An update for today; this morning I looked at where we are on entries for Official events. ( I have no idea what will happen with Unofficial events)
In open we have 13 entries. Sadly we have lost one of those with the passing of Jerry Haupt. One of the others who entered early has told me he would be doubtful to come with the virus still an issue. That leaves 11 for now. Advanced entries also have 11 for now and we have two Juniors. I think we may get at least one Senior. I haven't done it yet but I will try putting these numbers into the Nats computer program and see what results it gives for the semi finals and Top? Maybe 2-3? We do have a few more days for entries so we will watch that. We still need to get the Event Director for Classic/N-30/and Old Time. That may fall to me as well. I need to contact the other EDs and see where they are.
Finally I received an email today from our Head Judge Mark Overmier and he wished to share with others:
NATS Thoughts
As we are less than two months away from the Nats I thought I would share my thoughts. I really hope we can pull this off but seems more doubtful with each passing day. I think the next month will show if the United States can open up and we can still be relatively safe. I have my doubts.
I go to the Nats not to compete, but for conversation, interaction with other people, and to eat at some fine local restaurants, like the 12th Street Cafe, Cammack Station, and the Chocolate Moose. Take those away and it won't be much fun. I spend a week with friends talking about model airplanes. It is like a reunion as some people I only see at the Nats once a year.
Do I want to go to the Nats, hunker down in my hotel room until it is time to judge, go judge, stay 6 feet away from everyone and go back to hunker down in my room until the next day? No.
We may be able to keep social distancing in effect at the flying field but what about for our pilot's meeting and the appearance judging ? How will we keep social distancing in the pavilion? For the recorders in the trailer? The tents along the fencing are usually packed with people sharing conversation and trying to take a break from the sun.
For the judges:
Our training sessions in the morning will be VERY difficult if we stay six feet apart during the practice flights. Then when we gather to discuss the flight, we need to gather in close just to be able to hear each other.
During actual judging again it would be difficult to stay six feet apart. We all try to be in the right spot to judge. We sometimes run into each other moving around the circle, not watching where we are going as we are focused on the airplane on the circle. Would pilots be okay with judges spaced six feet apart, sitting in chairs and not moving except between flights?
It is hot in Muncie during NATS week in July. Sometimes stifling hot! I think it will be very uncomfortable to be wearing masks while we are sweating out in the hot sunshine.
If we do get sick, do we want to be stuck at a hospital in Muncie, away from friends , relatives and our own doctor?
These are just some thoughts about why we may need to cancel this year. Feel free to share, discuss, or refute!
Mark Overmier