Weight limit discussion

[BUDDYonRC at aol.com]

In a message dated 2/25/2005 3:46:35 PM Central Standard Time,  
DaveL322 at comcast.net writes:

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
 

--------------  Original message -------------- 
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

Dave
I think I understand what you are saying. With that in mind what happens to  
the AMA classes when FAI raises the weight limit which many think will happen 
in  the next rules change cycle. Is it better to look forward and be a year 
ahead of  the game or wait and be a year behind?
If we do it a year ahead it will be the first time and may give our FAI  
flyers a head start but if we wait it will be as always AMA will follow all FAI  
changes putting everyone a year behind.  
Buddy
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