Model Aviation Competitions Getting Clobbered by COVID-19 Complications

The 2020 Precision Aerobatics NATS have been cancelled.

The board members and officers of NSRCA have unanimously voted to cancel the 2020 Precision Aerobatics Nationals. This decision was made because of the uncertainty and risk of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as time and financial constraints brought on by the virus to competitors and support staff. They believe that, "this is both a logical and safe decision."

The National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics objective is to promote the construction and competitive flying of radio controlled precision aerobatic model airplanes. To aid, insofar as possible, the Academy of Model Aeronautics and other AMA activities, to further the advancement of model aircraft aerobatics in all of its phases.

'Pattern' -- as it is known in the USA, is flown around the world in many countries, and has produced some incredible pilots that not only have led the world with their flying but also have led the world in model airplane technologies. From the late 1960's until today, US pilots have been major contributors to the sport of precision aerobatics. The sport has evolved from a .60 size glow engine to a 1.70 size glow engine, and now electric motors have made huge inroads into the sport. All of these innovations have been led by a number of US pilots over the years.

Another area that they pride themselves in, is their judging program, "... we have led the way in this area over the years in providing a high quality judging seminar which has taken our judging development to a new level in producing consistent, high quality judges that have gained the respect of their peers all over the world."

In the meantime, the 2020 National Aeromodeling Championships (NATS) are still scheduled to begin July 12. AMA is continuing to monitor the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s impact on upcoming events. Their final decision on moving forward with the NATS will take place June 10. AMA Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are also making decisions for their individual schedules, and some are choosing to make earlier cancellations for their events.

FMI: https://nsrca.us/