The following is my input to AMA VP D-8 Dr. Frank's request (another place) for info regarding the recent discussions to changing the NATS.
Tell him if you wish to input.

>>>>>please rsvp with YOUR input to:
E-mail: [email protected]
As presented at the OCT. 2001 AMA Council meeting: I am soliciting YOUR input here and NOW!!!

> Dr. Sandy Frank
> 105 N Brazos
> Weatherford,TX 76086
> 817-599-7131
<<<<<<<<<<<<

Dr. Frank:

You are commended for at least soliciting information about this question. Actually, as someone blamed you about difficult to follow input, I know that you just repeated the vague, un-detailed, thoughts of the AMA President as presented in the Oct. 27th, '01 minutes of the AMA EC.
Your solicitation of opinion to this matter far exceeds that of any other committee person that I remember in recent years. This is good. However Dr. Frank, I reserve my final judgments for what you do with the information.
Personally, I have several questions mostly concerning the logistics of the plan.

1. It seems that only RC Pattern, Helicopter, and Free Flight would travel, yet while they traveled, the FAI classes of those events would be at Muncie. If that is the plan, then the plan is void of merit as those persons wishing to be a part of the FAI events would probably either go to Muncie for FAI or avoid Muncie and do the AMA events elsewhere.
Not all people have all summer off to chase toy airplanes.

2. Just whom and how many extra people will be needed to oversee and manage the round-the-country events? In other words, how big the bureaucracy and how many $$$?

3. Personally, IMO (experienced, knowledgeable, and not so humble) I think if changes are to be made, they should run more to:

3.1. Trim all the NATS current events to strictly the main competitive events of the rule book. Eliminate all those events such as 206, 207, 208, 210, 211, 213, 215, 220, 102/5, 106, 107, 122, 128, 142, 163, 305, 307, 308, 312, 313, 321, 325, 330, 402, 412, 431, 432, 441, 501, 505, 509, 511, 520 both divisions, 521, 522, 618, 620, 950, and 999.

3.2. The above events are local Fun Fly events, and in no way contribute to the term National Champion of Model Aviation.

Once that is done, then look at a traveling NATS every other year. Maybe think about doing RC at one place, FF at a place, CL at another place and divide the Scale Category among its various disciplines.

If you really wish to get more attention to FAI, then lets first be certain FOX and CNN recognize our teams and make them known as the they are -- representatives of the USA in a World-Wide competition.

Regarding qualification for the NATS, I do believe the current unrestricted entry is the only way to maintain the NATs. Qualification system logistics are far too burdensome and restrictive for the relatively small AMA.

So. Dr. Frank, while the EC's basic idea is a mat to step on while seeking positive thinking, I present that first AMA needs to trim the current NATS to just that (A NATS and not a local Fun-Fly), present the logistics required for any such proposed change, and start getting the FAI event competitors presented in their true status.

Horrace Cain
AMA 539 Leader and CD
Previously RC CC, AMA VP, and NATS Worker and other administrative positions.