Weight limit discussion

[Bob Pastorello]

As the guy that sold the plane to Chuck that was overweight, I can tell you that the weight rule is DEFINITELY holding him back!!!  As Gene pointed out, how is spending hundreds of dollars to lose a few ounces something that Chuck should HAVE TO DO ???  What's the logic in that?
    Chuck is a competent, skilled pilot, and has a lot of potential.  If the best that his situation lets him afford is an otherwise GREAT airplane that is a little overweight - WHY does he have to be punished because someone used too heavy wood or too much epoxy on a wing panel ???

This is the root of my issue with the 5kg rule.

If the best someone can do is a 12 lb airplane, and they are otherwise a competitive pilot who desperately WANTS to play, why should we have a rule that says - NOPE - you're out, cause you're FAT ????

It just does NOT make any sense.

Bob Pastorello
NSRCA 199  AMA 46373
rcaerobob at cox.net
www.rcaerobats.net


  ----- 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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