2024 RC Scale Aerobatics (IMAC) Introduction

Thrills and Skills at the IMAC Nats 50th Anniversary in Muncie, Indiana

By Ashley Moser

The International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) Nats at the Academy of Model Aeronautics in Muncie, Indiana, is a spectacle of precision and skill. IMAC has a rich history of pushing the boundaries of RC aerobatics, and the Nats are the pinnacle of this pursuit. Pilots compete in four classes, each showcasing high K maneuvers: Sportsman, Intermediate, Advanced, and Unlimited. Pilots of all classes are invited to compete in the Freestyle portion of the competition as well. This particular portion of the contest gives the pilots a stage to display their own unique skills choreographed to music.

At the pilots' meeting, we tackled some of the trickiest issues in scoring, focusing on illegal maneuvers and misjudged moves, such as centering, line breaks, and the ever-entertaining tailslide. A major change this year is the introduction of digital scoring—a challenge for some, but with a bit of perseverance, we’re ready to master it.

Pilots received their first unknown sequences, which they'll fly for the judges at the start of the day tomorrow, July 16. I spotted Ty Lyman, an Unlimited pilot, intensely studying his sequence, a testament to the dedication and skill on display. With a blend of cutting-edge technology and time-honored flying techniques, this year's Nats promises to be unforgettable. Let the aerobatic battles begin! See you on the flightline!

Below are photos from the pilots’ meeting on July 15.

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!