Lots of electric sailplanes are present at the 2024 AMA RC Soaring Nats.
By Mike Bergerson
A kinder, gentler Nats. Ahhhhh. The start of Altitude Limited Electric Soaring (ALES) went smoothly for Conest Director Norm Poti. If there were issues, they weren't noticed by those enjoying their first day of ALES.
Our pilot meeting was simple and straightforward. Some very nice side awards were offered up for the most 10-minute, 50-point landing flights, double if the old record of seven was beaten. Twenty-sixth place, as the middle of the pack, will get one as well.
A nice visit by the AMA Headquarters staff was handled by Wally Adasczik, who explained the ins and outs of RC Soaring. He is a very charismatic and entertaining gentleman.
Round one’s first group got off to a great start. Don't we all love the first flight group’s morning air? Fly to 150 meters, point into the prevailing wind, and float it out. Five-, 6-, and 7-minute flights were the norm. The thermals were up and available by group three, but that “Muncie air” made it tough to stay with them throughout the morning. Those that chose to run downwind did well until they didn't. There were a few motor starts when the wind picked up, leaving a few daring pilots low downwind.
We completed round three and group one in round four, but there were several large thunderstorms looming nearby. We postponed the contest based on the severity of the storms coming. Most fortunately, they passed just south of us! When the rain stopped, the phone calls calling everyone back to the field were numerous, as the gang had scattered.
We cranked it back up and finished five rounds in time for the traditional BBQ dinner and unofficial official meeting of those that make it happen.
Great flying and great conversation always make up any soaring event, and the first day of
ALES was no exception. Tomorrow's forcast calls for gusty winds around 15 mph … best break out the ballast!
Blue Skies!
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!