Weight limit discussion

[Mark Hunt]

It seems to me (my perception only) that we are witnessing an age of pattern that actually seems very accessible by a new pattern flyer.  Never have I seen so many quality (and cheap) ARF's available that are really capable flyers for 401, 402, and 403...perhaps 404 as well...heck, Chuck showed all how it's done here in Dist. 6 with an inexpensive 120size ARF and an OS 4stroke!

I think that at the local contest level, weight is not, and should not be, a big issue in the lower classes.  Once you're up to the 404 dancefloor it's time to play by the rules...all of them.  At the NAT's level, the rules will be, and should be, enforced through all classes.

I was still a kid when the YS came out with a 120, but I do remember my dad was trying to stay with all the big spenders in the Northeast of the US with his Tiger Tails, Blue Angels, etc., so I do remember somewhat that the motors were the limiting $$$ factor....hence, a good motor was very expensive (comparatively)..think of the first time you saw the price of a YS120.  Now weight is the real limiting factor....so a big, light airframe is $$$$ and motor options are much more plentiful.  Pushing the limiting factor, whatever it may be at the time, will cost money.  I feel that battery technology will (and already has) overcome it's own weight issues.  It seems that the only power options we are lacking right now are a 32oz. Gas motor and perhaps fuel cells???  As strange as it sounds, I feel that we are nearing a nice growth spurt in pattern simply due to the low costs now to get involved in the lower classes.

sorry for the rant,
Mark
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Chuck Hochhalter 
  To: discussion at nsrca.org 
  Sent: Friday, February 25, 2005 9:22 PM
  Subject: RE: Weight limit discussion










  Funny Gene, I have the same dilemma, a 11.5 lb Aries and will have to spend a few bucks to fly Nats if that is where this season takes me.



  Someone earlier said that a plane doesn't make the pilot.  I agree to a point but. here is the GREAT DISTRICT 6!!!  (couldn't help myself) we have a ton of intermediate flyers who are great pilots and I personally believe that they are so closely matched that equipment does play a part in how competitive you can be.

  I look forward to the challenge of flying against Mark, Martin, Jim, Errol, Richard and others I know I have missed, what a great year it will be, and I know that I can have confidence in my skills but also in my plane.



  This is my first 2 meter plane, IMO to allow the lower classes a higher weight range will allow those who are learning to build light, as it is an art, and want to continue to progress up the classes, they will be able to get to the 5kg limit using baby steps and not having to jump from whatever they flew in sportsman to a 2 meter 11 lbs aircraft just to compete at NATS for the FIRST time.



  By the time I fly advanced, I am sure I will have started another plane, and began investing more into my hobby and into pattern.

  Once I have progressed to this point in pattern the likely hood to step away from pattern is less and therefore worth the investment.



  I hope this makes some sense, just a view from an up and coming pattern pilot.



  Chuck Hochhalter

  District 6 Sportsman Champion 2004





  -----Original Message-----
  From: discussion-request at nsrca.org [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Gene Maurice
  Sent: Friday, February 25, 2005 8:50 PM
  To: discussion at nsrca.org
  Subject: RE: Weight limit discussion



  Dave,



  I've got an 11½  pound Aries. To get it down to 5 kg will cost me hundreds of dollars (carbon pipe, carbon tube, etc.). How does an increased weight limit equate to costing me more? I'm not sure I understand this logic. How and where will I spend MORE to add weight. Buy a gas engine? The gassers in the size category we're talking about are substantially less $ than a DZ and don't produce near the power my OS 160's do.



  If the top dogs are building/flying at 10#, a pound below the limit, what exactly will you do with another pound? Make their planes stronger and more durable? Boy, that would be bad for everyone.  



  BTW, if heavier flys better, add lead, it's cheap.  



  Gene Maurice

  gene.maurice at comcast.net

  Plano, TX

  NSRCA 877

  AMA 3408




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