NatsNews and Multimedia Action!

     We wish you were here attending the 81st Nats: the world's largest model-aviation event. The Indoor FF activity has already concluded in Johnson City, Tennessee.

     More than 1,000 participants are expected to fill the skies with virtually every form of flying model imaginable at the Outdoor Nats June 29-August 5. For more information and a schedule for this thrilling contest that comprises more than 165 events, go to www.modelaircraft.org/events.

     The next best thing to being at the Nats is enjoying it by signing up for the NatsNews online newsletter at www.modelaircraft.org/subscribe.aspx.  It features detailed daily reports, great photos, in-depth stories, and all unofficial scores.

     The subscription is free to all members, who will enjoy daily E-mail notifications of each posting. Or you can bookmark www.natsnews.org  and find the publication just as easily.

     In addition to day-to-day events covered in a bold style that brings them to life, this year's NatsNews gets moving with online video footage. Stories about the participants, technology, and fun will be brought to the viewer in a whole new way. MA

—Michael Ramsey
MA Associate Editor

Buddy Box Program

     AMA's new-member buddy-box program ended April 30, 2007. We are pleased with the response from those who were eager to start flying using this method. Roughly 2,800 new members took advantage of this fledgling program. Keep checking the AMA Web site and MA for future programs and promotions.  MA

—Tom Schwyn
Marketing Director

Special Hobby Shop Recognition

     AMA's Programs Department has been informed that Al's Hobby Shop in Elmhurst, Illinois, will be celebrating 60 years in business.

     Al's Hobby Shop is part of the Hobby Shop Incentive Program, for which details can be obtained from Programs Coordinator Erin Dobbs at (765) 287-1256, extension 272, or erind@modelaircraft.org. 

     Congratulations to Al's Hobby Shop, and we appreciate the support it provides to AMA.  MA

—Programs Department

Also in this month's In the Air section in Model Aviation:

• David B. Robelen: 1940 - 2007

• AMA to Open New DSS Fields!

• Tribute to a Living AMA Legend

• Hannan's Runway Downsizes

• 25 Years Ago in MA: July 1982

• AMA Leader Club Program Modification

• AMA Staff and Family Support Weak Signals

• AMA Seeks Volunteer Host/Hostess Couples

• AMA Club Supports a Fallen Hero

• 2007 Flying Site Grant Winners Announced