Nats and 50th Anniversary of Pampa

Control Line Aerobatics

As seen in the January 2024 issue of Model Aviation.

EVERY SUMMER, aeromodeling enthusiasts embark on a journey to Muncie, Indiana, converging at the International Aeromodeling Center for the Nats. This year’s Control Line (CL) Precision Aerobatics (Stunt) Nats held an even more significant gathering for two exceptional reasons.

The national champions! (L-R): Senior Champion Steven Daly, Open Champion and Walker Cup winner David Fitzgerald, and Junior Champion Sam Londke.

First, it marked the centennial anniversary of the first Nats, and second, it celebrated the 50th anniversary of the CL Precision Aerobatics Special Interest Group, known as the Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association (PAMPA), which found its roots at the 1973 Nats held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. To honor these milestones, PAMPA organized a banquet like no other, creating unforgettable memories for all who attended.

A shift in the schedule for this year’s Nats compressed the event by a day. Official events commenced a day earlier than the usual schedule and concluded on Friday rather than the customary Saturday. Event Director John Paris and his dedicated team demonstrated exceptional flexibility and efficiency in rearranging the schedule to ensure that no event time was lost, and the entire contest went off without a hitch.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to John, Michelle Lee, and the remarkable team of volunteers who are the unsung heroes behind the scenes to make the Nats a reality. Without their unwavering dedication, the Nats would not be possible.

Sunday began with unofficial events, featuring the Beginner and Intermediate categories held on the grass circles. Saramarie Huff emerged victorious in the Beginner category, while Justin Anger secured the top position in the Intermediate category.

The Open class top five (L-R): Todd Lee, fifth place; Derek Barry, second place; David, first place; Orestes Hernandez, third place; and Paul Walker, fourth place. Photo by Jean DeMauro.

Later in the day, the pilots’ meeting was held at the AMA Headquarters. Appearance judging was conducted at the National Model Aviation Museum, thanks to the meticulous work of Steve and Jake Moon. When judging was complete, all of the airplanes were proudly displayed on the lawn for photographs and Concours voting. The prestigious Concours d’Elegance Trophy was awarded to Derek Barry for his exquisite Cutlass.

Sunday night marked the highlight of the week for many as we gathered for the 50th PAMPA anniversary banquet. More than 125 attendees, including special guests, congregated to honor founding members Wynn Paul, Keith Trostle, and Les McDonald, alongside past Nats champions and US team members. The evening climaxed with the induction ceremony for the 2023 PAMPA Hall of Fame members. Heartfelt congratulations go to Bob McDonald, Dave Gierke, Gerry Phelps, and Tom Dixon. PAMPA President Mark Weiss served as a consummate master of ceremonies for the evening’s festivities.

David’s last flight for the Walker Cup fly-off. He invited Steven out to the circle in honor of his last win in Senior. David started this tradition the first time that Steven won the Junior class in 2017.

Derek is shown with his Concours d’Elegance-winning Cutlass. The finish on the airplane was flawless! DeMauro photo.

(L-R): Steven receives his Senior Nats Champion trophy from John Paris. DeMauro photo.

Monday served as a practice day for Open and Advanced participants on the L-pad, while unofficial events for Old Time Stunt (OTS), Classic, and Nostalgia 30 (N-30) unfolded on the grass circles. Dan Banjock clinched victory in the OTS category, Vince Bodde emerged as the winner in N-30, and John Simpson triumphed in the Classic category.

Tuesday and Wednesday were dedicated to the qualifying rounds for Open and Advanced, a precursor to the eagerly anticipated Top 20 showdown on Thursday. With a strong turnout of 33 participants in Open and 23 in Advanced, qualifying proceeded seamlessly under nearly perfect weather conditions.

Thursday represented the ultimate test for the Top 20 contenders in the Open and Advanced categories. This day demanded perfection, with no room for error, as participants aimed to secure a spot in the Top 5 for Open or to claim the title of Advanced national champion. The deserving Top 5 in Open included Orestes Hernandez, Paul Walker, Dave Fitzgerald, Todd Lee, and Derek. In the Advanced category, a heated competition unfolded between two rising stars affectionately known as the "kids." Gabe Alimov emerged victorious, securing his position as the Advanced national champion, with Steven Daly following in second place.

Friday marked the culmination of the event, where national champions were crowned in the Open, Senior, and Junior categories and the prestigious Walker Cup champion was determined. The day also enjoyed nearly perfect weather conditions, with only a slight breeze in the first couple of rounds.

In the Junior category, Sam Londke emerged as the national champion, facing off against the talented Angstrom Eberenz, who excelled in his first Nats competition. Steven secured his second Senior national champion title in his career. The Open category witnessed an intensely competitive battle, with less than 10 points separating the top five. Dave claimed victory in the Open category, with Derek, Orestes, Paul, and Todd closely following.

The Walker Cup fly-off was a thrilling showdown, with Steven giving Dave a run for his money. In the end, Dave once again clinched the Walker Cup.

In a moment of immense pride for me, this marked my son Steven’s final Nats as a Senior competitor, with plans to enter the Open category next year. Steven has been a prominent figure in both Junior and Senior divisions since 2017, boasting an impressive four Nats championships. I couldn’t be prouder of his achievements and the exemplary manner in which he has conducted himself throughout his journey. I eagerly anticipate the day he surpasses my accomplishments, although that day is not yet upon us!