Make sure your summer includes modeling fun
View From HQ
by Dave Mathewson, AMA Executive Director [email protected]
It is only a couple of short weeks before the 2013 Outdoor Nats begin at the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie, Indiana.
As much as it is a competition, it's also a time when old acquaintances are renewed and new friendships begin. At the Nats you'll find competitors who have participated for decades alongside those who will be here for the first time. It's an experience that many will tell you is an important part of their summer.
The Nats are conducted throughout a five-week period divided by modeling discipline. Depending on the number of entries, some events only last for a day or two and others for a week. Some form of aeromodeling takes place nearly every day during the five weeks.
Organizing the Nats and running the competitions is unique. Although AMA and the Nats Management Committee are responsible for the logistics, registration, site preparation, coordination, etc., the relevant AMA Special Interest Group (SIG) typically runs the actual competition. Both are integral in overseeing a successful Nats. Nearly all of the SIGs heavily rely on volunteer support to help fulfill their responsibilities. Countless people make the annual pilgrimage to Muncie simply to volunteer. Without these people, the Nats wouldn't be nearly as successful as it is.
In addition to the Outdoor Nats, there is an Indoor FF competition. For the last several years, the competition was held in a facility at East Tennessee State University. This year's contest will be held in August at the University of Illinois Armory in Champaign. Many of you are familiar with the facility because it is where the annual Hobbico/Great Planes E-Fest is held.
For many, the Nats is as much a fun event as a competition. Although it's certainly a national competition, it's also a place where modelers help each other and camaraderie is the order of the day. It's not unusual to see competitors help each other by critiquing flights or by lending a part or two to someone in need. I encourage you to visit the IAC during the Nats and watch some of the world-class competitions. Visit www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/natsschedule.aspx for a schedule of individual events.
If you can attend, make it a point to visit the AMA's National Model Aviation Museum. The museum is the largest of its kind in the world.
You'll also want to take a moment and stop in at the AMA administration building. We'll be happy to show you around and introduce you to members of the AMA staff who work so hard to make sure your model aviation experience is as good as it can be.
If you can't make it to the site, you can also subscribe to NatsNews, an electronic newsletter published daily during the event. To subscribe, visit the AMA website.
Give some thought to participating in a future Nats. If you're new to competition, I guarantee you that someone will be there to help you and it is fun.
As we enter the outdoor flying season, many of us will be attending one or more of the nearly 2,400 events AMA sanctions each year. Although many of the events are competition oriented, there are just as many organized fun-flys, fly-ins, or casual get-togethers.
The common denominator in each of these gatherings is that someone has stepped up to volunteer his or her time to direct the event. The contest director (CD) is generally supported by a number of other volunteers who freely give of their time to make sure the event you're attending is a good one and that you have an enjoyable experience.
Many of these events take place at a club field where the members have generously agreed to give up a weekend of flying so it can take place. In many cases, the only thing these CDs, volunteers, and clubs get in return is your thanks and appreciation.
At the end of an event, before you leave the site, stop by and say thank you. It's the least we can do for those who have given so much of their time so that we can have a weekend of fun.
See you next time.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
