INtheAIRLATE-BREAKING NEWS FROM THE ACADEMY
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, providing 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.-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 at (765) 287-1256,
extension 224, or [email protected]; Amy Wilson at
extension 252 or [email protected]; or Randa Coats at
extension 293 or [email protected]. MA
May 2006 9
Frequently Asked Questions About the
National Aeromodeling Championships (Nats)
• Two RC, one CL, and one FF
construction articles are featured. The RC
Zephyr designed by R.C. Owens is an
ultralight glider that is suitable for handlaunching,
Slope Soaring, or mini histarting.
The RC T-3 Trainer, constructed
mostly from foam board, is a traditional
high-wing trainer for a .19- to .40-size
engine by Ray Hawkinson.
The Derringer is a low-wing, twin 1/2A
CL model that is ideal for a first venture
into multiple engines. The FF Sir Rodney
glider takes advantage of the FAI’s
minimum weight requirement of 7.76
ounces for Towline Gliders. Designed by
Jim O’Reilly, it can be straight-towed or
fitted for circle-towing.
• Vern Weaver teaches us how to make
custom lettering from iron-on coverings.
Bill Winter presents information about the
continuing development of RC-powered
parafoil vehicles in his monthly column
“Just for the Fun of It.”
• New products include the Eaglet 50 kit
Twenty-Five Years Ago in MA:
May 1981
INtheAIR
from Carl Goldberg Models for $34.95,
Horizon Models’ foam-wing Quasar ARF
from Hobby Lobby International, and the
Hummer 1/2A racer, available as a kit by
Sig Manufacturing for $19.95. MA
—Rich LaGrange
AMA Librarian
10 MODEL AVIATION
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.modelair
craft.org/events or contact Yolanda Jones
at yolandaj@modelaircraft to request an
entry form. MA
—Nats staff
AMA Convention 2006
Survey Drawing Winners
Congratulations to Charles Threewit,
Steve Brause, Bruce Snider, Michael
Harrington, Robert Lilly, and Robert Blum!
These members took the time to fill 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
beautiful 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! MA
—Jay Mealy
Programs Director
“Come Fly with Us”
Sweepstakes Winners
Ray Crittenden (Bloomington IN) is the
prize-package winner for the month of
January and Larry Duffell (Ramer AL) is the
winner for the month of February! Each has
received more than $200 worth of AMA
merchandise!
Both are is 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!
You could win too! All you need to do is
join AMA or renew your membership by
March 31, 2006, and you will be
automatically entered to win monthly
drawings and the grand prize.
For more information about this contest
visit www.modelaircraft.org/flywithus.asp.
MA
—Tom Schwyn
Marketing Director
New AMA Dental/Vision Coverage
AMA’s new partnership for dental and
vision coverage with one of the leaders in the
industry—Ameritas—is now available to our
members.
Visit www.modelaircraft.org or
www.gisconline.com/ama/ to find a link to
enroll now! You can also print out an
enrollment form. If you do not have Internet
access and would like to enroll, call (765)
287-1256, extension 274, and we will send
the information to you. This insurance is
available to all AMA members who qualify.
MA
—Tom Schwyn
Marketing Director
Calling All Skilled Pilots!
AMA is hosting a major youth event
called Mission Radio Control. It is a Boy
Scout and Cub Scout Camporee that will take
place October 13-15.
A program for the weekend will be a
buddy-box training session for the Boy
Scouts, and AMA needs as many as 25 skilled
pilots to help. Electric-powered, high-wing
trainers will be flown, and pilots will need to
be accomplished fliers.
Volunteers will be needed October 14
only, from roughly 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. or 5
p.m. Each pilot will receive a free event shirt
and a free lunch. All airplanes and equipment
will be supplied.
If you or anyone in your club would be
interested in volunteering, call (765) 287-
1256, extension 274, or E-mail your name and
AMA number to [email protected].
Thank you, and we appreciate any support
we can get! MA
—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. It will be held Saturday, January
13, 2007.
The annual meeting is an opportunity for
members to express their viewpoints and
concerns to AMA officials and learn more
about what their national organization is
doing about a variety of issues. MA
—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), and
Steven C Breckenridge (Yates City IL).
For information about becoming a Life
Member, contact AMA Headquarters at (800)
435-9262. MA
—Membership Department
05sig1.QXD 3/27/06 2:25 PM Page 10
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/05
Page Numbers: 9,10
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/05
Page Numbers: 9,10
INtheAIRLATE-BREAKING NEWS FROM THE ACADEMY
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, providing 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.-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 at (765) 287-1256,
extension 224, or [email protected]; Amy Wilson at
extension 252 or [email protected]; or Randa Coats at
extension 293 or [email protected]. MA
May 2006 9
Frequently Asked Questions About the
National Aeromodeling Championships (Nats)
• Two RC, one CL, and one FF
construction articles are featured. The RC
Zephyr designed by R.C. Owens is an
ultralight glider that is suitable for handlaunching,
Slope Soaring, or mini histarting.
The RC T-3 Trainer, constructed
mostly from foam board, is a traditional
high-wing trainer for a .19- to .40-size
engine by Ray Hawkinson.
The Derringer is a low-wing, twin 1/2A
CL model that is ideal for a first venture
into multiple engines. The FF Sir Rodney
glider takes advantage of the FAI’s
minimum weight requirement of 7.76
ounces for Towline Gliders. Designed by
Jim O’Reilly, it can be straight-towed or
fitted for circle-towing.
• Vern Weaver teaches us how to make
custom lettering from iron-on coverings.
Bill Winter presents information about the
continuing development of RC-powered
parafoil vehicles in his monthly column
“Just for the Fun of It.”
• New products include the Eaglet 50 kit
Twenty-Five Years Ago in MA:
May 1981
INtheAIR
from Carl Goldberg Models for $34.95,
Horizon Models’ foam-wing Quasar ARF
from Hobby Lobby International, and the
Hummer 1/2A racer, available as a kit by
Sig Manufacturing for $19.95. MA
—Rich LaGrange
AMA Librarian
10 MODEL AVIATION
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.modelair
craft.org/events or contact Yolanda Jones
at yolandaj@modelaircraft to request an
entry form. MA
—Nats staff
AMA Convention 2006
Survey Drawing Winners
Congratulations to Charles Threewit,
Steve Brause, Bruce Snider, Michael
Harrington, Robert Lilly, and Robert Blum!
These members took the time to fill 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
beautiful 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! MA
—Jay Mealy
Programs Director
“Come Fly with Us”
Sweepstakes Winners
Ray Crittenden (Bloomington IN) is the
prize-package winner for the month of
January and Larry Duffell (Ramer AL) is the
winner for the month of February! Each has
received more than $200 worth of AMA
merchandise!
Both are is 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!
You could win too! All you need to do is
join AMA or renew your membership by
March 31, 2006, and you will be
automatically entered to win monthly
drawings and the grand prize.
For more information about this contest
visit www.modelaircraft.org/flywithus.asp.
MA
—Tom Schwyn
Marketing Director
New AMA Dental/Vision Coverage
AMA’s new partnership for dental and
vision coverage with one of the leaders in the
industry—Ameritas—is now available to our
members.
Visit www.modelaircraft.org or
www.gisconline.com/ama/ to find a link to
enroll now! You can also print out an
enrollment form. If you do not have Internet
access and would like to enroll, call (765)
287-1256, extension 274, and we will send
the information to you. This insurance is
available to all AMA members who qualify.
MA
—Tom Schwyn
Marketing Director
Calling All Skilled Pilots!
AMA is hosting a major youth event
called Mission Radio Control. It is a Boy
Scout and Cub Scout Camporee that will take
place October 13-15.
A program for the weekend will be a
buddy-box training session for the Boy
Scouts, and AMA needs as many as 25 skilled
pilots to help. Electric-powered, high-wing
trainers will be flown, and pilots will need to
be accomplished fliers.
Volunteers will be needed October 14
only, from roughly 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. or 5
p.m. Each pilot will receive a free event shirt
and a free lunch. All airplanes and equipment
will be supplied.
If you or anyone in your club would be
interested in volunteering, call (765) 287-
1256, extension 274, or E-mail your name and
AMA number to [email protected].
Thank you, and we appreciate any support
we can get! MA
—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. It will be held Saturday, January
13, 2007.
The annual meeting is an opportunity for
members to express their viewpoints and
concerns to AMA officials and learn more
about what their national organization is
doing about a variety of issues. MA
—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), and
Steven C Breckenridge (Yates City IL).
For information about becoming a Life
Member, contact AMA Headquarters at (800)
435-9262. MA
—Membership Department
05sig1.QXD 3/27/06 2:25 PM Page 10