Author Topic: NATS REPORT (Read 9777 times)

RC Storick · « **on:** July 11, 2006, 07:36:20 PM »

Mark Huges was high score on circle 4 in advanced.

OPEN

I was 6th in the flight order on circle 4. The pilot of the flight before set his plane in front of mine the wind whipped up and picked the P51 up. I caught it just as it was about to hit me in the face. I took a pass and might not get a flight tomorrow. Only 1 round was flown today.

peabody · « **Reply #1 on:** July 11, 2006, 07:39:54 PM »

Too bad Robert....we've been watching the weather and I spoke with Rich Giacobone and he said the weather was brutal....

Randy Powell · « **Reply #2 on:** July 12, 2006, 09:33:05 AM »

These sorts of conditions are always tough. We see similar stuff at local contests in the early spring (though the heat and humidity tend to be lower) and late fall. You fly and the wind is just humming across the circle, rain coming down sideways, and just a lot of yuck. Then the next guy flies and hits a pocket where there is no wind for 2/3 of his flight then mild breeze. The next guy get a hurricaine.

Good luck Robert. Hope it clears for you tomorrow. I guess that would be today.

RC Storick · « **Reply #3 on:** July 12, 2006, 02:13:21 PM »

Once again I have not qualified! I passed all 3 rounds. Thats the bad news. The good news is I am going home with all my airplanes and enough stuff to start the next S6B.

Jim Pollock · « **Reply #4 on:** July 12, 2006, 02:28:26 PM »

Robert,

Definitely scratch all the rounds if conditions call for it!! In '04 I tried to fly with some pretty good winds on Thursday in circle 4. My plane got caught in a huge downdraft and caused me to hit th circle at the bottom of the hourglass. That knocked off half the prop and I had to bring the plane down onto the tarmack, it was rolling around on the ground with Paul Walker chasing it to try and kill the engine when another gust of wind finally fliped it over and killed the engine. I'm still working on getting it back into the air after that and the truck ride here from Virginia caused a crack in the aft fuselage and rudder.

Jim Pollock

peabody · « **Reply #5 on:** July 12, 2006, 03:03:17 PM »

Robert...that's really a shame...but you still have airplanes!
Good for you....

Randy Powell · « **Reply #6 on:** July 12, 2006, 03:05:23 PM »

Robert,

Sorry to hear the the conditions were that bad. Seems it's been one of those years. We manage to get great weather on the weekend before a contest and nastiness the weekend of.

Glad you are bringing home the planes intact, though.

peabody · « **Reply #7 on:** July 12, 2006, 03:40:38 PM »

I was fearing that it was me....that wind and rain hung over me whenever I CD'ed a contest...lol

I spoke with Rich G today and he said that it's just not that much fun.....

RC Storick · « **Reply #8 on:** July 12, 2006, 05:35:10 PM »

Airplanes lost today. Mike Schmitt, Marshal Busby, Linehart, and around 6 P51's

There was more I just can't remember the names. A sad thing to say the least!

wwwarbird · « **Reply #9 on:** July 12, 2006, 05:38:11 PM »

Sorry to hear about the weather and attrition in Muncie, really too bad for all the people who have paid for their 3+ dollar gas just to get there and back.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #10 on:** July 12, 2006, 06:01:59 PM »

Well, that's nasty. Any report on the results of today aside from the lost planes? Sounds horrific.

Steve Fitton · « **Reply #11 on:** July 12, 2006, 06:20:05 PM »

Poor Marshall, I hope that wasn't that Shrike he had at Charlotte. That was a very nice model.

Charlie Pate · « **Reply #12 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:02:21 PM »

Steve!
It was Marshall,s Shrike.
He had just really got it working
May be repairable.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #13 on:** July 13, 2006, 12:16:20 AM »

This is not the best time of year for Muncie. Seems that we go through this almost every year.

If the Nats has to be at the National flying site, we should look breaking with tradition and having it later in the year.. September or even early October, when the weather is much nicer, and with lower humidity too.

catdaddy · « **Reply #14 on:** July 13, 2006, 04:42:30 AM »

Quote from: Tom Niebuhr on July 13, 2006, 12:16:20 AM

This is not the best time of year for Muncie. Seems that we go through this almost every year.

If the Nats has to be at the National flying site, we should look breaking with tradition and having it later in the year.. September or even early October, when the weather is much nicer, and with lower humidity too.

Another GREAT common sense suggestion that will be totally ignored by the Old Guard.

peabody · « **Reply #15 on:** July 13, 2006, 05:08:39 AM »

Cat....
Methinks it's not the usual suspects that would poo poo the idea, but rather our AMA......they want to be able to devote their entire energies to the Nats and are all assembled in July.

catdaddy · « **Reply #16 on:** July 13, 2006, 09:51:31 AM »

Quote from: peabody on July 13, 2006, 05:08:39 AM

Cat....
Methinks it's not the usual suspects that would poo poo the idea, but rather our AMA......they want to be able to devote their entire energies to the Nats and are all assembled in July.

The AMA has their OLD Guard as well.

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #17 on:** July 13, 2006, 11:33:50 AM »

I think there are lots of good reasons for holding it in this time frame just as there are several for moving the time.
What seems to make more sense is to return to a moving location format like it used to be.
It wasn't the "Old Guard" that decided to move it permanently to Muncie It was (in my opinion) a few commercial interests within AMA. Centralizing everthing within the AMA saved a lot of money that could be spent on other things...

RC Storick · « **Reply #18 on:** July 13, 2006, 11:53:35 AM »

Like credit card offers and CD's. The AMA IMHO has out grown us. Big business!

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #19 on:** July 13, 2006, 12:17:30 PM »

Amen on the moving location idea. When it(AMA) was moving locations annually, there was a lot more exposure of the hobby/sport to the general public sparking growth, as well as helping the local economies. Imagine if the Olympics were staged in the same country/town every year........It does however seems like this concept will never be re-visited for model aviation..I say sell the farm!!

peabody · « **Reply #20 on:** July 13, 2006, 01:36:54 PM »

I have proposed that the CLPA Nats be held in different regions of the country in the year that the Team Trials is held in Muncie.....that would give the Academy a chance to utilize the site and patronize the CLPA Gods, and would probably make the Team Trials grow.....it's punishment to those that want to fly in the Nats and the TT to make two trips to Muncie in a single year....
I think that a Championship in the Northwest, Southeast, Southcentral, Northeast and Southwest would be a gas....and would certainly allow plenty of opportunity for people to sample the Nats without having to trudge to Muncie....that would be a ten year rotation....and probably would be a nifty thing....

Bill Little · « **Reply #21 on:** July 13, 2006, 02:55:42 PM »

I would be all in favor of having the NATS move again. At least a couple times in ten years it would be closer to everyone. (in their own region)

Bill <><

john e. holliday · « **Reply #22 on:** July 13, 2006, 03:37:01 PM »

To all concerned. If you would like to move the NATS around the country step in and find a decent flying site. You will also have to take into consideration motels, restaurants and other eminities. Also figure out how to get all the equipment moved to where you plan on having the NATS. Then contact all the SIGS and see how receptive to it they are. Circle requirements: Stunt - 4 for ADV and Open as well as the Juniors and Seniors. Need one for the Beginner and one for Intermediate. Will you have practice circles? Racing has two circles in a cage. One for practice and one for official flights. Speed same as racing in a cage. Combat has been getting by with two grass circles. Navy Carrier needs two circles, one with a deck and one for practice.

Melvin just read this and stated that it has been brought up to the AMA before. They would gladly like to have someone take over the control line portion of the NATS and move it. Then there will be no more control line at the NATS site ever. We would have to provide all the officials, equipment and whatever else is needed. Enough said. DOC Holliday

wwwarbird · « **Reply #23 on:** July 13, 2006, 03:57:55 PM »

They can, and should, keep it in Muncie for all the site requirements as mentioned above. I'd love too see it in my backyard too, but it's just not gonna happen. I'd be happy to just get the NATS issue of MA back, but I realize that's not likely either.

Bill Little · « **Reply #24 on:** July 13, 2006, 04:46:38 PM »

Quote from: jeholliday on July 13, 2006, 03:37:01 PM

To all concerned. If you would like to move the NATS around the country step in and find a decent flying site. You will also have to take into consideration motels, restaurants and other eminities. Also figure out how to get all the equipment moved to where you plan on having the NATS. Then contact all the SIGS and see how receptive to it they are. Circle requirements: Stunt - 4 for ADV and Open as well as the Juniors and Seniors. Need one for the Beginner and one for Intermediate. Will you have practice circles? Racing has two circles in a cage. One for practice and one for official flights. Speed same as racing in a cage. Combat has been getting by with two grass circles. Navy Carrier needs two circles, one with a deck and one for practice.

Melvin just read this and stated that it has been brought up to the AMA before. They would gladly like to have someone take over the control line portion of the NATS and move it. Then there will be no more control line at the NATS site ever. We would have to provide all the officials, equipment and whatever else is needed. Enough said. DOC Holliday

Slowly put the gun down, Doc.................. let's talk about this. I have never been of the school that says we should just be thankful for what we get. If what we're getting isn't right, I will say so. No, ain't enough said.

It was done in the past, after the NAVY got out.

I know it sounds tough, but it is doable, or it wouldn't have been done before 1996 for all the previous years!!!!!!! Wasn't the last NAVY NATS in '73? Yes 1996 was the first year for Muncie, and the last NATS I attended.

The AMA site is an awesome site, the time of year lately has provided horrendous weather (to put it mildly) and the three hotels/motels I stayed in were less than I expected.

Would I go back? SURE! I had planned on doing it before I tore up the ligaments in my knees in the middle June. Along with my 30 year old son.

Now I consider this........ a minimum of a 14 hour drive (and some have to go a LOT farther I know) at ~$3 a gallon, 7-8 nights of lodging and food, other expenses, and you have easily dropped over a grand on the trip. Then add entry fees (I didn't realize the AMA was that broke that the fees are as high as they are!) some stuff from the shop at the museum..................

The one flight on the first day................ rained out round 2!

Do you wonder why there is a growing lack of sympathy from the C/L crowd when the AMA seems to be doing all it can to discourage C/L with it's new WC team rules, etc., also put on top of it all??

I know we are supposed to keep "politics" off of this board and I am the Open Forum Moderator charged with deleting any and all by Mr. Storick........... BUT, there is something that the AMA and it's staunch supporters are just not getting. Or, maybe they are and WE'RE the ones not "getting it". Like the old song "she got the Gold Mine, I got the shaft"

Bill <><

jeffindayton · « **Reply #25 on:** July 13, 2006, 05:06:47 PM »

at least 9 planes hit the ground.......today July 13, 2006

Dick Fowler · « **Reply #26 on:** July 14, 2006, 06:26:54 AM »

Quote from: Robert Storick on July 13, 2006, 11:53:35 AM

Like credit card offers and CD's. The AMA IMHO has out grown us. Big business!

Very true, and last year they lost money... a substantial amount ! I wonder if there would be a substantial savings for the AMA membership if the AMA divested themselves of the "farm" and its associated costs to staff and maintain it and moved to smaller quarters. Take some of money and start a rotating NATS again.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #27 on:** July 14, 2006, 09:51:50 AM »

I would certainly love a moving location again. Moving to different regions each year would at least bring the Nats into reasonable driving distance every few years. As it is, a trip to the Nats, even on a shoestring, is a 2 to 3 thousand dollar proposition for those that live in the northwest. 2500+ miles each way to drive.

Chris McMillin · « **Reply #28 on:** July 14, 2006, 11:35:46 AM »

Quote from: jeholliday on July 13, 2006, 03:37:01 PM

To all concerned. If you would like to move the NATS around the country step in and find a decent flying site. You will also have to take into consideration motels, restaurants and other eminities. Also figure out how to get all the equipment moved to where you plan on having the NATS. Then contact all the SIGS and see how receptive to it they are. Circle requirements: Stunt - 4 for ADV and Open as well as the Juniors and Seniors. Need one for the Beginner and one for Intermediate. Will you have practice circles? Racing has two circles in a cage. One for practice and one for official flights. Speed same as racing in a cage. Combat has been getting by with two grass circles. Navy Carrier needs two circles, one with a deck and one for practice.

Melvin just read this and stated that it has been brought up to the AMA before. They would gladly like to have someone take over the control line portion of the NATS and move it. Then there will be no more control line at the NATS site ever. We would have to provide all the officials, equipment and whatever else is needed. Enough said. DOC Holliday

Why does the AMA say if we move it on the road we can't have C/L back in precious Muncie anymore?
Sounds like the club over the head to me, Doc. What gives?

Chris...

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #29 on:** July 14, 2006, 12:09:09 PM »

Yeah,
I'm curious about this too. Was this a threat by AMA or just an assumption that if we move CL around they would use the site for something else?

I have to agree with Bill. Though it seems like a formidable task it was accomplished for a lot of years. I believe there are potential sites and it could be done again. It might be possible to even consider Tucson as a potential site.

We currently host a contest for a total of about 300 people or more.
VSC...

I'm sure there are other untapped resources out there. How about Texas?? With all that "territory" and talent I'd bet a place could be found and prepared.

I have always felt severely "shorted" by the AMA, as a westerner. when they went off "half cocked" and decided that the NATS only exist east of the Mississippi River.

Really nice flying site in Muncie? Who cares! A lot of us will probably never get there...

I have noticed that some very important AMA people lived there before the decision was made to move everything there!!!!

Colusion? Probably not! But it also didn't benefit a lot of the membership very much.

Dick Fowler · « **Reply #30 on:** July 14, 2006, 12:43:59 PM »

Not all CL events need to be held together if the venue is rotated. CLPA can be held as a stand alone. After all, PAMPA is providing the lion's share of the grunt labor so why would the AMA really object.

peabody · « **Reply #31 on:** July 14, 2006, 12:48:34 PM »

I think that it might be fairly easily accomplished....as long as just STUNT is moved around.....speed and racing require safety fencing that has been improved since it was installed at local venues....and combat, with the inherent fly aways of fast and FAI is hardly welcome at Muncie, much less a local venue...

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #32 on:** July 14, 2006, 03:56:58 PM »

Whoa Ty,
Way back when...everyone did NOT want the NAT's to be centralized! In fact I don't remember being asked and I've been a member for over 40 years.
I know a lot of people who were opposed to it, but it never seemed to be much of an issue. It was simply decided and done!!!!
I remember some heated discussions about it from the CA representatives at the time.
Most of the discussions I remember at the time were simply about the financial side of the issue and it was presented as a "or else" situation.
At least that's the way I remember it, but admit that I was belligerent towards the decision then as now so may not know the "whole story".

Didn't like it then and don't like it now!!!

Kerry Ewart · « **Reply #33 on:** July 14, 2006, 04:01:14 PM »

Sounds like what happens out here in aussie too,For many years the nats started on 28 dec without fail then south aussie decieded to run it the week after the easter break and you get 2 nats in one year then a year break and every one started to complain.But you got to go to 2 contests in one weekVICTORIA champs then the nats.
The MAAA were going to try and establish a central site in victoria but that all fell in a big hole and was burried.
All ideas have for and againsts,if the nats are held in WA or Nt numbers are down and some events did not even run,but i think people do get tied of it in the same spot as well.
I think at the moment everthing efects the prices, our oil prices are being efected by the north keroens doing missile testing????Why.

I think it is healthy to have it in different areas so people and families can have a holiday and see other things,And that may effect the time of year it is held.
But there are also good points to have a well set up venue where you can see all the codes not just CL because i too have friends in RC and FF and if it is held in some areas you can drive a fair distance to see them.
Fai combat is always a pain even with 5 entries it can still take 1/2 a day to run.
I think the big thing is too have relevent goverment bodies on OUR side that will let us hold nats in different areas then we are 1/2 way there.

RC Storick · « **Reply #34 on:** July 14, 2006, 04:33:01 PM »

From time to time things need to be disscussed and this is one of them. I will allow it as long as it does not get out of hand!

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #35 on:** July 14, 2006, 05:10:20 PM »

Ty,
Yeah, going back to the 50-60's there was probably a lot of discussion about the different NAT's sites. There were likely a number of "notable" people that wanted a "centralized" location for the NATs. I even thought it sounded like a fair idea at one time. That's before it had been tried!

I just don't think Indiana is very "centralized". It's a lot closer to Pennsylvania than to California, or AZ, or for that matter Texas.

As for lower participation for West Coast NATs...I can't argue with that.
Seems like Western folks support eastern locations better than Eastern'ers support western locations. Hmmmm.

I do remember a NATs in MA that wasn't very well attended and caused a lot of discussion. Don't know what to say about that.

Personally I would be in favor of holding the thing in the winter. That would settle the discussion and force a site selection in my part of the country.
Yeah, I know, Ain't Likely!

September as you suggested might be better in Muncie...not sure about the weather there at that time of year. It sure rains and storms a lot there in July and August. That whole area is notorious for just that!

Robert,
Thanks for allowing this discussion. I agree that it should be discussed. But, like gentlemen.

Maybe it should have it's own "thread". Huh???

Larry Cunningham · « **Reply #36 on:** July 14, 2006, 07:24:27 PM »

The center of population is in Missouri, with only Illinois between
it and Indiana. Maybe that's what was in mind..

L.

"Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it." -David Starr Jordan

john e. holliday · « **Reply #37 on:** July 14, 2006, 07:36:06 PM »

I am sitting here in the motel talking with Brenda about this post. She just pointed out that this is the eleventh year in Muncie. Of those years only four has had anykind of bad weather. I missed the first couple of years because of work myself. In reality even the bad weather did not deter from the competition being completed in any event. Granted some may have been shorted, but, I have seen that done in local contests.

I have attended most of the nationals since 1970. Everywhere we went there were gripes and complaints. Glenview Nats hot and windy. Lincoln NATS in which we have had wind and almost froze one year. Chickopee complaints about the facilities. Same in Seguin, Texas as well as no places to eat. Lake Charles hot and inadiquate facilities. Remember the tar pits in racing. Virginia Beach, VA flying carrier in gravel pit and stunt on too small circles. Mid America NATS just south of here ore complaints about the site.

Now we have a permanent site in which I chatted with an individual this last weekend that volunteered to help with RC Helicoptor. He stated that this was his first NATS and thoroughly impressed with what the AMA has done for all the venues. He was watching the guys practicing stunt. Also seen some of the speed flying. He could not understand why anybody would not show their support for this.

I mentioned to Brenda, what if Mr. Poberenzy had not made Oskosh the permanent site for the big show he has for those that build their own airplanes. Would it have worked if he had moved it around the country? I am on the contest rules board and have a CD license. Have paid my full dues fee even tho I have been a volunteer, assistant event director and event director numerous times. Will still keep paying my dues and promoting control line. Later, DOC Holliday

Bill Little · « **Reply #38 on:** July 14, 2006, 08:08:13 PM »

Hi Doc,

Like I said, I went to the first Muncie NATS. The site IS fantastic! I even got to see my first turbine model plane fly right over the top of the circle while practicing!

The site, itself, isn't the problem. More along the lines of location. Nothing against Muncie or Indiana. It has just become difficult for a lot of people to travel there, even though we still will. It is a haul for a lot of, if not most, people in our event. Look at the top 5. (2) California, 1 Miami, (1) NJ, (1) GA. Next year, there will be added into the mix another from California, a Washington State, a Penn., "local" from Ohio (Mr. Wwerwage might be the closest), and probably one more from GA, but he will be coming from Yale Univ. And you have to expect to be there over a week.

I know it isn't going to change, that's for certain.

To think we don't want a NATS is absurd. But the AMA just might want to listen to something being said about the whole situation. The rest of the guys who are full AMA members should have a say. It doesn't seem to be that way now. Do I discredit you ar the CL Board? NO. I am the District 4 Director for PAMPA. I know what it is like, not only from this singular position, to represent "others".

The grass roots is what makes or breaks any organization.

Regards
Bill <><

Jerry Eichten · « **Reply #39 on:** July 15, 2006, 12:31:06 AM »

As long as others are tossing out thoughts...

I like the idea of having the Nats in other venues occasionally, and I understand there could be problems moving equipment and so forth.

I've only entered the Nats twice and have never been to Muncie, so I have little knowledge about the current state of our National Championship. So take my opinion for what it's worth...

With that disclaimer out in the open, I'd suggest the AMA charge a committee to study the feasibility of acquiring other parcels of land for flying sites. Initially I think another AMA flying field somewhere west of Muncie would be a good place to start. Maybe others could be acquired later. This type of "Regional AMA Field" would benefit fliers in the area year round, serve as a venue for regional events, and possibly host National competitions on occasion.

Before everyone jumps up and hollers how expensive this would be, consider... The AMA is a non-profit organization, and as such, enjoys a status whereby individuals, foundations, businesses, and other entities can make donations to the AMA and receive significant tax incentives for the gifts. Does the AMA have any development people on staff or on contract? The AMA website lists 61 employees, but none of them have titles that appear to reflect any duties that might relate to development or fundraising.

Is there any effort by the AMA to capitalize on its educational non-profit classification by researching and applying for grants available to educational or technical organizations? Has the AMA encouraged individuals to consider a gift to the AMA in estate planning? Is there any group within AMA specifically seeking any type of partnership with the Bureau of Land Management or other governmental entity that has control over large landholdings?

I don't mean to suggest that nobody is doing anything. They may very well be, and I hope so. I'm just simply unaware of this type of activity within AMA, and if it is taking place I haven't read much about it in Model Aviation.

The notion of the AMA owning more land isn't totally crazy. Certainly there would be expenses for site development of any Regional AMA Field, but the facility investment could be minimal compared to what has been spent on buildings in Muncie. I think its unlikely that any land the AMA might purchase would be worth less in future years. Consider it an investment in our sport and in our future.

Jerry Eichten
www.egam.org

peabody · « **Reply #40 on:** July 15, 2006, 05:03:23 AM »

Jerry:
Good points and very do-able, excepting that any flying sites that the Academy is going to develop will be r/c oriented.....
I believe that there are enough solid clubs in the five regions that I hypathasized to host a terrific Nats.

Of course, PAMPA, if they ever read their charter and decided to actually LEAD, could influence to Academy to have the Nats move, especially if there was a guarantee that they would be in Muncie on a bi-annual basis.....

A nifty thing would be to hold a CLPA contest concurrently with the Team Trials....

I love the AMA site and praise the forest of those that researched the move...it truly is a model aviation "Field of Dreams"....but also believe that our sport could grow if the National Championships were closer to folks...Muncie may be in the "center of things"....but it is a far piece from civilization!

A Nats near a major population center (Seattle, LA, Austin, Atlanta, Boston, ie) would be nifty....

Eric Viglione · « **Reply #41 on:** July 15, 2006, 06:08:57 AM »

Maybe it's time to institute some sort of official Regional contests? With the high numbers of entries in the skill classes, I would think that thinning the herd at a local level might take some pressure off the Nat's format... but to be honest, I really can't think of a fair way to do it that won't hack people off because we all tend to improve with time, and have good days and bad days. It would suck to be eliminated from attending the Nat's because you had a bad day at a Regional contest... We need to be more INCLUSIVE not EXCLUSIVE yet still keep things manageable for those running the events.

Maybe several simultaneous Regional Nat's followed by a Muncie Walker Cup Flyoff and Team Trials all in one type event?

Just thinking out loud, not trying to start a flame war! Someone smarter than I would need to come up with a scheme that works.

EricV

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #42 on:** July 15, 2006, 08:29:37 AM »

Hey guys, remember I started talking about the possibility of a later date to get more consistant weather. This time of year is a problem in most parts of the county. Living in Texas, I can agree that a Texas NATS in July is also not a pleasant idea.

Robert, thanks for letting this discussion go on, since, while you still have your airplane, the July weather defeated the purpose of your trip.

We can all complain about the location, and certainly the Left Coast has a legitimate complaint, but we do have a wonderful permanent site.

The idea of AMA purchasing other localized sites,as I remember was in the AMA planning way back when, but has since been dropped.

A rotating CLPA Nats is not impossible, but with the recent AMA negative views in Model Aviation, this might be an excuse for AMA to get rid of us.

Perhaps the most revealing item about the AMA, was that during my last Muncie, trip 4 years ago, I found out that even the local Muncie restaurants, had no idea that there was a model airplane contest, much less a national championships going on. At that time, AMA didn't even have publicity in its home town. Maybe this accents their current view on competition.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #43 on:** July 16, 2006, 10:09:41 AM »

I suspect that the chances of a rotating site hover somewhere near zero. I suppose that's OK. Muncie is 2500 miles away. Easily a two and a half to three day drive. Probably not happening until I retire. Certainly not before. We have seven or eight contests locally each year that are in reasonable driving distance. A couple more if you don't mind driving a bit more. I suppose I'll live and watch reports from the Nats.

RandySmith · « **Reply #44 on:** July 16, 2006, 12:10:26 PM »

Your right Chances of a rolling NATs is very slim, Although It would be nice.
Chances of a Walker Cup Flyoff /NATs, Team trials are non existence

It would also be tough to pre qualify people on a regional contest
Randy

Curmudgeon · « **Reply #45 on:** July 16, 2006, 02:00:37 PM »

I don't have a dog in this hunt, never will. But consider this. Has the AMA ever surveyed the attendees and participants of the Nats? It seems to me that good survey would result in a truer indication of what could be done to improve the event. What is so sacred about July? Tradition?

Alan Hahn · « **Reply #46 on:** July 16, 2006, 02:48:41 PM »

Even tho' I live in Chicago (Hey Peabody, last time I looked Chicago had a few people living here, as well as Indianapolis), I've never driven to Muncie, so I don't think I really care a whole lot about where the NAT's are held.

The Indoor Nats are held off site (Johnson City Tenn if I recall correctly), so there is already precedent for having the NAT's offsite, and I bet AMA doesn't objects to not building an appropriate location for the Indoor NAT's at Muncie!.

On the other hand, once you move it, I bet you own it. As most of us know, Nature abhors a vaccuum, and without a doubt, the absent locations in Muncie will be moved into. Feet on the ground count for something, so I bet it would be hard to get it back.

As concerning weather, it is always hit or miss. Last I looked, the temps are in the >100's in the LA Basin, the northeast coast just went thru major flooding, and I don't know how many people can hack the summers down south

(I'm driving down to Orlando in a few weeks for a wedding, and being from Miami, I know what to expect!). Finally, we all know about contest weather!

I think moving the NAT's to a different season like fall would be hard. Maybe you could break up the different constituencies so that stunt could be in the fall. That would actually favor us mid-west types

, we would have all summer to practice, almost getting parity with the West and southern fliers who can fly all winter and spring.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #47 on:** July 16, 2006, 03:24:40 PM »

If you look at the Muncie schedule, there are NATS starting in June and running through most of August (from memory). Just different NATS for different folks. Changing the CL NATS to another date would involve getting somebody else to trade dates with the CL folks.

I'll go so far as to guess that the local fliers...whether R/C or CL or FF, sport or contest fliers...are PO'd that they can't use the AMA Site during the whole summer, because of these stinkin' contest folks. Just a guess.

I've never been to a US NATS, and don't expect to ever go. I have been to the Canadian NATS, back when they were "decentralized". That seemed like a weird concept. Now, I don't know if MAAC even has any paid employees, but scuttlebutt has it that they have called the local guys and suggested that they stage the NATS this summer. When it does happen, the events are done here, there, and everywhere, and it doesn't really seem too appealing...or NATS-like, for that matter. Maybe we just need to adjust to what we can actually manage, vs. what we'd like, or what it usta be like?

Steve

Author Topic: NATS REPORT (Read 9777 times)

Eric Viglione

Curmudgeon

Alan Hahn