November 2011 The Inside Loop

Editor Jay Smith
[email protected] It has been a great summer! Here at the AMA alone, we have hosted the F3A World Championship, the 85th Nats, AMA’s 75th Anniversary celebration, and the Rally of Giants. Not to mention all the other great events which take place each year. I think everyone at the AMA would agree that the flying season has gone by quickly. Many, including myself, have commented that we simply haven’t had the time to fly as much as we normally like to. Two of these great events are covered in this issue the 85th Nats and the 75th Anniversary celebration. It is only fitting that they both be featured in the same issue since the 75th event took place during the Nats. AMA staff members and the Nats management work year-round to plan for the largest competition that takes place at the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC). They know that having a well-run event is paramount, not only to attract competitors, but also to ensure the continued success of the Nats competition. Last year we enlisted the help of the NatsNews reporters, who are passionate about their special interest, to provide an overview of their individual segments of the competition. We have again asked them to give us the insight that only comes from being on-site and in the middle of the action. Their pictures and reports are masterfully assembled by the NatsNews team of Liz Helms, Ashley Rauen, and Rachelle Haughn to complete the daily newsletter. These are still available on our website, if you would like to get a little deeper into the coverage than what is provided in the magazine. As with the Nats, the 75th Anniversary celebration took much planning and the member and spectator experience was at the heart of everything we did. The story of this gathering is better told in pictures than in words, so we brought you a shorter article with lots of photographs. While I can only speak for myself, I was humbled to be in the company of so many people who have contributed to making our sport and our organization even better. I was also fortunate to be able to give away $75 cash prizes to six lucky winners throughout the event. Just like the “About Us” feature I created with bimonthly prizes, it is exciting to be able to give something back to our members, especially when times are tough. This month’s issue does not have an “About Us” to allow for expanded event coverage and the AMA Product Guide. We will have another installment for you in the January issue and keep giving away prizes throughout 2012. By the time you read this, it will be mid-October and I will be attending the iHobby Expo, October 20-23, in Chicago, Illinois. Hobby venders will be showing their great new products targeted for release near the holidays. Look for pictures of some of the excellent products on display to be posted on ModelAviation.com shortly after the show. During the next few months I will be focusing on a redesign of Model Aviation magazine. Please continue to take part in our online polls and don’t hesitate to contact me directly with any feedback on how we can make your magazine even better in 2012. MA Back To This Month's Issue of Model Aviation