitors from across the nation so
that they may come together in a face-off, if you will, to determine
who is the best. With luck, skill, or otherwise, a champion is
crowned who has outdone those who have participated in a
particular special-interest event.
The AMA Nationals reflects, to a reasonable degree, what is
popular in the hobby today. Not every discipline can be held during
the summer at one location; some exceptions have to be made.
The Indoor FF portion of the Nats has to be held off-site in
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Dennis Crooks’s Eurofighter Typhoon proved to be a smooth flier in the RC Sport Scale competition.
The Nats reunited AMA’s family during six weeks in the Midwest
for a sumptuous helping of tradition and today’s latest
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:08 AM Page 1718 MODEL AVIATION
Jason Shulman carries Sean McMurtry’s
Astral XX to the runway. The anhedral
stabilizer offers more finite control in FAIclass
rolling maneuvers.
Bob Harris scratch-built this Hiller OH-23D. Larger gas-engine-powered models proved
to have smoother flight characteristics, which earned them higher flight scores.
A Big Bruce Racing Products Polecat waits at the ready line for the next Quarter 40 RC
Pylon race. Equipped with the stock Nelson Q40 engine, the combination is a winner.
Just for fun, Cox Models hosted an unofficial pylon race with its
latest RTF Micro Warbirds. Could this be a future Nats RC
Electrics event?
Windy Urtnowski rounds the Stunt circles
finished in real Ferrari paint.
Photos by the author
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:15 AM Page 18November 2006 19
Kenny Willis, shown with his sister Kimmy, took second in
Advanced RC Scale Aerobatics with his Composite-ARF 40%
Extra 330.
To snatch an opponent’s streamer, Randy Hodges coats his RC
Combat model’s LE with a sticky paste called Tanglefoot Bird
Repellent.
Greg Hahn, with wife Susie, connects the flight batteries to his
electric-powered Sport Scale B-25. Top Flite will soon release this
model as an ARF.
with his Ro-Jett .77-powered Testarossa. His 62-ounce tribute model is
11sig1.QXD 9/26/06 10:29 AM Page 1920 MODEL AVIATION
RC Combat Scale 2610 winner Brian Gilkey holds his streamercovered
Zero. His aggressive tactics (and keen eyesight) made
him the pilot to beat.
One of the most popular events in RC Soaring is Rudder-Elevator-
Spoiler (RES). Pilot skill wins out over radio-programming skill.
Terry Duke’s Vario 1:5.5-scale Hughes 500E is powered with a Zenoah G-23. It uses four-point CCPM control and a dual-axis gyro for
solid hovers.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:18 AM Page 20November 2006 21
A good launch in RC Pylon can give the pilot that added edge. Gino DelPonte catches some air as he launches Lyle Larson’s Dago Red.
RC Scale welcomed the spectators out onto the runway for the noon lineup. These
models are contenders in the Sport Scale through Expert classes.
Paul Wicks leans way back to draw his FF
Catapult Glider into the launch position.
The tough part is trimming for high winds
and best glide.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:21 AM Page 2122 MODEL AVIATION
Stewart Cummins’ FF Old Time Rubber Cabin model gets an
inspection while poised on its winding stooge. Braided rubber
motors are known to improve performance.
A typical lineup of aircraft at the RC Scale Aerobatics Advanced
and Unlimited flightline. The 40%-scale models were typical.
Kevin Knebel modeled his Ziroli Stearman after the Navy N2S-3 variation. Its Saito 2.20 four-stroke engine was perfectly hidden among
the six dummy cylinders.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:30 AM Page 22November 2006 23
Eric Henderson’s O.S. 1.60 engine-equipped
Oxai Pinnacle for RC Aerobatics used a
custom-built exhaust header made by Karl
Mueller. Attention to these details sets the
winners apart.
Standing at the center of the circle, Don
Cranfill launches a CL Combat F2D model
for an eager beginner. These airplanes are
some of the fastest in competition.
David P. Andersen entered his 1/3-scale
Lynx in RC Designer Scale competition.
The reliable Zenoah GT-80 engine was
used for power.
The streamlined fuselage of Scott Gray’s Kyosho Sylphide 90 FAI helicopter aids in
presenting smoother-looking maneuvers to the panel of judges.
Jay Steward flew this Curtiss F8C Helldiver in RC Team Scale. His brother Jack modeled
the aircraft after the type used in the vintage King Kong film.
Larry Davidson’s T-bird is inverted after its dethermalizer is
deployed. The 1950s design is a popular choice in the class B
Nostalgia Gas event.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:46 AM Page 2324 MODEL AVIATION
Mark Gellart launches his RES Soaring model as Don Richmond
times the flight. The winch systems used new trickle chargers to
help ensure consistent launches.
Frank Beatty makes a level pass around the CL Scale circle with his Designer-class Pasped Skylark. Frank was inducted into the Model
Aviation Hall of Fame during the Nats.
2006 Nats Sponsors
In recognition of the funding necessary to run the entire
Nats program of events at the National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana, the preceding manufacturers made specific
donations directly to AMA. MA
—Michael Ramsey
2006 NatsNews Authors
Event Author
FF Indoor (May 31-June 4) John Kagan
RC Scale Aerobatics (July 4-7) Brad Jorgenson
RC Helicopter (July 7-11) Craig Bradley
RC Pylon Racing (July 9-14) Jim Allen
CL Racing (July 10-14) Tim Stone
CL Stunt (July 10-14) Allen Brickhaus
CL Speed (July 10-14) Dave Mark
CL Combat (July 11-14) Wayne McDaniel
CL Navy Carrier (July 12-14) Richard Perry
RC Combat (July 12-15) Greg Rose
RC Aerobatics (July 16-20) Eric Henderson
RC Soaring (July 21-28) Don Richmond
RC Electrics (July 29-August 1) Gary and Connie Bussell
FF Outdoor (July 31-August 4) Don DeLoach
RC Scale (August 3-6) Stan Alexander
CL Scale (August 3-6) Fred and Diana Gregg
To check out the daily Nats events visit www.modelaircraft.org/
events/natsnews.asp. For the official final scores, go to www.model
aircraft.org/events/scores04.asp. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Powermaster Hobby Products
Horizon Hobby Distributors
BP Hobbies
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 12:09 PM Page 24November 2006 25
Ric Vaughn launches Ernie Schlumberger’s Unlimited-class RC
Electrics model. Ric designed the Stardust Special just for this
competition.
Baron Johnson makes a knife-edge pass with his scratch-built
Loudenslager Shark. Notice how the entire vertical fin rotates.
World Champion Chip Hyde (R) mentors Ryan Archer before Ryan’s next flight in the Intermediate-class RC Pattern competition.
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 10:55 AM Page 2526 MODEL AVIATION
Quique Somenzini found that the addition of the fixed fin behind the canopy of his RC
Aerobatics model made a positive difference in side-area control performance.
All the way from England, Len Mount’s scratch-built, turbine-powered Westland Scout
AH Mk.1 took first place in the RC Scale Helicopter category.
Scale Aerobatics Intermediate competitor Josh Jordan’s 40% 3W Extra 330 was finished with an airbrushed tribute to the Manhattan
skyline.
2006 Nats Entries
Discipline Registrants
CL (General Interest) 213
RC Electric 25
Indoor FF 63
Outdoor FF 205
RC Aerobatics 115
RC Combat 30
RC Helicopter 37
RC Pylon Racing 81
RC Scale Aerobatics 65
CL Scale 17
RC Scale (Fixed Wing) 45
RC Soaring 129
Total 1,025
Johnson City, Tennessee, at the East
Tennessee State University Mini-Dome. And
holding an RC Slope Soaring event on the
open plains of Indiana isn’t exactly an
attractive idea.
Exceptions are made as to what events
are run, but the clear goal is to promote
excellence in the hobby. New events are
added to the Nats schedule when enough
interest and support are generated.
Opportunity is a side effect of vying for a
national title. Many participants see the Nats
as a chance to be recognized, and they can
make their mark on a number of levels. The
recognition of their peers is a great reward,
but sometimes a person can catch a lucky
break and be “discovered” as a new talent,
the benefits of which vary greatly, but the
prospect is exciting.
The most gratifying, and most often
accomplished, aspect of the Nats is the
opportunity to have a lot of fun while in the
pursuit of what can be learned about this
treasured pastime. But the really cool part is
that modelers put their best foot forward at
11sig1.QXD 9/25/06 11:27 AM Page 262006 Nats Volunteer Personnel
Management:
Event Directors:
Name Event SIG
Mike Condon RC Pylon Racing Canadian American Pylon Society
Craig Bradley RC Helicopter International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association
Mark Jorgensen RC Aerobatics International Miniature Aerobatic Club
Warren Tiahrt CL Precision Aerobatics (Stunt) Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association
Barry Tippett CL Speed North American Speed Society
Tim Smith CL Racing National Control Line Racing Association
Bill Calkins CL Carrier Navy Carrier Society
Roy Glenn CL Combat Miniature Aircraft Combat Association
Dave Guerin RC Aerobatics (Pattern) National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics
Marc Gellart RC Soaring League of Silent Flight
Ric Vaughn RC Electric National Electric Aircraft Council
Jim Juhl FF National Free Flight Society
Jim Rediske RC Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Rick Fraley RC Combat Radio Control Combat Association
Chuck Snyder CL Scale National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Thanks to the 2006 Nats management staff and event directors. Their hard work and dedication make the contest a success. MA
—Michael Ramsey
Name Title
Ron Morgan Nationals Director/Manager
Al Williamson RC Category Manager
Wayne Yeager RC Category Director
Brenda Schuette CL Manager
Phil Sullivan FF Manager
Name Title
Joe Vislay Assistant RC Director
Amy Wilson AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Randa Coats AMA Staff Nats Coordinator
Yolanda Jonesthe Nats, and they do it for many reasons—
some of which are more humble than others.
Imagine the Oscars, with the celebrities
and the screaming fans. The heroes and
talented individuals who attend the Nats
create an aura that breeds excitement. What
happens at a Nats competition is the stuff
legends are made of, and anyone who is
privileged with the experience can’t help but
feel like part of something that is truly
special.
Many pilots in the popular events make
good on their promises to their sponsors, but
there are also those who use the Nats to
maintain friendships and continue their
pursuit of becoming better modelers. Most
times these people are one and the same—a
point that strongly illustrates the personality
and character of those who are attracted to
this hobby.
I’ve never witnessed more moments of
pride than at the Nats. Sportsmanship flows
freely, which is an example of why
aeromodeling has so many time-honored
traditions.
Sportsmen are those who have an
obvious affection for what they want to do
well; in this case it’s anything having to do
with model airplanes. They have an attitude
that encourages others to envy them and
challenge their aptitude in a friendly
manner.
When friends get together to play, a
good time usually prevails. Traditions
unfold into events that are organized with
the same passion so the future of those
events can be secured for generations.
Bringing the Nats together takes an
enormous amount of effort. If you’ve ever
been to any kind of flying event, or a
simple backyard barbecue for that matter,
multiply that amount of planning,
preparation, and affection by 100. If you
can imagine that level of commitment, you
might realize, in a small way, how really
big the AMA Nats is, and perhaps how
much it means to so many people.
Planning for the Nats actually starts in
October of the year prior. Volunteers led
by Ron Morgan, Wayne Yeager, and Bob
Brown (just to name a few) take time out
of their busy schedules to meet with SIG
volunteer representatives. These SIG
personnel take the opportunity to
challenge themselves with the prospect of
running one of the more than 15 RC, CL,
or FF events hosted at the 1,000-plus-acre
AMA National Flying Site in Muncie,
Indiana.
The AMA facility is basically at the
disposal of the individual SIGs so they can
run their own contests. After all, each of
these groups has the responsibility of
keeping up with the times, so they’re the
experts when it comes to running an event
that best emulates the current status of that
particular part of the hobby.
The Nats is where many competitors
come to make a statement. Winning here
means having bested top modelers and
pilots from across the US. An enticing
aspect of making it at the Nats is that it’s
an open event, meaning that anyone can
compete.
Let’s say you’re new to the hobby and
you’ve got some skill. It’s not who you
know; it’s what you know and that you
make the effort to go—as in to the Nats.
Great stories come out of the Nats about this
very phenomenon—about nobodies
becoming somebodies in the blink of an eye.
To ask one author to spill out in one article
all that happened during a 38-day contest is
ludicrous and degrades the meaning of
everything the event honors. However, I will
share some stories that represent what this
year’s Nats experience was for me.
My goal at this year’s Nats was to meet as
many people as possible to gain as much
information as I could about the contest
happenings. Lucky for me, the AMA
Publications Department had an ace in the
hole called NatsNews.
The Nats is a huge event, and it justifies a
worthy report from those who know the
interests. NatsNews Chief Editor Liz Helms
and I led a team of skilled reporters to bring
everyone—not just AMA members—news
from the Nats on a daily basis.
Posted online (at www.modelair
craft.org/events/natsnews.asp) and printed
for the people on-site, almost 300 pages
and more than 800 photos streamed with
stories to bring the reader deep into the
events. In addition, there were extra tidbits
of information that reminded us that we’re
out there to have a good time.
30 MODELThe NatsNews is fun to read, with a lot
of good inside information. If you missed
the event, be sure to catch up with those
newsletters. You’ll get a good idea of what
equipment the winners were using to make
it to the podium. Study them carefully and
you’ll see what might be needed to be the
next contender. When you come to the
Nats, count on being noticed worldwide.
As I mentioned, an event such as the
Nats has many stories—countless is more
like it—both large and small. However, a
couple affected me in ways that were
favorable and encouraged greater
participation among those involved. They
were inspirational experiences that would
be shared to charge others with the mission
of coming to Muncie next year to perhaps
build their own benchmarks.
Much of what is inspirational about
modeling comes from the living history of
full-scale aircraft. Dreams of flight are the
primary reasons why aviation enthusiasts
turn to modeling, because it’s a practical
and much safer outlet.
Leo Loudenslager was one of those fullscale
aviators who carried out his
aspirations methodically and triumphantly.
He took his Laser 200 aircraft to the limits
of its capability and set the standards for
air-show performances and safety along the
way.
Leo’s pursuits led him to create a
radical new aerobatic aircraft that was duly
named for its unique appearance. However,
he died before his commissioned aircraft
was able to be flown.
Baron Johnson is an aspiring
aeronautical engineer who is involved in
full-scale aircraft and RC models. With the
aid of his father Fred Johnson, Baron
sought to find out whether or not Leo’s
ideas could finally be realized. Baron
studied the Shark, as Leo’s aircraft came to
be known, to complete his research and
build an RC model of the Zivko
Aeronautics-built aircraft.
The biggest tell about the Shark model
is the tail section that includes an upper and
lower fin that pivot together at a root point.
The lower fin is retractable, as on the fullscale
version, to provide ground clearance.
(JR/Horizon Hobby made a servo
especially for the application.)
Numerous other points about the model,
such as the airfoils, fuselage side area, and
wing placement, were carefully calculated
to promote a harmonious relationship.
Baron produced countless amounts of data
concerning the expectations of the fullscale
aircraft and how he needed an IMAC
(International Miniature Aerobatic Club)
model to perform.
Wanting to use the popular DA-150
engine, Baron scaled the model at exactly
38.8%. His Loudenslager Shark mimics all
the innovations of the full-scale airplane
except the full-flying stabilizer (but he’s
planning on having that function on a
future model).
Did it work? The model was flight
tested approximately a month before the
Nats, finally recording into history the first
flight of a Loudenslager Shark. Even at the
Nats Baron flew the model cautiously. He
says it will do 3-D, but since his primary
goal was to compete in the RC Scale
Aerobatics Unlimited class, sequence
flying had been its only repertoire.
The Shark’s success allowed Baron to
qualify for the finals. However, Fred took
ill the evening before the final rounds, so
Baron reverentially bowed out of the
competition to see his father safely home.
(Fred is recovering very well.)
Baron’s scores from the preliminaries
were strong enough to keep him well away
from last place; he came in eighth out of
the 12 finalists. That has to say something,
doesn’t it?
Bene Rodriguez of Brazil has made it a
point to attend the Nats CL Precision
Aerobatics (Stunt) competition for years
and place high in the standings. He has a
thing for Mustangs and has modified Al
Rabe’s famous P-51 to suit himself.
As I understand it, Bene’s close friend
Thomas Case used his own finances to
arrange for Bene and 28 of his friends to
attend the Nats. That’s 28 pilots in addition
to all the support personnel (family and
helpers). Dubbed the “Brazilian Invasion,”
it was more like a celebration with a P-51
theme. All the aircraft used were the same
Rodriguez-modified Mustangs, for which
he supplied kits.
You might think this was some kind of
stunt (pun intended) to flood the scoreboard
in their favor; however, the gesture was
nothing of the sort. Not that there weren’t
any “ringers” in the group, but overall these
people were a fine cross-section of
modelers from beginner to expert.
The Brazilian group exemplified the
meaning of sportsmanship. Each pilot
proudly flew his Mustang to some level of
stature, much to the delight of his
benefactor. In addition, Thomas Case Jr.
placed second in Junior CL Stunt.
The AMA Nats was only the beginning
of this group’s tour; its next stop was
Spain, where it was going to support its
team at the CL World Championships.
It’s great to see hard work pay off with a
win at the Nats. Any initiative to recognize
achievement is rewarding not only for the
talent, but for the aeromodeling community
in general.
A special promotion to recognize
worthy individuals was led by NSRCA
(National Society of Radio Control
Aerobatics) Treasurer Rusty Dose and was
called the Concours d’Elegance. This was
basically a beauty contest in which RC
Aerobatics (Pattern) participants were
asked to judge the models and sight on the
numerous points regarding craftsmanship
and quality of the aircraft.
The event concluded with two winners:
Sean McMurtry and Mike Hester. Their
aircraft clearly emulated everything Patterncompetitors are known to do extremely well.
From the construction, to the application of
the paint, to the choice of hardware, Sean’s
Astral XX and Mike’s Black Magic were
perfect examples of form and function.
The reminder here is that craftsmanship is
still a huge part of the hobby. As the CL Stunt
community has done for years with static
points as a regular part of competition, it is
hoped that this new program will inspire
future craftsmen to step up.
The FF portion of the Nats is the biggest,
with the largest number of registered
contestants. The Outdoor portion alone had
more than 200 pilots, and all of them
competed in multiple events. Roughly 1,000
aircraft were flown during the five-day
competition.
The FFers arrive with trailers and
recreational vehicles—everything a modeler
would need to set a duration record and then
race cross-country to retrieve the beloved
aircraft floating downwind.
FF attracts the most diverse age range of
contestants, with seasoned masters strutting
their stuff while mentoring neophytes who are
soon nipping at their teachers’ heels. And in
some cases the new fliers win out. It’s the
nature of competition and, lucky for
aeromodeling, a phenomena that hasn’t
quenched the sportsmanship.
Even though the interest of FF is thickly
coated with tradition, there’s still room for
innovation to peek around the corner from
time to time. This year Bruce Kimball barked
at tradition and made many scratch their
heads as they bent their necks skyward in
amazement. In the highly contested Hand-
Launched Glider event, in which physical
agility is as much a part of winning as
modeling skill, Bruce introduced the discuslaunch
method.
RC Soaring gave up the overhand toss
long ago for this spin-and-fling launch
technique. Some design changes were made
to Bruce’s model to accommodate the
different stresses involved in the discus
launch, but there seemed to be almost no
detriment to flight performance.
The future of the sport is certainly
changed forever. The performance of the
launch technique dramatically put Bruce’s
flight times far past any other, soundly
putting any chance for sudden-death flyoffs
to bed.
The 2006 Nats produced many memories,
any one of which will hopefully have
sparked the participants’ positive outlook on
the hobby/sport of aeromodeling. What I
enjoyed experiencing was the springboard
effect that this type of event promotes.
The AMA Nats is for all to share in the
aviation passion. The competition attracts
the sportsman and the professional who
come to the event hoping to excel and reap
the rewards, not just in the form of a trophy,
but also in the successes that might occur on
the sidelines. It was gratifying to see that the
people who made the sacrifice and put in the
hard work were rewarded with a place in
AMA history.
I encourage anyone who is looking to
debut any new program or idea about the
hobby to use the Nats as the avenue toward
launching themselves into the mainstream
of the hobby.
In a location where CL, FF, and RC
contests are happening at the same time, I
find it hard to choose where I want to hang
out. I feel fortunate to have experienced the
Nats for a second year and find myself
anxiously waiting for the third MA
Michael Ramsey