An Overwhelming Weight- A Heavy Issue

[Bill Glaze]

Buddy:
I think you have it analyzed correctly.  The only consideration here 
seems to be, really bottom line, what the FAI mandates.  And while, 
numerically, those folks are far from the  majority of the competitors, 
they seemingly have a mighty voice.  A year or so ago, someone on this 
list voiced the opinion that our weight rules were, in effect, decided 
offshore, and by trickle down, were put into effect in the AMA classes; 
presumably "for our own good."  Because, after all, "everybody knows 
that the ultimate destination is FAI."  I haven yet not seen a cogent 
reason why a reasonably priced, competitive airplane, will mean the end 
of pattern as we know it.  I've seen a lot of dialogue, a lot of 
convoluted reasoning, but nothing solid.  After all, at the time the 
Focus series was introduced, it was exactly what we're talking about.  
It is a competitive pattern design, at a competitive price.  It was 
marketed, and the sky didn't fall.  Some folks think change is scary.  
Want to talk change?   I detailed in a post where, in the space of a 
year, airplanes, engines, and radios, (the whole shootin' match) was 
rendered obsolete.  Now we're faced with the electrics, that could make 
dramatic changes in the competition scene.  Will pattern end?  NO.
The thing that tickles me is is that rumor has it the FAI is considering 
changing the weight rule.  I can hardly wait; no sooner than FAI 
actually does change the weight rule, there will be a whole lot of these 
folks stampeding to follow the New Gospel.  Whatever it may be.  And 
even THAT won't be the end of pattern as we know it.
What will be the end is our diminishing numbers.  And the assumption 
that the ultimate destination for all is FAI Class.
Or so I see it.  From this point on, I join Bob Pastorello.  In exile.  
In his cave!<G>

Bill Glaze

BUDDYonRC at aol.com wrote:

> G
> Since you indicated that it is OK to let your voice be heard, I would 
> like to pose a few questions which have aroused my curiosity while 
> listening to all the very thoughtfully constructed debate on the 
> weight issues.
> 1. Since I assume that the positions stated against change are based 
> on FAI rules being the basis for most top designs being produced today 
> how could a change in the AMA weight limit effect the basis of design 
> for FAI, the place where all state of the art designs of today emanate 
> from as they would be lighter than any AMA increased weight limit 
> should one be adopted?
> 2. Doesn't the same argument that is being used today against a rule 
> change hold true in reverse should FAI go to a higher weight limit in 
> the future? If FAI weight rules were changed today wouldn't that make 
> the new designs based on that change illegal unless the AMA changed 
> it's rules accordingly?
> That being the case it seems to me that nothing significant will 
> happen in regard to a mass change in design concept that will effect 
> AMA pattern to any great extent if the weight rule is changed to allow 
> a small increase aimed at reducing cost, among other things since most 
> all top AMA pilots today are using designs based on FAI rules.     
> Seems to me that logic gained from the discussion has indicated that 
> an AMA weight change is not the issue the real rub comes about if FAI 
> changes their weight rules, am I the only one or does anyone else see 
> it this way
> Buddy
>  

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