Weight limit discussion

[DaveL322 at comcast.net]

Buddy,

Point one - if the average weight of the top models now is 9.75 lbs (I think pretty accurate), and the average weight of the "average" model is 10.75 lbs, both will have a higher average cost if the average weights shift to 10 and 12.5 lbs (which will unquestionably happen if the weight limit is increased).

The professional, aspiring professional, and non-professional are all influenced by the top F3A flyers and the top Masters flyers (albeit it to a lesser extent).  The top F3A flyers drive much of the airplane and product design/manufacturing.  You can not remove the influence of the top F3A flyers on the whole of pattern, and the majority of flyers will emulate the top flyers.

The top competitors will push the envelope and the masses will follow.  It has always been that way, and it always will be - the nature of competition does not change, nor does the nature of a competitive human or a human striving for perfection.

Dave

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Dave 
In answer to the following parts of your post (had to split it up to big for the list to handle)

Raise the weight limit in pattern, and the 2x2m monoplane will get bigger and more costly (and the most competitive examples will still probably be under 11 lbs, but the "average" plane won't be).
So far this is my point exactly. If we are to make AMA pattern an inclusive event we in my opinion must include the average competitor. Those who have higher aspirations will do what they must to achieve perfection and a weight rule change will have little effect on those who aspire to compete on a higher level.

Raise the weight limit in pattern while leaving unlimited displacement and the 2x2m box, and the 2x2m monoplane will no longer be the most competive design - the most competitive design will be a purpose designed pattern bipe that will be substantially more expensive (money, time, maintenance) than the current day designs.

If you don't think a purpose design pattern bipe would be the best, ask Chip.  He will tell you without reservation he would not have flown his Double Visions in the past few years if he did not think it was the best plane.
Yes, but you also need to consider the level of competition and his goals. Lets face it Chip is playing to the world in an arena composed of professionals making him a member of an exclusive group that for the most part excludes the rank and file of pattern. Here again I believe AMA pattern should be structured to attract all of the rank and file while affording those who aspire to greatness the opportunity to compete on a higher level without effecting or excluding those who make up the core of the pattern community or those who interested in joining it 
Buddy
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