AMA Nats 1983: RC Helicopters

THIS REPORT is going to be given from a Nats Event Director's point of view. About two years ago, the Monmouth Model Airplane Club and I volunteered to run the RC Helicopter event at the first AMA Nationals to be held on the east coast in 13 years. This offer was based on the assumption that the 1982 Nats would be held at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station. When, in 1982, it was announced that the 1983 Nats would be held at Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts, we were a little reluctant to volunteer. At the start of 1983, I spoke with AMA HQ to determine if the FAI competition category could be added to the Nats. They informed me that it could only be offered as an unofficial event because it was too late to include it on the Nats entry form. After I told them that it was acceptable to me, they asked if I would be willing to run it. Well, I couldn't very well refuse the task, since it was my suggestion in the first place! At first, I volunteered to run only the FAI event, but upon reflection, I decided to run all five RC Helicopter events at the Nats.

RC Helicopter World Championships

TO PROVIDE A COMPLETE account of this first World Championships, it is necessary to give some of the background leading up to the event. The FAIRC Helicopter (F3C) Subcommittee and its chairman, Francis DeProft of Belgium, first proposed a World Championships in 1982. Before a WC could take place, however, it was necessary to prove to the FAI CIAM that this branch of aeromodeling had reached a state of maturity that justified the World Championships status. The requirements are quite demanding: a given class must prove that the regulations have not changed dramatically over several years, indicating stability. In addition, a minimum of three international contests, with at least five countries participating, must have taken place.

Helicopter World Champs

IT WAS ALMOST the week that wasn't. The thrill of watching the U.S.A.'s Curtis Youngblood become the second FAI F3C Helicopter World Champion-a thrill shared by all the Americans attending the event-almost never happened. Just one year earlier, plans for the 1987 World Championships had been in jeopardy; and it was uncertain whether the event, scheduled for every other year, would take place in 1987, after all. But with luck and determination, it did-and those fortunate enough to be at the Berne/Belp Airport in Switzerland the week of June 29-July 4, 1987 had the satisfaction of seeing Youngblood capture first place.