Introduction
The 2001 National Aeromodeling Championships (Nats) is in the record books.
I was asked to write a short introduction to the Nats issue from the perspective of the AMA administrative side and as the co-Contest Director for the event.
The Nats has gone through quite an evolution, from being a traveling show to being held at AMA's International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana.
The Nats has also gone from being a cash drain on AMA (however worthwhile) to at least breaking even.
The contest continues to use a significant number of volunteers; this year alone saw more than 150.
However, now the various AMA Special Interest Groups have stepped up to take on the responsibility of the day-to-day operation. They supply the expertise and, in most cases, the manpower to operate the individual events.
AMA Headquarters assures that the facilities and equipment are appropriate for the event and in place, and it handles all of the administrative tasks, such as entries, money, name tags, site maintenance, etc.
The Nats is the largest (and probably the longest) aeromodeling event held in the world, and this year marked its 75th anniversary! That is quite an accomplishment!
Some would prefer it if the Nats still traveled to different locations across the country. However, since we began holding the events at the International Aeromodeling Center, the attendance has increased each year and the facilities continue to improve, providing the competitive aeromodeler with the best possible flying areas.
So, to all of the volunteers, Special Interest Groups, AMA HQ staff, and especially the competitive aeromodelers who make the annual pilgrimage to the Nats, thank you!
Let's hope that 75 years from now, someone else will be writing a similar article marveling at the fact that the Nats has been in operation for 150 years!
— Steve Kaluf AMA Technical Director
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
