NEW concept? for pattern entry.

[Glenn Loud]

I think one of the biggest problems is the travel. Unless you are 
willing to drive 2-8 hrs (in Dist 1) No contests.  I always have guys at 
the local club who are interested and love how our Birds fly,
But when you say there is a contest in say Glen NY (we are in western 
mass) they go "Oh thats a long ways.." this is one of the shorter events 
from us too. ( really not bad but stops folks.)

Having the unscored turnaround is important as then they will at least 
learn part of it sooner.

As to the longer flight yes it would be nice for 401, a newbie often is 
not used to the Hurry up and wait that we all get used to, and often get 
to fly once a day at a bigger 2 day contest.

Pattern primers with just the 401 and 402 groups help ALOT. I know the 
ones I went to out in NY back in 97/98 where a big help. Alot less 
pressure and more info on the whole
routine before a full contest. Also teaming  veteran Pilots with newbies 
(thanks Earl Vincent!)  Like done at some of the NY meets helps too.

My 2 cents. (I was flying 401/402 in 97 and 98. with a break till 
hopefully this year.)

Glenn
Glenn Loud

Mike Mueller wrote:

>  Now that's a good idea Eric. Ever notice the average age of the 
> flyers at a pattern contest? Better start to use some proactive 
> approaches to get more new flyers involved. I also think that ARF's 
> make pattern more viable for many. Turnaround is tough and could be 
> holding some possible participants back. Change is really needed 
> because the entry level participation is just way to low to say 
> Pattern is healthy. But hey that's just my opinion, I could be wrong, 
> not!
>  Mike Mueller
>
>     -----Original Message-----
>     From: Henderson,Eric [mailto:Eric.Henderson at gartner.com]
>     Sent: Monday, July 28, 2003 8:22 AM
>     To: discussion at nsrca.org
>     Subject: NEW concept? for pattern entry.
>
>     One idea that I have thought about proposing is to change the 401
>     class back to non turnaround. Too many pilots get dangerously out
>     of kilter trying to handle the flight direction challenges after a
>     center maneuver when they are under the stress load of being
>     judged. Their next step up would be 402 turnaround but by then
>     they would be more pattern proficient.
>      
>     We would change the schedule to do more than straight line in the
>     center but not by much else.
>      
>     Any strong feelings or views on this train of thought?
>      
>     Regards,
>
>     Eric.
>

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