Event

If you have been following NatsNews closely, you will have noticed that there is a trend with the 2024 AMA RC Precision Aerobatics (Pattern) Nats—weather delays.

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.

Day one of flying at AMA’s International Aeromodeling Center started off with a low ceiling that delayed the start of the competition until about 9:30 a.m.; everyone waited patiently, as this is a normal occurrence at Pattern contests. The pilots were excited to get started!

It's a beautiful morning at Site 5 of the AMA International Aeromodeling Center! It's warm, a big change from the cold, damp mornings of the past two days. The wing tape actually sticks! This makes for nice, buoyant morning air.

6:30 a.m.—it’s chilly and damp, not the greatest conditions for setting up your sailplanes (I hate it when the tape won't stick), especially when you haven't had enough coffee, yet the pits begin to fill up with pilots and airplanes getting ready for the 8 a.m. start.

Today was the third official day of flying at the 2024 AMA Outdoor Free Flight (FF) Nats, and numerous popular events were featured, including E-36, Catapult Glider, B Gas, and F1B.

What an exhilarating start to the 2024 AMA F3K Nats! After nearly two years away from F3K contests due to a shoulder injury, it feels fantastic to be back in the game.

The Bernard Mulvihill Trophy originated in 1923 and is the oldest continuously awarded aviation trophy in the US. Regardless of age, the trophy goes to the high time-scorer in the AMA Outdoor Free Flight (FF) Nats Mulvihill event.

The bungees were singing when 29 pilots showed up at Site 5 of AMA’s International Aeromodeling Center for two days of F3RES competition at the AMA Soaring Nats.