mas opinions

[Jeff Hughes]

I'm a perfect example. I bought a FocusII this year for a couple of 
reasons. The first is Don Scuzar (SP) was very succesful with it so I 
knew the plane was capable above my abilities. Two, I found out with 
the DrJ Bipe that I don't have the patience, time or skill to design 
my own plane (especially a biplane!). and three, I've finally got my 
flying skill level up to where I can tell the difference between the 
flying abilities of a Biplane, my Jupiter and a Focus. (Plus the price 
is right and it's an arf).



> Very well said Keith!
>  
> Patern pilots deserve a lot of credit. We understand that the newest 
gadget used to win the universe cup won't instantly make us better, 
but we are looking for something that will limit what we have to think 
about to just flying. Our equipment is like a tool. A good craftsman 
with the right tool can do a great job. 
> 
> Keith Black <tkeithb at comcast.net> wrote:
> > 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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