Frequently Asked Questions About the National Aeromodeling Championships (Nats)
- Q: Do I have to try out to compete in the Nats?
A: No. The Nats is open to all AMA members, regardless of skill level.
- Q: Do I have to preregister?
A: Some events do require preregistration and have strict cutoff dates, but most do not. However, preregistration is strongly encouraged since a late fee applies to those who do not do so. Entry forms contain preregistration cutoff dates.
- Q: How do I get an entry form?
A: By logging on to www.modelaircraft.org/events/ or contacting any of the Nats representatives listed at the end.
- Q: Can I enter additional events when I arrive in Muncie?
A: Most events allow registration on-site. You will not be charged a late fee for adding events, provided you have preregistered. Each event’s entry form will contain this information.
- Q: Can I change the events I want to participate in after I have submitted my registration?
A: No. However, as mentioned, you can enter an additional event. Please be sure to review your entry form carefully to make sure you have marked the event(s) in which you want to compete.
- Q: How do I cancel my Nats registration?
A: Send AMA’s Events Department a notice in writing.
- Q: Are entry fees refundable if I am unable to make it to the event?
A: Entry fees are refundable up to the cutoff date noted on the entry form. After that date, entry fees may be partially refunded up to the time of the event. Penalties may apply if you withdraw from the Nats. Please refer to your specific entry form for details. Refund requests must be submitted in writing to the AMA Events Department; no refunds will be given based on telephone calls.
- Q: I received a confirmation from AMA showing the frequencies I requested, but the event director recently contacted me and told me I have to change frequencies. Why?
A: Certain events allow only a limited number of participants on a particular frequency. The information AMA entered is what you requested. At times it is necessary for the event director to request that you switch frequencies.
- Q: Can I reserve a primitive camping site or an RV electrical hookup?
A: No. Camping and RV hookups are handled on a strictly first come, first served basis.
- Q: What is the charge for a primitive camping site?
A: Primitive camping is free for 2006.
- Q: What is the charge for an RV electrical hookup site?
A: These are $10 per night for 2006.
- Q: How do I register for a primitive camping site or an RV hookup?
A: Before you set up camp, stop by the museum, the administration building, or Nats Headquarters and complete the camping registration form.
- Q: Are there special rates at local hotels for Nats participants?
A: Yes. In the initial mailing AMA will provide a list of all hotels in Muncie, referring to the ones with blocked rooms at a special rate. When booking a room at one of these hotels, you will need to mention that you are with the AMA Nats event to receive the special rate.
- Q: Where do I get my contestant's badge?
A: You will need to pick up your contestant packet at Nats Headquarters upon your arrival at the site; your badge will be in there.
- Q: What are Nats Headquarters hours/days of operation?
A: Nats Headquarters is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the event.
- Q: What are the procedures for filing a protest during the event?
A: A protest must be filed within one hour of the occurrence you are protesting. There is a $50 protest fee, which will be returned if the protest is approved. AMA will retain the fee if the protest is denied.
- Q: Is open flying permitted during the Nats?
A: Open flying is prohibited during official events but is permitted after the last event of the day has concluded.
- Q: What if I have additional questions regarding the Nats?
A: Visit www.modelaircraft.org/events/ or contact any of the following representatives:
- Yolanda Jones — (765) 287-1256, ext. 224; [email protected]
- Amy Wilson — ext. 252; [email protected]
- Randa Coats — ext. 293; [email protected]
In the Air - 2006/05
Participate in the Nationals!
Entry packets for the 2006 Nats have been sent to all 2005 Nats competitors. If you did not receive yours or want to participate in this year's Nats, go to www.modelaircraft.org/events or contact Yolanda Jones at [email protected] to request an entry form.
— Nats staff
AMA Convention 2006 Survey Drawing Winners
Congratulations to:
- Charles Threewit
- Steve Brause
- Bruce Snider
- Michael Harrington
- Robert Lilly
- Robert Blum
These members filled out a general AMA member survey, headed by District IX Vice President Mark Smith, at the AMA Convention in Ontario, California, in January. By doing so, they were entered in a drawing from which winners were drawn at random.
The prizes include tickets to a Los Angeles Clippers basketball game and three art prints. All prizes will be mailed shortly.
It pays to take the time to fill out a short survey! We hope you enjoy your prizes!
— Jay Mealy, Programs Director
"Come Fly with Us" Sweepstakes Winners
- January prize-package winner: Ray Crittenden (Bloomington, IN)
- February prize-package winner: Larry Duffell (Ramer, AL)
Each received more than $200 worth of AMA merchandise. Both are still eligible to win the Grand Prize: a Hangar 9 46% TOC biplane with a JR10X radio and a DA-150 engine—a $6,000 value.
To enter: join AMA or renew your membership by March 31, 2006, and you will be automatically entered for monthly drawings and the grand prize.
For more information, visit www.modelaircraft.org/flywithus.asp.
— Tom Schwyn, Marketing Director
New AMA Dental/Vision Coverage
AMA's new partnership for dental and vision coverage with Ameritas is now available to members.
Visit www.modelaircraft.org or www.gsicsonline.com/ama/ to enroll online or print an enrollment form. If you do not have Internet access and would like to enroll, call (765) 287-1256, ext. 274, and AMA will send the information to you. This insurance is available to all AMA members who qualify.
— Tom Schwyn, Marketing Director
Calling All Skilled Pilots!
AMA is hosting a youth event called Mission Radio Control, a Boy Scout and Cub Scout Camporee taking place October 13–15. A weekend program will include a buddy-box training session for the Boy Scouts, and AMA needs up to 25 skilled pilots to help. Electric-powered, high-wing trainers will be flown; pilots must be accomplished fliers.
Volunteers are needed October 14 only, roughly 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. Each pilot will receive a free event shirt and lunch. All airplanes and equipment will be supplied.
If interested, call (765) 287-1256, ext. 274, or e-mail your name and AMA number to [email protected].
— Tom Schwyn, Marketing Director
Meet With Your AMA Officials
AMA will hold its Annual Membership Meeting in conjunction with the Joe Nall Fly-In in Greenville, South Carolina, Thursday, May 18, 2006. The decision to hold the meeting at this event was made at the January 28, 2006, AMA Executive Council meeting.
If you live on the West Coast, plan now to attend the Annual Membership Meeting in 2007 at the AMA Convention in Ontario, California, to be held Saturday, January 13, 2007.
The annual meeting is an opportunity for members to express viewpoints and concerns to AMA officials and learn what the national organization is doing on various issues.
— AMA Headquarters
Welcome, AMA Life Members!
The Academy recently welcomed the following new Life Members:
- Clifford Wilbur (Brasstown, NC)
- Edward Soleau (Camden, AR)
- Timothy Saylor (North Liberty, IA)
- Thomas Wulf (Oak Park, CA)
- Steven C. Breckenridge (Yates City, IL)
For information about becoming a Life Member, contact AMA Headquarters at (800) 435-9262.
— Membership Department
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
