Letter To all AMA members: 2003/12

192 MODEL AVIATION
To all AMA members:
This year’s Nationals was not only challenging for the officials and contestants, but for
the AMA employees. As you’ve probably gathered, the weather did not want to cooperate
at all; it was the worst I think I have ever seen at a Nationals. But when it was all over, the
staff and volunteers handled the situation very well. All of the comments I received from
the contestants were positive.
I would like to personally thank all volunteers, Special Interest Groups, the AMA staff,
the contestants, and the supporters who helped make the 2003 Nationals a memorable
event.
The International Aeromodeling Center hosted more than 1,150 contestants and
mechanics this year. Elsewhere in this issue you will find comprehensive coverage of all
events that comprised the 2003 Nationals. I encourage everyone to take a close look at
this issue of Model Aviation, even if you are not a competitor. There’s simply no other
experience quite like it.
This is the ninth consecutive year that AMA’s premier Muncie facility has been
transformed into the home of the Nationals. Even though the number of entrants was
down slightly, it was still considered successful.
Without question, the logistics behind running a contest such as the Nationals require hard
work, commitment, and enthusiasm. This year was an even bigger challenge with the poor
weather conditions. All groups involved pulled together to make this an event to
remember.
2004 will be another exciting year, with not only the Nationals held at the International
Aeromodeling Center, but the Control Line World Championships is scheduled to be
contested at the site too. If you haven’t had a chance to participate in the Nationals but
have thought about it, I suggest that you make it a point for 2004.
Again, a special thanks for putting in the long hours and putting up with our weather this
year. I hope to see you next year! Look for the 2004 Nationals and Control Line World
Championships dates and information in upcoming issues of Model Aviation. Also check
out our Web site at www.modelaircraft.org.
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager
Executive Director