Introduction
THIS EDITION of the National Aeromodeling Championships was the 76th time modelers from across the United States and around the globe gathered to participate in the world's largest aeromodeling event.
I was worried that the Nationals would be adversely affected in the wake of the terrible tragedies that took place last September 11. I was sure many people would not travel and that funds would probably be just a bit too tight. I was positive that we would see none of our friends from other nations participate; I was even worried that some of our officials would not be able to, or would not care to, make the trip. I was wrong!
They did come—all 1,215 participants and 167 volunteers. They flew in one event or another for the better part of 36 days, they set records in events, they practiced at sunup, and they flew until dark. They used 30,000 pounds of ice, they drank who knows how much water, and they filled the equivalent of three hotels almost every day.
They burned thousands of gallons of model fuel, they flew with control lines, they flew in a huge indoor football stadium, they flew free, and they flew under radio guidance. They exchanged stories, ideas, and friendships. They flew in the Nationals!
Please enjoy this special Nationals issue!
Steve Kaluf
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
