mas opinions

[Keith Black]

> Point #2 is that anyone who buys equipment ONLY because they saw a sponsored pilot do well with it is headed for a disappointment. 

It is very true that if someone buys a product used by one of the top pilots and expects that will automatically make them a champion then that person will be disappointed. Hard work and talent are what make champions. However, I not sure most people really feel it will make them champions as much as it's a confirmation that the product is "good enough" for, or even, "preferred by" the champs. So if I'm unsure what motor to buy and I take a survey of the top three Masters and FAI finishers at NATS and the World Champs and find that 90% of them are flying a DZ then I know that by getting the DZ I'm going to have an engine that's capable of top level performance. I know that it won't immediately make me a winner, but I also know that at least my engine won't be a handicap (other than to my wallet).  

Reference selling is one of the most powerful and effective forms of advertising there is, whether it's pattern equipment, camera equipment, software, or any other product. I think manufactures are very wise to sponsored pilots and there's no doubt in my mind that doing so sells a lot of product for them. And when Mike Harrison wins FAI at NATS with the new Symphony, you'll see just how much people immulate the top pilots! ;-)

Keith Black

----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Gray E Fowler 
  To: discussion at nsrca.org 
  Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 5:08 PM
  Subject: mas opinions



  Anthony 

  Considering Jason's use of electrics....regardless of sponsorship, he knew alot about that rig going into the worlds....alot more than the people second guessing him.  Problem here is that most that will rush out to  buy an electric rig ain't going from 10th to 1st, and if they do it will most likely be due to flying time. 
  As far as the engine situation goes I have seen local and at the NATs the following engines run flawlessly 

  OS 1.4 RX 
  OS 1.4 EFI 
  Mintor 1.7 
  OS 1.60 
  YS 1.4L 
  YS 1.4 DZ 
  YS 1.60 DZ 
  Webra 1.45 

  As far as the engine situation goes I have seen local and at the NATs the following engines run like crap... 
  OS 1.4 RX 
  OS 1.4 EFI 
  Mintor 1.7 
  OS 1.60 
  YS 1.4L 
  YS 1.4 DZ 
  YS 1.60 DZ 
  Webra 1.45 

  The point being they all run good they all run bad, and they have lots of power- sponsored non sponsored, same with the radios. 
  Point #2 is that anyone who buys equipment ONLY because they saw a sponsored pilot do well with it is headed for a disappointment. 



  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 possibl! e team victor! y 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.


  Gray Fowler
  Principal Chemical Engineer
  Composites Engineering
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