Steve Kaluf
Nats 2003
Overview
The 2003 National Aeromodeling Championships, also known as the Nats, are in the history books. When you look back at the Nats, you think about what each one will be remembered for. For those who participated in the first week this year, it will likely be remembered for severe flooding and personal tragedy.
Flooding and weather
The evening of July 4 brought approximately four inches of rain. Sometime after midnight on July 5, we received more than three inches more. Several areas of the International Aeromodeling Center were wet and under water.
Impact on events
- The Control Line (CL) Combat site is in the middle of a large grass field. Because the rain came so fast and violently the night before, the ground had not had time to drain by the morning of July 5. Initially the Combat participants were able to drive onto the field with few problems, but shortly after arrival the ground became waterlogged and about 35 vehicles got stuck. Combat continued, enduring extremely muddy conditions for the Team Selection event for next year’s CL World Championships.
- Radio Control (RC) Helicopter faced a flooded road that limited access to the site, and the grass runway used by the helicopters was soggy. Rubber mats had to be brought in for pilots to stand on and for helicopters to land on. I recall lifting off once and watching the water slowly drain from my helicopter’s skids.
Rescue and maintenance efforts
The AMA maintenance crew worked all day using the only vehicle that would move in the mess (a John Deere ProGator) to extract stuck vehicles. A search of the AMA grounds found only one other site not in use by other events; this area proved high enough and Combat finished the Team Selection and all Nats categories on time.
The accompanying picture told it all: looking east along the road to the RC Helicopter site, AMA Maintenance Supervisor Dewayne Baird (on the left), my son Andrew, and I were in a canoe in two feet of water over the middle of the road.
Although the flooding presented major challenges, the Nats went on with few delays—a real testament to the competitors, volunteers, and staff. A profound thank you to all.
Medical incidents and response
We also witnessed tragedy at the Nats. On July 9, CL Racing contestant Jerry Meyer collapsed and was taken to the hospital. He died early the next morning; it is my understanding that his death was caused by a pre-existing condition. Our sincere condolences go out to Mr. Meyer’s family and friends.
The following day another CL competitor became ill and was rushed to the hospital. He later underwent surgery and, from what I understand, has recovered and is doing well.
One thing about the Nats that is often overlooked is that we have a full-time emergency medical technician on-site during all flying hours. Additionally, the local emergency medical service—Delaware County EMS—has a station on AMA property just outside the front gate. These two resources make response time to emergencies during the Nats extremely fast.
Safety improvements
The Academy has purchased three automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). AMA staff will be trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and the use of the AEDs. One AED will be with EMS personnel during all Nats events.
AMA HQ has a carefully drawn emergency response plan for on-site medical emergencies. These procedures were put in place a few years ago following a serious auto accident on the site caused by a driver’s medical condition. The measures allow EMS to respond quickly and provide directions for staff and volunteers to manage emergencies efficiently. Traffic control, radio procedures, and directing a responding ambulance are covered.
Event statistics
- Competitors: a little more than 1,100 people
- Mechanics: 77
- Volunteers: more than 161
Not one event was canceled or significantly delayed.
Conclusion
To the more than 1,300 people who were at this year’s National Aeromodeling Championships, congratulations. You made the 77th year one to remember.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
