Nats info/updates

[ash]

We could use a fully detailed resource covering everything prospective Nats entrants or spectators might need to know.

I'll post things here as I find them and it would be good if organisers, CDs, locals and anyone else with relevant info would do the same.

First and most obvious, MFNZ Nats page: http://www.modelflyingnz.org/nats.htm

Secondly, the online entry page: http://www.modelflyingnz.org/nat-reg-2013.htm

Previous Nats results: http://www.modelflyingnz.org/previousnats.htm

Here's a shareable/editable Map of Nats places: http://goo.gl/maps/DJ1ni

[ash]

Other things we could cover here:

• Dates and times of key activities - registration, rally, prizegiving etc
• Ferry info
• Accommodation info
• Media resources
• Spectator resources
• New MFNZ member recruitment resources
• Visitor advice from locals

Please post anything useful you can think of or send it to me and I'll post it: ashcustomworks@gmail.com

[ash]

Ferry info for NI competitors: http://www.interislander.co.nz/

Email Barry Lennox for discount details. It's a very worthwhile discount!

[ash]

Competition flying sites:

Shown on this Map: http://goo.gl/maps/DJ1ni

CRFC - Christchurch Radio Fliers Club:
CMAC - Christchurch MAC
HALL - Darfield High School
AIR - Darfield Airfield
FF - Courtney Rd FF Site
HILL - Port Hills
WIG - Wigram

[ash]

Updated Nats Map: http://goo.gl/maps/DJ1ni

[jaredm]

Is the rally day confirmed at CMAC? Perhaps the worst place to fly ever!

[ash]

Some Nats location weather resources:

Lincoln - http://www.windfinder.com/forecast/lincoln_christchurch

Chch Airport - http://www.windfinder.com/forecast/christchurch

Port Hills - http://www.windfinder.com/forecast/barnett_park

[admin]

Update

• The trophies have now been received
• The flying fields have been finalised. We have obtained another very good field close to the Darfield airfield that will be used for the Rally day and Pylon, and for any other practice when it's not in official use.
• This means ONE PEGBOARD for these two fields. I am hopeful that most will use 2.4 GHz gear, thus reducing the need to travel to/from the pegboard
• The grass has been cut once, and will get another trim nearer the time, although there is little growth right now.
• Canterbury is very hot and is expected to stay that way in general. So NO DTs. And bring decent hats and sun-cream.
• Remember the last payment day to qualify for the discount is Dec 21.
• The domestic facilties are well-equipped, clean and tidy. However, there are no laundry facilities.
• We will not be providing WiFi as the cost is outrageous for a short-term connection.
• There are 230vac outlets for campervans, etc (both 10A Aus/NZ and 32A Reyrolle outlets) but they are limited, it would pay to bring extension cords, and not rely on using too much power. Lights, radios, TVs and fridges will be fine, 15 x electric jugs and toasters will not be!

[admin]

Latest info attached

[admin]

Flyer

[jonathanshorer]

If you would like a poster or a flyer for the Nats, there is a downloadable file on the home page in portrait and landscape. The poster is weighted towards visitors as members have had information in their magazines and by email but of course everyone is welcome. Feel free to put a poster in your car or clubhouse and encourage people to attend.

Thanks

[jonathanshorer]

Not long to go now. Lots of information on the Nats website and the Nats Facebook page. Plenty of people entering to ensure exciting competition. Easy on-line registration. What's stopping you?

Looking forward to seeing you there.

[andrew]

I just went to pay my Nats registration by internet banking....

I've never used or even heard of "POLi Payments" before... With good reason by the looks of it.

What kind of madness is this...?. A 3rd party vendor asking you to enter your banking user name and password into it. Who in their right mind would do that....

"POLi does not store your internet banking login credentials." I'm sure they don't....

I'll pay at the field.

[andrew]

Nope.

I can't believe a something like this even exists, let alone that anyone would actually want to use it.

Even if they are "legit", what happens when they get hacked and account details get siphoned off. Doesn't matter if they don't store details, all it would take would be the insertion of a little bit of innocuous code to forward on login credentials as they get entered it. The banks sure aren't going to cover you for your losses if anything went wrong.

[ash]

What are the chances of some kind of official announcement on the MFNZ website and a posting here giving the dates and details of next year's Nats? An entry in the MFNZ calendar and on the MFNZ Facebook page wouldn't hurt either.

People who need to book leave would like to know. One line at the end of the secretary's column in MFW isn't really doing the event justice.

[jonathanshorer]

Hi there,

With 6 months to go we are getting into the preparations now. There will be an article in the next magazine with all the event listed. The SIGs selected March 24th til March 28th for the competition dates and we will be using all of the traditional flying fields. There may some variation to Soaring due to crops but only by about one field.