N.A.S.S.

Join N.A.S.S.

NASS is the special interest group of Control Line Speed and is associated with the Academy of Model Aeronautics. As such, NASS helps formulate rules that promote the interest of the speed fraternity. It is recommended that speed fliers join NASS so that NASS can represent your views and ideas to the AMA. The AMA has called upon the SIGs to run the NATS. NASS now runs the speed portion of the NATS.

The NASS newsletter is called SPEED TIMES and is published four times a year. It is approximately 36 - 42 pages. There are contest listings and results; construction plans; advertisements for planes, engines, and other parts; a list of the members; and a list of speed equipment suppliers. SPEED TIMES has ads for speed plane plans and dolly drawings. Click on Plans for a list. Also available are copies of speed articles from modeling magazines such as Model Aircraft, Model Airplane News, Aeromodeler, and American Aircraft Modeler. The articles cover everything from models to pipes to engines to props., and nostalgia speed articles and pictures from the 1950s Membership dues are $25.00 yearly for the USA and Canada and $30.00 elsewhere.

NASS can be reached at: P.O. BOX 371, Fenton, MI 48430-0371 or download a printable pdf version of the member application by clicking here. You may also join on-line if you wish to pay using PayPal. Click here to access a PayPal link.

What is Control Line Speed?

The purpose of the speed event is to fly a control line model airplane over a fixed distance in the shortest time possible. Top speeds have hit 200 mph. Speed is divided into classes based on engine size. Some classes also make a distinction in airplane design. Click on About the Planes for more information on speed classes and engine requirements.

Control line speed planes are unique. They are small and are very stream-lined to minimize drag. The most unusual are the asymmetric model. These models have an inboard wing, that is, the wing is on the inside of the fuselage. The stab is on the outboard side of the fuselage. The wing can be quite narrow and long (high aspect ratio). One of the purposes of this shape is to use the wing to streamline and minimize line drag. Still, my favorite is the .21 Proto as these look like real planes and are beautifully finished. Another unique feature of speed planes is the monoline control system. Nearly all control line airplanes use two lines. In an effort to eliminate line drag, many classes of speed plane use a single line. Control of the model is achieved by twisting the single line.

Do I need special skills?

Many modelers feel that control line speed is too difficult for them. They feel that to participate successfully requires a machine shop and the skills to use it or knowledge of exotic materials. This is not true. A control line speed model can and is built from balsa, spruce, and hard wood just as any other model airplane. The simplest speed model to build is the 1/2A Profile Proto and is built in the same manner as, say, a Midwest or Brodak 1/2A Kit.

Getting Started

It is very easy to get started to speed. I recommend that the new speed flier built a 1/2A profile. This type of plane is familiar to many modelers and is easily built. The control system is the familiar two-line control system. Plans for models are in Model Aviation, or may be purchased from NASS.

The modeler will have to learn to become comfortable with a fast moving plane. After all, this IS a speed plane. The best way to learn is to shorten the lines. In this manner, you will rotate faster in the center of the circle.

After 1/2A Profile, I recommend that the modeler go to Sport Speed or to .21 Proto. Both these classes use .21 ci engines, many of which are competitive right out of the box.