The top five pilots from 2022 (L-R): Paul Walker, Derek Barry, Kenny Stevens, and Todd Lee. Kneeling is Champion Orestes Hernandez.
By Matt Neumann
I have heard that Control Line (CL) Precision Aerobatics is like a dance between the partners of pilot and airplane. When they are in sync, it can be a thing of beauty to see as an airplane is put through the pattern. I have to believe that that is quite true.
CL Precision Aerobatics is an event where the pilot flies a certain pattern of 15 different maneuvers that they are judged on. These range from “simple” takeoff/level flight, loops, and landings to more complicated maneuvers, such as a four-leaf clover, a horizontal round, and square eights.
A maximum of 40 points are given per maneuver, with a minimum of 10 given if the maneuver is attempted. If the maneuver is omitted, a zero score is given. Additional points are given for appearance and if the set of maneuvers is done in a certain order. The latter is done to give incentive for the pilots to do the maneuvers in the same order all the time. This helps keep the judges from getting confused because they’ll know what to expect next. And trust me, from experience, it is best not to confuse the judges!
Throughout the week, there will be several skill classes flown, in addition to some special events. The skill classes are Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Open. The special events are Old-Time Stunt (OTS), Classic, and Nostalgia 30. The six-day schedule of events will start off on Sunday, August 4, with the Beginner and Intermediate events. On Monday, August 5, OTS, Classic, and Nostalgia 30 will be flown in the morning. In the afternoon, we will gather in the 180 building for appearance point judging.
On Tuesday, August 6, the first day of qualifications will begin for Advanced and Open. Wednesday, August 7, will be the second day of qualifications for Advanced and Open. During these last two days, the fliers compete to make the cut for Top 20 day in their respective skill classes.
August 8 will be Top 20 day. This is the day that the top 20 fliers from each skill class compete for either the National Champion title in the Advanced class or the Top 5 title in Open class. On Friday, August 9, the top five pilots in Open will fly in the National Championship. I will go into more detail of what each of the skill classes and events entail with the report on that specific day.
I have to say, however, that while what I have described is the basic nuts and bolts of the contest, there is much more than just a contest going on. It is a big family reunion of sorts. To many, this is not only a contest but an excuse to get together with “family” members that we only get to see at this contest since we are scattered across the US, Canada, and sometimes even other countries.
This year’s contest will be even more special since the World Championship will be held after the Nats. This means that not only will we have “family” members come from all across the US and Canada, but many contestants from other countries from across the globe will make the trek and come early. Some will even come early enough to compete in our Nats, which is permitted under the rules. This gives everyone a chance to visit with family members that we may never get to actually visit in person again. So, in that sense, this AMA Nats will be even more special in that regard than most. For some, it is not the contest that is the main reason for coming but the family reunion. The contest is secondary and only an excuse to get together.
So, with that, I am looking back at the history books with all of the pages of fond memories, family reunions, and happenings of Nats past. I am now wondering what this year will bring. If the past is any indication, anything can and will happen. So, follow along with me through this journey as we look at the blank pages of the 2024 AMA Nats history book and wait for the sun to shine on each page of the day, revealing the words unwritten.
Note from AMA: Do you have photos from the Nats that you’d like to share? If so, email them to Clarissa Poston at clarissap@modelaircraft.org. Please include a brief description in your email, naming any individuals pictured in the photo(s), the name of the event that the photo(s) were taken during, and the name of the individual who took the photo(s). Your submission(s) might be posted on AMA’s Flickr page, which can be found at www.flickr.com/photos/modelaircraft/albums!