DZ160s-and others-opinions-opinions

[Anthony Abdullah]

I think information about what the sponsored pilots are using is valuable. There is a reason everyone is curious about what equipment the winners use at the Nats. You have to remember that in most cases sponsored pilots were great pilots and fierce competitors before they became "company ambassadors". I don't know a single one that would sacrifice reliability for the sponsorship that comes with their level of achievement. That is not to say that Jason or Chip couldn't beat me in my own class flying a PT40 ARF with no ailerons, but I'm sure that they don't want to be wondering about a flame out or a glich flying against some of the best pilots in the world. On some levels and as much as my budget will allow, I try to emulate those who have had success doing what I want to do. Before the worlds no one even considered flying an electric in FAI (thanks Jason). There was even grumblings that he was risking a possible team victory with his actions. Now there are many people including some
 on this list who are keeping a close eye on the technology and the prices. I think it is inaccurate to say that the equipment that the sponsored, which implies winning, pilots use does not at least influence sales.
 
Anthony
P.S. I have flown a two meter pattern plane with a YS140 DZ, I flew across straight and level at about half throttle, pulled verticle and went to full power. I blinked and before I knew it I had nearly punched a whole in the ozone layer. This leads my simple mind to a question. How much power is enough? I plan on flying an OS 140RX this year and if it has as much as or more power than a DZ140 I will be a little concerned.

Terry Brox <tbrox at cox.net> wrote:
I too have seen the same thing. Especially radio equipment. JR still has the best servos. Terry
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Lance Van Nostrand 
To: discussion at nsrca.org 
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 1:51 PM
Subject: Re: DZ160s-and others-opinions-opinions


I know a few sponsored pilots that were unhappy with the product and very quietly used something else.  Those high profile people that are sponsored are not an influence to my buying because I know their setup will work well for them, regardless of the general quality/reliability of that sponsored item.  
--Lance
 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Terry Brox 
To: discussion at nsrca.org 
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 9:59 AM
Subject: Re: DZ160s-and others-opinions-opinions


One thing that hasnt been pointed out, many of the "sponsored" pilots that I know do not get a "free" ride, they still pay, but do get a discount. I have seen sales from the mail order houses that were not much more than some of these pilots pay. 
Gray is right on the money pointing out that the planes engines and radios are all good. And as was pointed out last week, choose what you have access to the most help in your area. Personally, I am a die hard YS fan and as yet, havent had the problems the YS bashers complain about (at least nothing the engine was at fault for). And I do know where a Sponsored pilot was instrumental in the sale of a YS and Morgan fuel. If you want to know that detail, contact me off list as I do not want to start another "war".  Good luck in 2004, Terry
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Gray E Fowler 
To: discussion at nsrca.org 
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 9:13 AM
Subject: DZ160s-and others-opinions-opinions



Here is opinion #56.4 

This is for the newer guys as I know for sure that some that have been around are firmly entrenched in their pattern behaviour.... 

Kudos to anyone who is sponsored. Who is gonna argue with free stuff.  Rest assured that obtaining that engine or that radio is not going to make you better- If you have a "decent" radio and engine already.  I really wonder why the MFGs sponsor at all. Let me hear from the people who went out and bought a piece of equipment simply because they saw a sponsored pilot used it.  I really know why the MFGs sponsor, because even though no one will probably admit to it, sponsorship works to a point. 

The list of decent engines and radios is pretty good, there are several good choices and most of them do not require anywhere near $1000. The new guys should ask around and get opinions and remember that most of what you will hear is total opinion and alot of time non scientific based.   Just about any computer radio will get you through many seasons as you get better and better (because you are flying). And this thing about the biggest D...... I mean the biggest engine, the most RPMs, is very difficult to sort through. What rarely you hear is apple to apples comparison. Every engine 1.4 and up on the market will do the job from at least into Masters....and when you get to Masters....I would be much more worried about my actual flying skills than and extra 300-500 RPM (especially when that really comes from 30% nitro at $25/gal). 

The question stands.......Ask any pattern flyer if he thinks his current plane is "a good plane" and then count the negative answers. I have yet to hear "This plane sucks but I am gonna fly it this year anyway".  Same goes with radios and engines. Why? Because the planes radios and engines available are good.....even if a sponsored pilot is not using it.......... 

Signed 

 "A two stroke guy too stupid to buy a Futaba, or a DZ"



Gray Fowler
Principal Chemical Engineer
Composites Engineering
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