Decline of pattern / Translation

[Tony Stillman]

Ed:

Very well put.....

Tony Stillman
Radio South
3702 N. Pace Blvd.
Pensacola, FL 32505
1-800-962-7802
www.radiosouthrc.com
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ed Deaver 
  To: discussion at nsrca.org 
  Sent: Friday, October 17, 2003 2:10 PM
  Subject: Re: Decline of pattern / Translation


  Every club newletter I write up begins with what a good time it is to see everyone and the friendships that have been made.  Including that this is the reeason for competing.

  I disagree most don't get it.  Look at the number of sport pilots that go to fly ins to see old friends.  It is there.  Look at the coffee crew(old farts, geezers or what ever each club has a name for then, albeit affectionately)  They put one flight in but talk for hours, they get it.

  We have to realize most either don't want to compete for what ever reason, and/or in our society of instant gratification don't want to strive towards a goal.  I believe this is the biggest problem..  

  Lets take a difficult but very rewarding manuever, the rolling circle.  Took me a solid summer of failed attempts to achieve a very ugly 4 roll roller.  Then another 2 years to get to make the thing look decent for IMAC.  No one in our 100 member club has any desire to work at something that dedicatedly just to be able to do it.  Herein lies the problem.

  I don't believe Pattern needs to change.  I don't believe we are doing anything wrong either.  The simple fact is Pattern requires a commitment, with effort, to accomplish the goal of flying better and most are simply not willing to make that commitment.  This is fine as we live in America and should be able to choose.  What we do have to do is accept how things are and work from there.  As stated in an earlier discussion, when someone shows interest then we can try to get them to give Pattern a whirl.

  Just my thoughts.

  ed
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Keith Black 
    To: discussion at nsrca.org 
    Sent: Friday, October 17, 2003 1:11 PM
    Subject: Re: Decline of pattern / Translation


    > How do we help translate the pattern experience to non pattern flyers to get them to at least give it a shot?

    I think you just did. 

    Gray Fowler told me pretty much the same thing you've said regarding the fellowship and I found that very appealing. In addition he let me know that most beginning sportsman fliers are all over the sky at their first contests and I shouldn't worry about not being good enough. That and a little bit of urging got me to my first contest.

    I personally was quite worried about flying in front of judges, but looked at it as a personal challenge to overcome. When I flew my first round without crashing I was delighted.

    Of course you have to realize that people get the same type of fellowship and camaraderie from other activities and groups as well. Also, it takes a certain type of personality to be afraid of something and consider that a *reason* to do it. Therefore my reasons for jumping in won't apply to everyone. 

    So next time someone asks you about pattern flying don't forget to tell them about the fellowship, I'm proof that's a persuasive part of the equation.

    Keith Black

      ----- Original Message ----- 
      From: WHIP23 at aol.com 
      To: discussion at nsrca.org 
      Sent: Friday, October 17, 2003 12:11 PM
      Subject: Re: Decline of pattern / Translation


      In a message dated 10/17/03 6:09:37 AM Pacific Daylight Time, aabdu at sbcglobal.net writes:


        I don't want to get anything started, but I had a thought inspired from an off list conversation with a pattern buddy.
          
        We go to pattern competitions and most of the time we love it. I have had great pattern weekends in Lancaster, Oh. in a nearly constant downpour and realized that the flying and competition are only half the story. What we experience at a contest does not translate well to sport pilots. I know, at least for me, that when I tell sport flyers about contests we talk about the planes and the manuevers. Unfortunately the friendships made, the sportsmanship, the camaraderie, the fellowships, and the sense of accomplishment, just do not translate well to people who have not experienced it. I always struggle when I'm asked, often, what you get for winning. They never quite understand that the trophy is only half the story.
          
        So the $50,000 question is: How do we help translate the pattern experience to non pattern flyers to get them to at least give it a shot?
          
        Just a few thoughts.
        Anthony




      Just smile a lot :-)  Some will understand (a few), most will not.

      Bob 
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