Alex places 3rd in the Unknown after a fantastic flight on a tough sequence. Here he is on the Podium with Jeff Boerboon (1st) and Todd Whitmer (2nd). Jeff is also this years National Advanced Champion and Todd was last year's Advanced Champion. Pretty Good Company for a kid!

That placing was good enough to move Alex all the way up to 9th place overall for the Team selection, giving him the 1st alternate slot as a Team Member for the Advanced World Championships next year.

Here's Alex and Jay after the awards were announced.

The 2008 World Championship US Advanced Team. Alex is on the Left.

Alex continued to improve his flying throughout the week, climbing from 19th overall to 9th over the course of 4 flights. With 2 difficult unknowns to fly, it really took a lot of concentration and skill to stay in the game.

Right before the Nationals, the Sukhoi got her name painted on her side.

Alex named her for his favorite plane, the "HellCat"'s from WWII. Like the Sukhoi, they had

radial engines, only much larger.

We had a great time at the Nationals and with contest season winding down, it'll be time for some maintenance and modifications to be ready for next year!

Here are Sergei, Alex, Norm, Todd, and Vicki from their Training Camp prior to the Nationals. Todd, Norm, and Alex all made the Advanced Team and Vicki is the new US Unlimited National Champion!! Good Work Sergei!!