Weight limit discussion

[Rcmaster199 at aol.com]

Yes it is Steve. Just a couple months ago many were complaining about AMA  
must not follow FAI and now some want to precede it. I suppose it's not  
following FAI but...
 
This discussion reminds me of the proverbial Rat Race. Thats an unwinnable  
race and many elements seem to me to apply here. 
 
Matt
 
In a message dated 2/25/2005 5:46:12 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
patternrules at earthlink.net writes:

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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