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Stories from the Flight Line

NATS News

Coverage, results, and stories from the National Aeromodeling Championships.

Doug Killebrew’s early-morning meeting!

Doug Killebrew’s early-morning meeting!

July 9, 2024: RC Pylon

Today, July 9, held AMA 426 Quickie Racing. We could have asked for a better day, as the weather was wet, but there was no wind. Doug Killebrew and his crew put on a nice show. 77 entries make this the biggest event of the week.
Jul 10, 2024
AMA 421 EF-1 winner Dan Kane with his caller, Jack Kane!

AMA 421 EF-1 winner Dan Kane with his caller, Jack Kane! 

July 8, 2024: RC Pylon

Jul 9, 2024
Allen Goff’s F4B Nieuport 11 with a gas-powered engine.

Allen Goff’s F4B Nieuport 11 with a gas-powered engine.

2024 CL Scale Introduction

Hello and welcome to the 2024 AMA Control Line (CL) Scale Nats. In this event, the models are judged on how closely they match a full-scale aircraft in outline and appearance. They are then judged on how well they are flown. You will see everything from World War I to modern-day aircraft. The models will be powered by glow engines, gas, electric, or electric-ducted fans—and even turbines have been used in CL Scale!
Jul 8, 2024
Mike Fearing’s 50% Christen Eagle.

Mike Fearing’s 50% Christen Eagle. 

2024 RC Scale Introduction

The AMA RC Scale Nats has seen a few significant improvements to Site 4 over the past few years, making for a better all-around experience for everyone. The new turf runway is in much better shape this year, and it’s scheduled to be cut at 3/4 inch for the contest. One set of new pavilions is completed and will serve as the contest headquarters.
Jul 8, 2024
AMA 424 winner Randy with his caller, Dan.

AMA 424 winner Randy Ritch with his caller, Dan Kane. 

July 7, 2024: RC Pylon

Today, July 7, consisted of AMA 424 Quickie 500 Racing. We could not have asked for a better day; the weather and wind were cooperating all day.
Jul 8, 2024
Jake Palmer and his F1D aicraft.

Jake Palmer and his F1D aicraft.

2024 Indoor Free Flight Final Report

Thanks to David Lindley’s foresight and attention to detail, the 2024 AMA Indoor Nats ran smoothly. David was on-site running events from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, and his efforts ensured that the fliers had an enjoyable competition.
Jul 8, 2024
Ron Wittman accepting his first-place F1N trophy.

Ron Wittman accepting his first-place F1N trophy.

July 5, 2024: Indoor Free Flight

The fifth day of the AMA Indoor Nats, July 5, was the hottest outside with a high of 87° Fahrenheit. Indoors, there was more thermal activity than noted on previous days, and with the exception of Kang Lee’s ninth-round World Cup flight, the best times were posted between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Jul 8, 2024
World Champion Kang Lee dispenses with the competition.

World Champion Kang Lee dispenses with the competition.

July 4, 2024: Indoor Free Flight

The outdoor temperatures reached the mid-80s for the first time on the fourth day of the AMA Indoor Nats, July 4. The contestants enjoyed more buoyant air than they had previously experienced.
Jul 5, 2024
Mike Bergerson participating in the 2023 ALES Nats in Muncie IN. Photo by Matt Ruddick.

Mike Bergerson participating in the 2023 ALES Nats in Muncie IN. Photo by Matt Ruddick.

2024 RC Soaring Introduction

So, you want to go to the AMA/League of Silent Flight 2024 RC Soaring Nats? “Glider Camp” is absolutely one of the most fun and rewarding experiences that any sailplane pilot could ask for. You get to fly everything!
Jul 5, 2024

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