I tried posting this earlier, but yahoo ate it. So here is redone version with some changes based on recent discussions here.
Hi all, Just wanted to publicly thank the LSF and AMA for putting on another great NATS. This is a monumental task and the LSF does a fantastic job of making it look easy. I'm not sure how many of you really understand the challenges of successfully holding such an event. The format that the LSF has evolved over the years is really something special. While some may argue there should be x number of days of this event and y number of days of another event, there are some valid points and everyone is entitled to their opinion. I wouldn't mind seeing some changes in this regard as well, but that is not what I'm talking about here. The man on man format with open entry is a truly fantastic balance of addressing the needs of the social/novice flyer as well as the seasoned competitor. There are some aspects that may seem harsh to the novice or sportflyer (no pop offs - only "low launches"), but this is a necessity for a contest of this size and will surely encourage people to fix any pop off problems they may have for future NATS. Then there is the staggered launching. The seasoned competitor would prefer a mass launch, but for the novice or sportflyer, the staggered launch is appreciated. One of the subtle things I really appreciate about the winch crew is the understanding they have of who is launching and how hard to push them. If the person is new or nervous or has a health issue, they will give them a few extra seconds to launch. I'm sure they miss a few, but on the whole they do their best to minimize the pressure put on the contestants. What I really like about the winch crew is their persistence and even tone regardless of what happens with the previous launch. Regardless of a pop off, folded wing, pop in, once the line is clear you'll here "Launch 8" or what ever is the next winch. So thanks guys, you do a great job! (Stumper, JT, Jack, Martin, Steve, et al) Then there is the Event director and the CD's. I am always impressed at the effort and thought that goes into the event before it even starts. Us competitive glider guys can be a squirrelly bunch and it takes a lot of effort to think of all the goofy things we might do to screw up a contest. So my hats off to you guys for all the careful planning and clarifications to minimize any potential conflicts. The landing task and setup was probably one of the best/safest of any NATS I've been to. Hope to see it again next year. The CD's also did an excellent job of calling the tasks for the conditions. It is not easy to balance calling challenging times and keeping the contest moving. Thanks Marc, Ed, Phil, Jack, and Mark for a great week! The impound this year was the best I've seen it. There were no shoot downs due to left on TX's. Tom Broeski's trays made things go super smooth and quick. Thanks Tom, that was a great idea. One of the things I really appreciate is that the impound and the CD make it almost impossible for you to miss a round. In the heat it is really easy to lose track of time and potentially miss your group. Missing your group can really screw up your day. Thanks Marna and crew for doing a great job it is much appreciated. The scoring at the NATS is yet another amazing thing. Robin Meek and his crew do an incredible job. I really appreciate the time they take to make sure there are no errors. For example, one round in HL I only turned in three times out of a possible four. Robin personally tracked me down to make sure this was correct. I had landed out one flight and indeed had only posted 3 scores, but it is nice to see the score keepers being attentive and taking the time to make sure there are no honest mistakes being made. There is little worse than being knocked out of a contest due to a simple record keeping error. So thanks Robin and crew, your efforts are appreciated and don't go unnoticed. What impressed me most this year was Sheldon, Sara, and the turnaround crew. The kids do a fantastic job of bringing the lines back. Sheldon does an amazing job of keeping a dozen or so kids happy and working. During the 2 meter days was especially impressive. The temperature was in the upper 90's and felt like well over 100 - yet Sheldon and the kids kept the lines coming back without complaint. Really impressive - Thanks guys! Just some final thoughts. A contest is what you make it. If your a sportflyer and not into contests, you can still go to the NATS and have fun. There is plenty of time to look at new/different models and talk to people from around the country. If your new to contest flying, the NATS are a great place to learn. This is one of the things I like about the open format. It offers the opportunity for people to meet and talk to some of the best in the country. Pre-qualifying should be left for Team Selections and World Championships. I don't know of any other contest in the country that is more appropriate than the LSF NATS to select the national champion. 9 to 10 (or more) rounds of man on man competition in varying conditions with a no gimmick graduated tape to me is an excellent judge of skill. So, come to Muncie next summer, win some contests, and you can be National Champion. Or come to Muncie fly in a contest meet some great people from around the country/world and have fun. It is all what you make it. Thanks for the band width. Tom Kiesling RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off. 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