For those not on the NSRCA mailing list and who do not often visit the NSRCA web site, a new poll has been placed there regarding the location of the 2010 Pattern Nats competition.

Vote early and Vote often....

[link=http://nsrca.us]Nsrca Website[/link]

Having a poll on this issue serves no purpose. I'm sure everyone voting to move it to LA are voting to move it closer to home. Before we decide to have the NATS anywhere besides Muncie we should be guranteed that the host site will not back out. This LA site sounds like it is not a sure thing. Also, I like knowing where the NATS are going to be each year. Are we suggesting that the NATS will be held at the same 4 or so sites and just rotated or are we saying that the sites other than Muncie will change from time to time. This makes the logistics of attending such an event much more difficult. Not to mention that it is hurricane season in LA in the late summer early fall.

My 2 cents....

Isn't October in the middle of hurricane season? Not trying to be funny, but that wouldn't be too fun if people traveled all the way to make it to a Nats only to have it cancelled. I think the reason why the travelling Nats worked so well before was because the Navy subsidized it. It's going to be very hard to match the accomodations and furthermore the infrastructure necessary for the Nats from a group of individuals. Not saying they can't, but that's a huge indertaking.

Also, Lousyana summers aren't the most pleasant conditions, it's hot and muggy. I think it's a bad idea, the AMA gives us so much that I think people take for granted.

Also, are we sure that the AMA will let us have Nats at the national flying site on alternating years?

I understand the want to go to other places across the country, but for next year I've talked to half a dozen foreign pilots that are coming to Muncie for the Nats because that is where the Worlds are going to be in 2011. Next year might not be the year to move it?

I'd like the NATS to be 150 miles from my home too!!!! Heck, that's almost commuting distance !!

No matter where it is, somebody is going to be unhappy. I've been to Muncie a few times overs the years and it is just such a haul from SOCAL (2,100 miles) that I do not even consider the NATS (pattern, IMAC or soaring).

With the Worlds on the horizon, 2012 makes sense to start making the move around the country.

Where do we propose to hold these traveling NATS events. Since 9/11 I've been told that full scale runways that are regulated by the FAA are off limits to RC. I know some RC events are still being held at full scale runways but I bet they don't ask the FAA for permission either. That leaves only private air fields. How many private air fields have enough room to run 3 flight lines simultaneously?

Here is my view on it.

I voted to leave it in Muncie. In my world, I much prefer having a known location each year that I have to go to. Having the Nats in the same spot each year makes the trip so much easier, I know the hotels, I know where to eat, I know exactly how to get there, how much time to take from work, where to practice etc. etc. etc. That at least makes the long drive somewhat palatable.

To have it in an unknown location may not make it as easy to attend, even if it was closer distance wise.

We don't have a facility like Muncie in Canada, and we basically don't have a Nats because you can't find anyone to hold a standalone one. To me it just seems like such a waste to not use a facility like Muncie!

Not that I will probably ever attend the US Nats . . it's a long way from Australia. BUT, Chad is "right on" . .

The Australian Masters is the most prestigious Pattern event in Oz (more so than the Australian Nats), and for a while, it has been held in the town of Shepparton, Victoria (even Ivan K has lived and competed there . . and JAS now too ;o). We know where to stay, where to go, and what to do. It adds a level of comfort to the regular campaigners, and immediately provides a more relaxed environment . .

I understand what you are saying . .

Cheers, JB

It's time for the AMA to approach the NAVY again. The NAVY hosted the NATS during recessions and wars and can do it again. We just have to demonstate ,again, why it is beneficial to NAVAL AIR.(The Muncie Chamber of Commerce might feel differently). The NAVY NATS were an unreal extravaganza of model aviation for anyone who ever participated.

NAVY NATS: 68-OLATHE , KS
69-Willow GROVE,PA.
70- Glenview, IL.
71- Glenview,IL.
72- Glenview,IL.

Given the current security posture of every major military installation in the US, it is highly unlikely we will see a military base host anything like the NATS in the near future. It can be difficult to get US citizens with business on the installation in the gate, much less an average US citizen, or a foreign national. Here in Alabama, security concerns on Redstone Arsenal killed a major bypass that would have passed thru the arsenal. The bypass had previously been approved by the Army, but post 9/11 concerns caused a relook, and it killed the project, to the dismay of virtually everyone, to include the Army.

I am with Chad on this one

Not a fan of the Muncie weather and not opposed to it either,..but leave it where it is for now at least until 2012 like indicated already. I agree with Chad and others, atleast everyone knows what to expect when going to Muncie, expenses, costs,etc. Geographically Muncie leave a bunch of people out that I am sure would love to attend and compete, but can not due to the logistics of getting there. My two cents anyway.

The time may come in this sport for economic reason (?) to have regionals, west coast and east coast. The top 15/20 from each class compete in the Nationals and leave F3A/FAI open for our foreign friends that may want to attend,...just an idea or thought? Maybe it's already been done,..Dont know?


Regards,

BHolsten

Advantage Hobby Fliton Field Rep/Custom Airframes of America/Dragon Fire Customs/Guardian America/Etc.