Weight limit discussion

[steven maxwell]

 What happens when we change AMA and FAI doesn't change? The designers will
still go for the FAI not AMA, isn't it better to let FAI do what they do?
 Steve Maxwell


----- Original Message ----- 
From: 
To: discussion at nsrca.org
Sent: 2/25/2005 5:12:27 PM 
Subject: Re: Weight limit discussion


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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