Nats Rewind: Who Won the First Nats?
Scores from the 1936 Nats, hosted by the NAA, were published in Model Aviation’s first issue in June 1936.
In the early days of model aviation, competitions were regional affairs. Exchange clubs, parks, businesses, and organizations such as the YMCA sponsored many of the events. It wasn’t until 1915 that the Aero Science Club of America sponsored the first national aeromodeling contest.
The contest was divided into three separate events. One was held each month beginning in August, with local full-scale aero clubs acting as judges. Cash prizes were awarded to the individuals who achieved the best scores. The Henry S. Villard trophy was awarded to the club whose members had the highest collective scores.
The first event was distance-launching by hand, the second was duration-launching by water, and the third was duration-launching by land. The contest was repeated in 1916 but was then canceled until 1919 because of World War I. The Illinois Model Aero Club (IMAC) won all three years of the contest’s run. The Henry S. Villard trophy was retired in 1919, ending the nation’s only national aeromodeling event.
The very first official Nats event took place in 1923 as part of the full-scale International Air Races in St. Louis. Bernard Mulvihill, who was the vice president of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) at the time, agreed to offer a $300 cash prize and trophy to the winner of Event No. 6, the Mulvihill Trophy Duration Race for Model Airplanes. Aircraft were to be hand-launched, rubber-powered, and not more than 40 inches in their wingspan. Charles Dickinson, then-president of the IMAC, provided his converted WW I Breguet bomber to fly a committee of modelers to St. Louis to compete in the event. In total, 12 participants competed. Sixteen-year-old Edward Lange, from Chicago, was the very first winner of the event, finishing with a time of 4 minutes and 22.6 seconds with his twin pusher.
There have been many more winners and records set in various Nats events since 1923. Visit the websites listed below for a closer look:
The Academy of Model Aeronautics recently welcomed Life Members Charles E. Nienhouse, Indianapolis Ind.; and Adam J. Hill, Bethlehem Ga.
For information about becoming a Life Member, contact AMA Headquarters at (765) 287-1256, ext. 129.
—AMA Membership department
- Detailed look at Nats scores from 1998 to 2018: modelaircraft.org/natsscores
- List of current national record holders: modelaircraft.org/events/nationalrecords
- Nats top scores, separated by decade: modelaircraft.org/museum/history-recognition/ama-history-project. Scroll down to the “National Aeromodeling Championship (Nats) Top Scores” heading.
Three individuals have been awarded the annual Carl & Beth Goldberg Vital People Award. This award was designed to recognize AMA members who go above and beyond to support model aviation, their clubs, and other modelers.
The Carl & Beth Goldberg Vital People Award recipients are nominated by fellow modelers who want to recognize their efforts, which are often behind the scenes. This year, the following modelers received the award in recognition of their tireless hard work and dedication: Lawrence Erbach (District VI), Lon McClure (District VII), and Sevak Malkhasyan (District X).
Lawrence (Larry) Erbach became the president of the Chain-O-Lakes Eagles club, which has flying sites in Burlington, Ringwood, and Hebron, Illinois, at the beginning of 2025. He visited AMA’s International Aeromodeling Center in the spring to learn everything there was to know about being a club president and making a club truly worthwhile. His passion and leadership have since transformed the Illinois club. He has dedicated countless hours to working to secure a new flying field, uniting club members, and expanding the club’s STEM program and educational outreach with fellow club member Drew Durik. Larry has used his time as president to create new committees, events, and partnerships that have strengthened the club as a whole.
Lon McClure joined the Greater Detroit Soaring and Hiking Society in 2018, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the club’s success. Lon is a dedicated member who always arrives at the field early and stays late at each event, consistently assisting with setup and teardown, whether competing or not.
Lon heads the club’s website and makes certain that there is smooth communication, keeping the members up to date on events and promoting the club at the same time. At club meetings, Lon provides helpful insights and promotes thoughtful discussion. He is a generous, passionate individual who is always willing to help others.
Sevak Malkhasyan is a driven, hard-working, and determined individual who has spent the last two years implementing the National Youth Aviation Academy at a local level, as well as working to create similar programs around the world. The youth aviation program in Southern California teaches Free Flight to local youth and their families. Those who have never been introduced to model aviation are becoming a part of the hobby thanks to this program.
Sevak’s nomination was sent in by one family member who was especially appreciative of his efforts in creating a lifetime of future memories.
AMA Plans Service now houses all plans formerly sold through Model Builder magazine, Bill Northrup’s Plan Service, and the Scratch Builder’s Almanac. There are more than 18,000 plans in the collection.
Modeled after the de Havilland DH.5 attack fighter biplane from World War I that was originally designed by Geoffrey de Havilland in 1916, the 1/4-scale deHavilland DH-5 was featured in Model Builder magazine in an article by Hank Iltzsch. The model’s basic framework is made up of 1/4 square spruce and balsa and a 3/16-inch tempered wire landing gear frame.
Similar to the full-scale DH.5, the model needs more power than one might initially think. The DH-5 generates an “inordinate” amount of drag, requiring an engine that can turn up to a 22 x 10- or 24 x 6-size propeller for the most realistic flying experience.
Plans for the DH-5 deHavilland, plans numbers 12851-A and 12851-B, can be ordered for $36 by visiting plans.modelaircraft.org or by calling the AMA Plans Service at (765) 287-1256, ext. 507.
Fuel Your Passion in 2026
It’s hard to believe that we’re already three months into 2026, but you know what they say: Time flies when you’re having fun! That’s what our hobby is all about—having fun with fellow club members and sharing our passion, the joy of flight, with curious newcomers.
This year, the AMA Foundation has set an annual fundraising goal of $500,000, and we’re hopeful that as the year progresses, you’ll be inspired to make a gift that directly serves your hobby and all of the fun that it provides.
Making a gift to the AMA Foundation can be done in a variety of ways. If you feel inspired to donate, we encourage you to explore these fantastic giving opportunities, all of which funnel proceeds right back into our mission of protecting and growing model aviation:
Donate online to a fund of your choice: modelaircraft.org/donate
- Purchase a brick in the Walk of Fame: modelaircraft.org/ama-walk-of-fame
- Become an AMA Foundation Torchbearer: amafoundation.modelaircraft.org/become-a-torchbearer
- Purchase a customized mini brick: modelaircraft.org/minibrick
- Take advantage of available Naming Rights: amafoundation.modelaircraft.org/naming-rights-program
- Leave a bequest: partner.freewill.com/amafoundation
Are you interested in making a gift via alternative avenues? We’re happy to talk through other options! For questions about how to donate, or to make a donation via phone, call AMA Foundation Deputy Director Rachelle Haughn at (765) 287-1256, ext. 221.
Thank you for all that you do to support AMA, the AMA Foundation, and the hobby of model aviation. Your support and contributions truly do make an impact.
SOURCES
- A2024.10.21
William (Bill) Henry Chaffee Collection, #0529
Credit: Donated by Bill Chaffee’s children—Ellen, Henry, and Clark
National Model Aviation Museum, Muncie IN - A2018.24.154
Illinois Model Aero Club Collection, #0452
Credit: Funds raised by the AMA Foundation for purchase
National Model Aviation Museum, Muncie IN
SOURCES
- Carl & Beth Goldberg Vital People Award
modelaircraft.org/clubs/recognition-rewards/carl-beth-goldberg-vital-people-award
SOURCES
- AMA Foundation
modelaircraft.org/foundation
