K-Factor Pattern an invisible group

[s.vannostrand at kodak.com]

Cost is a relative thing.  As compared to a competitive IMAC plane, 
pattern in cheap.  As compared to a combat plane, pattern is expensive. 
There is also the adoption psychology.  Initially you say to yourself that 
custom, purpose built airplanes for pattern are not your interest.  If you 
start in pattern at all, its because you are willing to fly what you have. 
 Only after getting hooked do you justify the custom investment.

--Lance





"GeorgeF." <av8tor at flash.net>
Sent by: discussion-request at nsrca.org
10/31/2002 07:38 PM
Please respond to discussion

 
        To:     discussion at nsrca.org
        cc: 
        Subject:        Re: K-Factor Pattern an invisible group


At 07:24 PM 10/31/2002 -0500, you wrote:
>I really can't believe cost is a major factor.
>
>I was talking to a local flier who attended the Joe Nall fly-in this
>spring and he said there were over 500, yes 5 0 0, registered fliers.
>Most had 2 or 3 planes, with an average cost pushing $3000 each. Add to
>this mix the great number of turbine jets flying now, where the engine
>alone is over $2500. The minimal cost of a turbine jet, RTF, is in excess
>of $5000. We can build 2 top of the line pattern ships for that, and
>still have enough left to take our wives out to a very nice dinner, or
>two!
>
>Why are thes pilots, by the thousands, choosing very big scale ships that
>are generally flown around in race course fashion, over the challenges of
>flying precision aerobatics????????????? it certainly IS NOT  the
>cost!!!!!!!!!
>
>Terry T


Terry;
Are you saying that the survey was wrong?  Cost was the second highest
reason according to the survey 249 non-pattern and/or x-pattern fliers.

When the #1 reason was "No local interest/support" I have to wonder why
there is "No local interest/support".  To get that answer I look at the #2
reason and see that if the costs are high then there would be no local
interest.

Hey, I didn't make up the numbers.

George

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