Welcome everyone to this discussion forum for the 2011 Scale Aerobatics NATS.

The NATS will be held in Muncie Indiana at the AMA Headquarters on Monday, June 27th 2011 to Thursday 30th June 2011. We are now in the planning stages and any information regarding the event will be placed in this forum.

We are looking forward to seeing many members attending the event this year and it will be one NOT to miss.

A reminder: The 2011 NATS will be a qualifier in Unlimited for the 2012 Clover Creek Invitationals....so get your practice gear on & head out to the field.
regards,
Wayne

Summer school finals on the 27th. Sorry I cant make it!

how come the dates got moved up a week this year??

tony

I believe the WORLDS - FOR PATTERN PLANES- took the place of our NATS...

not really took place, but the dates had to be adjusted for all of the NATS to allow for the F3A World that are at the end of July.....

Posted By Tony Gorgone on 06 Mar 2011 0:53
how come the dates got moved up a week this year??
tony

Hi there Tony & everyone.... As Curtis has said...All of the NATS schedules have had to be adjusted to fit in two important additions during July.

The first one being the AMA 75th Anniversary celebrations (14-16 July 2011) and secondly the F3A World Championships (July 23-August 1, 2011).

As a result, the Scale Aerobatics NATS will be held as mentioned above on June 27-30, 2011. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Our Event Director has been selected by the IMAC BOD and Gil Major, from Tennessee, is the man in charge. He has already started the involved process and has been building his team which will include Phil Vance as his Co-Director and Curtis Cozier who is the Chief Judge.

Gil attended a BOD meeting last Monday and outlined his plans to the Board. A few things are being fine tuned and Gil will be making an announcement regarding the operation of the 2011 NATS soon. It will be a well run event and the IMAC Board would love to see many members taking part this year.
regards,
Wayne

I hope to go to the nats this year. I need to know information about where in Muncie is the NATS field. I know that a registration form will be online soon. But an address to the field would be great.

Victor,

The NATS are held at the AMA Headquarters. The address is:
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302

http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats.aspx

Posted By Victor Lysakowski on 06 Mar 2011 21:36
I hope to go to the nats this year. I need to know information about where in Muncie is the NATS field. I know that a registration form will be online soon. But an address to the field would be great.

Hi Victor.... as Brian has already said...the NATS are held at the AMA Headquarters...
For information: The NATS Registration Forms are already on the AMA Website
modelaircraft.org/files/Official2011NatsEntryForm.pdf

You will have to download them & send them in since these forms have to be signed...
Looking forward to seeing you there.
regards,
Wayne

Phil, Curtis Brings up a great point - The Judges meeting - do we need reserve a room?

Gil...you posted in the wrong place.

Posted By Gil R. Major on 25 Mar 2011 13:57
Phil, Curtis Brings up a great point - The Judges meeting - do we need reserve a room?

If the weather is nice we can have it under one of the tents on the flying field. If not, AMA will let us use the conference room at headquarters.

Phil

I had answered over in the planning committee forums too.....

Thanks Phil!

Query......would this site be a good spot for persons that are going to the NATS to register so one could also see who all is going to the Nats...This is an IMAC style competition so it could be listed...we list other IMAC style competitions why not this one since it IS one of this biggest of the year.......pops

All registration is handled by the AMA directly... and not through IMAC.

SO not really...
but Gil and I discussed the possibility of getting a regular Update from the AMA as to who is signed up
(the AMA website only lists how many)
and posting it here...

Not sure if Gil had a chance to look in to that or not....

Either he will see this post or I'll follow up with him about this...

Me? I'm heading to SEFF in mere minutes! w00T!

Exactly what Curtis said. There are only 2 contestants signed up so far for the NATs according to the spread sheet I received Friday.

Yolanda (AMA) is swamped right now, so I would like to give her a chance to get things caught up before we start posting names.

Thank You

For the ones interested click on the link and scroll to the bottom of the page. See: 11SCA - Scale Aerobatics

www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/regstats.aspx

Posted By Kent Porter on 12 Apr 2011 22:56
For the ones interested click on the link and scroll to the bottom of the page. See: 11SCA - Scale Aerobatics

<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/regstats.aspx">www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/regstats.aspx</a>

Thank You Kent

Uhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm so far only 4 people signed up fro imac at the NATS. Should be finished on the first day about two hours in!

From past years.. at this stage.. while scary.. is about normal.. plus. I'm not sure the last time that it has been updated...
Come on down, Eh?

I am seriously considering going to the Nats this year,
I have never attended the Nats before in anything, (I flew pattern before Imac). The way my schedule is working out this year it would be my first contest of the year, and the first time competing in Advanced. Should i even try to attend, or should i put it off till next year.

-Casey

Hi Casey.... I would jump right in and attend the NATS. You will have a great time and be able to see the AMA Headquarters & also the Museum that is on site.

Looking forward to seeing you there & meeting you.
Regards,
Wayne

Its a great event! I love going...

just come on out!

I just filled in the forms for both Deryck (from Jamaica) & myself & sent them in to the AMA.... Needed to get past that..
Wayne

Posted By Wayne Matthews on 27 Apr 2011 17:05
I just filled in the forms for both Deryck (from Jamaica) & myself & sent them in to the AMA.... Needed to get past that..
Wayne

Nothing to be afraid of Lil' camper!
I think you and Deryck will do just fine....
I promise.. the judges will be gentle!


Curtis Cozier
Chief "Hangin'" Judge Scale Aerobatic Nats

THANK YOU "Hangman", for the vote of confidence.
Wayne

In all seriousness to Casey, or anyone else considering....

Attending the NATS is a great experience! The fellowship of seeing friends from all over the Country.. the level of competition, etc. etc
Nothing like it!

I promise.. the judges will be gentle!

Curtis Cozier
Chief "Hangin'" Judge Scale Aerobatic Nats

Speak for yourself grasshopper

Curtis and Gil,

I have not seen any updates (unless I'm blind) to the NATS for those of us coming to help judge, we are about a month away and I was just wondering

Bill, We are having a meeting this evening with that thought in mind.

Did you have have a specific question? No, the rumors of Curtis providing the judges massages are exaggerated

Thanks Gil,

No specific question, just curious as I had not heard or seen anything and I need to start getting things together on my end to be able to be there. Is this a BOD meeting or a you and Curtis meeting and do we need to be on that meeting as well?

No thanks on the Curtis massage, he just doesn't have the correct body parts I require for something like that

What???!!! Curtis has no hands? Maybe that explains his flying.

LOL! It would explain an awful lot!

I just filled out my entry form for the Nats. This will be my first trip to the Nats, so what am I in for?

I know I need to pack for both warm and cold weather.

Posted By Jerry Hailey on 24 May 2011 9:16
I just filled out my entry form for the Nats. This will be my first trip to the Nats, so what am I in for?

I know I need to pack for both warm and cold weather.

Well Jerry.... You are in for a GREAT TIME. Make sure you have enough liquids to stay hydrated!

The museum is a very interesting venture, & it's on-site.
We are all looking forward to seeing you there.
Wayne

Posted By Jerry Hailey on 24 May 2011 9:16
I just filled out my entry form for the Nats. This will be my first trip to the Nats, so what am I in for?

I know I need to pack for both warm and cold weather.

Ahh... very good! Unknown practice starts this weekend.

Im getting my practice in at the contests these days. Last week Blue River, this week Columbus. Next week XFC but working. Hoping to get some serious stick time in before the NATS but if not, oh well.

Marian and I always have a good time there. The friends and fellowship we have made over the years sort of outweighs the flying.

I put the NATS off for several years because I just did not get it, but now, I can't seem to avoid them LOL.
Looking forwar to it again as long as Curtis does not pull my name first for the unknowns!

Oh yea, the hot dog guy that sellls over at the South line, makes a mean dog!
Will

Posted By Will J. Berninger on 26 May 2011 22:34

Looking forwar to it again as long as Curtis does not pull my name first for the unknowns!


Will

...doh, isn't that kinda like when you say "weather looks great with no wind" it just ensures that it will be windy and rainy?

Yep...Will has doomed himself!

Posted By Matt Balazs on 25 May 2011 6:47

Ahh... very good! Unknown practice starts this weekend.

I printed 63 unknowns for us to practice. Monday is a holiday, so that is only 21 flights each day this weekend.

Pack a lunch, it’s going to be a busy weekend.

Posted By Jerry Hailey on 27 May 2011 18:28

Posted By Matt Balazs on 25 May 2011 6:47

Ahh... very good! Unknown practice starts this weekend.

I printed 63 unknowns for us to practice. Monday is a holiday, so that is only 21 flights each day this weekend.

Pack a lunch, it’s going to be a busy weekend.

Hope there is a gas station close buy for all the fuel you're gonna need

Just wrote another Sportsman unknown...

All I will say is...


Muhahahahahahahha!

One Month until the Scale Aerobatics National Championship (NATs) scheduled this year for 27-30 Jun 2011 at the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie IN. We are well on our way to a great year at the NATs with registrations increasing almost daily, the banquet plans coming together, and our score keeper has the Scoring Network up and running.

BUT, we need JUDGES!! We have 6 confirmed Judges, we need 12.

The Scale Aerobatics National Championship Judges do receive a $$$ stipend to help offset the cost of travel and lodging for judging all four (4) days.

If you can only judge for a day, let us know, and Curtis will work you into the matrix.

Requirements – 2011 Judging School Graduate, having judged IMAC Contest previously, and be able to put up with our Chief Judge.

Contact Curtis Cozier or myself.

Thank You

WOW...just checked the sign up totals for IMAC at NATS....only 12 signed up and 7 of those are unlimited....sup wit dat.......

Scale Aerobatics Sign Up is traditional late in the process. Is Brian coming to the NATs?

Same as ballground...all evolves around school ....wont know until the last minute....really sucks with planning

Registration is still low for the NATS.... 6 more have signed up .... But Sportsman has only 1 up to now...
I know that Jerry WANTS the competition!!

If you are planning on attending the NATS....it's time to get those registrations IN!

If you were not planning.....there is still time to change...
Hope to see you there...
Wayne

You are right Wayne, we have 8 more days to sign up before the cost goes up, 13 days to NATs registration cut off.

We still need Judges!! If your interested in the NATs and would like to Judge contact me. The days will be long, You will sit in the sun looking at the sky for hours, some will love you and some won't, BUT THIS IS THE NATs and the evenings will be filled with foamy fun, lies (I mean stories), and Great Freinds: Call Me

There just Skeeerrrtt of Jerry !!!!

Is there a place where we can see WHO is registered to compete at the Nats

Pops- That one in Sportsman is me, so come on up and get ya some of Team Redneck. Unless you are skeeeert!

Posted By Bruce Ransome on 03 Jun 2011 6:57
Is there a place where we can see WHO is registered to compete at the Nats

Pops, the only thing available on the AMA site are the raw numbers.

Right...my flying ability ranks right there with my judging skills.......

Posted By Brian Foveaux on 03 Jun 2011 12:37
I am heading up to the NATS and was wondering who else is planning on going. It would be great to have a bunch of friends from the NE up there. If you've never been, it's a great time and you won't believe your AMA flying site and museum. Banquet is awesome as well.

I'd be happy to call for anyone on the Advanced / Unlimited flight line.

In the words of a great SE member - don't be skeeert!

Let's roll...

Hi everyone I just got home frome AMA HQ (XFC) and gas prices in and around the Muncie area was $4.15 a gallon while it is about $3.50 a gallon here in NC. so be ready for those prices. You may want to fill up your gas cans at home before driving up.

Posted By Curtis Cozier on 06 Jun 2011 18:45
Guys...

The Southeast Region has always been a powerhouse at the Nats! (yes, even when I was up North!! )
Lets keep this up..
Only a couple more weeks until the Nats are upon us! Get signed up and come on up!

I was just at the IAC this past weekend to judge the XFC and the facility is in PERFECT shape!

Just about anything that can be repaved has been! There is plenty of hookups for camping.. the Museum is fantastic...

and oh yes.. the Competition is OFF THE HOOK...

Come on guys.. it isn't too far and it is WORTH THE TRIP!!

On a side note.. I am still in need of judges! (I am the Chief judge!)
If you are interested and qualified, contact me at SERD@mini-iac.com

Hope to see lots of pilots from the Region there!

Curtis

I just recieved an updated contestant roster; we have -

13 Unlimited
8 Advanced
2 Intermediate
2 Sportsmand
2 Freestyle

Posted By Gil R. Major on 07 Jun 2011 22:37
I just recieved an updated contestant roster; we have -

13 Unlimited
8 Advanced
2 Intermediate
2 Sportsmand
2 Freestyle

The entries have doubled in one week!! Always a late sign-up for the Nats. I have a couple of students here that will be contenders.
Still time to get your entry in before the late fees kick in.

see you soon,
John

Dayum....got as many signed up at the Nats as going to Ballground.......yall have fun

Yea yea like you will not be there,,,,,,,,, right !

Yes he will, I know POPs is the other guy flying in Sportsman.

We need a few more.

Anyone have the last minute FAX number?

Sorry, I was at the the North Georgia contest and didnot post - the late fee is waved.

I will get you the FAX number in the morning.

Posted here:

www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/entryforms.aspx

Fax your entry form to (765) 289-4248, attn: 2011 AMA Nationals.

Thanks - I looked all over the AMA Nats stuff including that page to find that FAX number - I read right over it.

I just spoke with Yolanda at the AMA, and ----

1st - the fax number she would like you to use is 765 741 0057, but I guess either will work.

2nd - No Late Fees

3rd - FAX and Telephonic Registration will be accepted, but payment will be required prior to any flight at the AMA site.

4th - On Site Registration will be available up until Noon on Sunday 26 Jun 11. The AMA is scheduled to have someone onsite 8-12noon Sunday. So - NO Registration Cutoff until then.

5th - Scan and email me your registration (put NATs Registration in the Subject) and I will fax it for you - gilrmajor@gmail.com.

Is there a list of pilots that are showing up for the Nats..In the past this was easily accessible...I know that they have numbers but not names

Pops, the short answer is yes; I get a list of those who have signed up every few days from the AMA. I will not post them for to many reason to go into here.

But, if those going to the NATs want to tell who they are......

Thanks for your help...pops

Whats wrong Pops you getting Skeert ?

We are now up to 33 pilots registered....
Get your game face on guys.... It's going to happen quickly...
Wayne

Posted By Wayne Matthews on 14 Jun 2011 11:47
We are now up to 33 pilots registered....
Get your game face on guys.... It's going to happen quickly...
Wayne

My Game Face:

Jerry, you have to wear the hat

Posted By Gil R. Major on 15 Jun 2011 21:53
Jerry, you have to wear the hat

I'll 2nd that motion.

Matt I will be needing a hook up with the SPL...Bring some to the Nats..Gonna give the 200 a try on this to see what the results will be.....Pops

Posted By Bruce Ransome on 16 Jun 2011 8:17
Matt I will be needing a hook up with the SPL...Bring some to the Nats..Gonna give the 200 a try on this to see what the results will be.....Pops

Hey Bruce.... Matt introduced me to SPLube 32 flights ago... I did experience a 12° drop in engine temps (including the rear cylinders) even in the 92 degree weather we have been having in GA. Both Ron Storer & John Snyder (J & J Tailwheels) have switched to try it out. www.splube.com

Looking forward to seeing you guys at the NATS.

Jerry....are you going to bring some "cookies" too!!??
Wayne

Cookies? yes. I even have a Doughboy cookie jar.
Hat? maybe. Have to find one.

Been running 145...158 front to rear with Redline...even in Florida at Deland with 129 degrees on the tarmac......

Posted By Bruce Ransome on 16 Jun 2011 12:09
Been running 145...158 front to rear with Redline...even in Florida at Deland with 129 degrees on the tarmac......

WOW.... That is cooler than what I'm experiencing right now. My baffle had to be a bit different from everyone else since I have a one piece cowl & Ron had to build a baffle that is supported from the firewall instead.
Wayne

We are 10 days from the Scale Aerobatics National Championship (NATs) and the planning is in the final stages. Your NATs team and IMAC BOD have worked hard to ensure you have a GREAT NATs experience.

A few housekeeping items to be add to the previously posted instructions.

1a - The Pilot order will be drawn for all classes on Sunday evening at the Pilots meeting. Knowing there will be conflicts from the drawing because 2 or more folks will be flying one airplane, callers, to name just a couple; we will need to work out any conflicts within each class. After the Final Pilots call Monday morning the field and pin order is locked until Wednesday evening.

We will drop 3 places each round for both Known and Unknown. If there is 3 or less in a class the drop will be 1 per round. To help please see the attached PDF for the pilot round drop schedule.

Should a contestant need to drop to the end of the line during a round for maintenance, radio problem, etc – once the round is complete the contestant’s pin placement will move back to the original position.

Once again - we will have the pilot’s drawing – we will work out any adjustment to meet the needs of a class. After the final pilot’s roll call the field is locked until Wednesday evening when a new draw will take place for the finalist.

Callers and airplanes being shared between classes will not be taken into consideration.

2a - Based on attendance and availability of judges we will be running the contest on the north runway with two flight lines. We have 5 dedicated judges and 30 plus contestant judges. Utilizing contestant judges will do two things – 1 Allow the dedicated judges to take a break every now and then, and 2 allow for a better judge’s rotation. All classes PLEASE be prepared to judge and or scribe.

3a - Also, attached is a tentative schedule. This schedule is based on the registration data available close of business Friday 17 Jun 11 and is subject to change, but should give you an idea of how the day will proceed.

4a - Registration will be open on site at the AMA Friday and Saturday 7-5pm and 8-12noon Sunday.

5a - The Wednesday evening Banquet will be held on the AMA Contest site next to the museum. We will be serving BBQ Pork & Chicken, bake beans, potato salad, Cole Slaw, Lemon Aid, Tea, and BYOB. Each Pilot will receive a Banquet ticket in their registration packet. Additional tickets will be available throughout the contest for $10 each, see Tina and Cheryl. Please purchase your extra tickets early so we may confirm the head count with the caterer.

Attached are – This message, a tentative NATs schedule based on today’s numbers, and the Pilot Round Drop.

Hey guys, I was at the AMA site a few weeks back at a pattern contest and there was standing water in some of the fields by where people camp due to the large amounts of rain we have been getting. It's just now drying out here in Ohio where farmers can plant crops so my questions are 1. Is there any standing water at the field now? 2. Has there been any issues with bugs? Trying to prepare if I need to bring citronella candles and whatnot for afterhour activities. Thanks guys! Toby

WOW...13 unlimited pilots at the NATS.....almost 100 miles per pilot one way...OH WELL IT IS THE NATS...Hope to see yall there...Just for kicks and giggles..unknowns......will they be weighted at 20% like a normal contest since this is an IMAC -style competition or will/could they be weighted more due to the amount of flying we will be doing there...Unknowns should be the separator...such as 1500 points per round rather than a lowered amount due to the number of rounds flown..Also since there is a cut ...usually...will it be at a given number or a percentage of the class or has this been established.. or will it pertain to the class....example....sportsman has 3 pilots ...if 50% rule of thumb is used ...where do we get the half pilot....heheheheheheheh.... just kidding needed to have some fun before getting down to the seriousness of the NATS....

Toby, YES there will be bugs, unless it is only 40 degrees, I know we are planning on the worst in both directions - cold hot rain

Pops, I have your answer, but before I lie to you I am verifying my answer.

Pops, as in years past, the scoring program will make all the UNKnown calculations of 20% for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and Thursday will be at 33 1/3%.

dayum...sometimes the flying deities just keep kicking you in the jewels....At Ballground we were having trim problems with the elevators..We tried to solve the problems on the 4 year old Carden...We were not successful...needs to go to better surgeon than me...just dont have the time to get ready...cant go and compete on a national level without practice...The biggest disappointment is for my son BRIAN...he has worked so hard ..in practice...going to competitions and still maintaining his GPA in school...and still trying to qualify for CLOVER CREEK...Guess it was just not meant to be..You guys all have fun without us...not JAM-BO-LAYA fo u......see ya around the circuit....pops

Posted By Bruce Ransome on 21 Jun 2011 8:14
edited

Hey POPS.... I hope that means that you both may come??
Wayne

Bruce is flying with me in Sportsman.

That is unless he gets skeert

Hey Pops, if Brian was having trim problems no one could tell from his flying at Ball Ground; sorry to hear you guys won't make it.

Based on what I saw... even if there were issues...Brian could do VERY well at the Nats......

I truly hope you change your mind and make the trip.

Come on Pops, we need you at the NATS.

Brian doesn’t need any practice. Heck, he could win with a DA50 strapped to a pizza box.

Gil... what's the count up to now?


The GMA contest might wind up being the biggest contest I get to this year!

11SCA - Scale Aerobatics
Total Registrants - 35
Event # Name......Open/Senior/Junior
412..... Sportsman.....3.....2......0
413 .....Advanced......8.....2......0
414..... Unlimited......13....1......1
415......Intermediate...4.....1......0
950 Optional Freestyle..4.....0......0
Totals.........................32....6......1

Thank You Kent

You guys hurry on up. I arrived Tuesday night. Wheather has been very nice. Highs in the seventies, lows in the sixties. A bit windy but not bad. Grass is green, no standing water, no bugs of any kind and best of all, humidity around 30%.

Have not seen anyone doing any flying. Three campers here. No IMAC pilots yet.

Everything is a go for the banquet on the 29th. Great location at the McCluough center here at the flying site. Finalized the meal yesterday.

Phil

Phil, I should be there Friday about 2pm or so. One of those camper I believe is mine and the other Frank Ford.

See you then

Posted By Phillip Vance on 23 Jun 2011 12:06
Grass is green, no standing water, no bugs of any kind
Phil

I'm holding you to that! If I find one bug I'm bringing him to you.

Matt and I should roll in Saturday afternoon. I can't wait!!

Jerry, if there are any bugs here they are not out tonight! 59 degrees out with a wind chill of about 48.

Weather folks are calling for warmer weather starting Sat. and in the 80s next week with lows around 70. Of course if you have every been here you know you can't belive the weather folks.

One IMAC pilot here so far, Dave Vilwock (unlimited) from Washington State.

Gil and Frank, they deliveried one camper today. Don't know whose NATS home it is. Going to the Indy track tomorrow to check on my Indy 500 tickets for 2012. Be back at the flying sites around 3:00 PM.

Everyone drive carefully!

Phil