Sequence Poll Results

[Ed Miller]

I have a little different take on this ( so what's new Ed ?? ) . We currently subscribe to the theory that a person begins in Sportsman and they progress to one of two "destination" classes, USA recognized Masters or world recognized FAI. The current format and rules may not state that but in reality that is what is implied. So we make the assumption that most if not all pattern flyers have a goal to fly one of those two "destination" classes sooner or later, or never if you look at how the numbers are dropping in pattern. I believe all four AMA classes can be "destination" classes, I know I have said this before and it was not well received. Frankly, there are those, myself included, that may never reach a level of proficiency to win in Masters or FAI. I moved up to Masters in late '02 for a change, not because I pointed out or won a district championship, I wanted to challenge myself knowing full well that I was giving up winning in Advanced occasionally to become the bottom of the heap in Masters. Given the amount of time I can devote to practice, I can accept that, for me personally flying pattern was never about wining, however, it sure is nice to win on occasion. Years ago when I raced NHRA SS/L, my goal or destination was not to become a top fuel dragster or funny car pilot. I was quiet happy racing ( and winning ) in that "sportsman" class. My goal in my work life was never to become CEO of company XYZ. I think we need to recognize and accept the fact that as we have raised the bar in schedule complexity AND equipment requirements, many have realized they cannot compete at the highest levels of our sport OR just plain do not wish too. Part of the reason folks cannot or do not strive to compete at the Masters and/or FAI level is the amount of resources required ( both time and $$ but more time ) to even fly, let alone compete at that level.  Not every one that competes wants to be Chip Hyde, I'd dare to say most are just looking to challenge themselves.  
Ed M. 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Bob Pastorello 
  To: discussion at nsrca.org 
  Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 12:00 PM
  Subject: Re: Sequence Poll Results


  Thanks, Mark and Verne.  Two sides of the core issue.  Since I raised the initial question, and Ed/Tony put out the poll....I thought perhaps I'd summarize my rationale.
      Masters is THE top class in AMA Pattern.  That is what our National Competition is about.  In my thinking, it SHOULD stand as separate, and unique/different in it's skill requirements than FAI.
      Mark, you wrote that FAI is "the" Top Class.  No, it is the class chosen for the World Championship aerobatic competitions.  Because of that, every country that wants to participate in the WC must have flyers who prepare using the same standards, same sequences, as the other countries.  I think the US provides that, and even CD's include FAI-F3A events in the typical pattern contest.

  Is there ANYONE out here who honestly believes that the FAI class is not a "professional" class of competition??  Please....look at where the money is spent, the sponsorships "pay", etc.  I am perfectly comfortable being thought of as "Amateur" if I fly AMA pattern....doesn't ruffle my feathers at all.
      At the "Professional" level of sports, there are rules that the Amateurs don't have.  Football is a good example.

  I happen to believe that our Masters' class, as the top of the AMA heap, must represent the best we have in US competition.  IF folks want to compete at the International WORLD level, professional competitions, then I'd bet they will come FROM our Masters class.  And to me, that means that they learn the "new" Professional Sequences/rules that are needed when they make that choice.

  It's not our job in the AMA Pattern classes to make a person competent at FAI.  It is our responsibility to provide interesting challenge, growth, and INVOLVEMENT opportunities for the majority of the 2% of all modelers who choose pattern in the first place.  Let's build maneuvers in sequences that provide the skill base...then let those who are "advanced" enough, learn the rest.  There's plenty of mentors out there for them to feed each other....

  Before ya'll go crazy and start typing like mad.....
      I am *NOT* saying that we exclude FAI, or discontinue or support of the World team, or any of that stuff.  That's good for the global community.
      I am saying that we should look a little closer at why we have the game in the US, and design everything we do around THAT purpose.  Whatever it is deemed to be.

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


    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Atwood, Mark 
    To: discussion at nsrca.org 
    Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 10:47 AM
    Subject: RE: Sequence Poll Results


    Verne,
     
    Just to be clear...I would not be advocating that particular detail.  My point is the more overriding philosophy that the lower levels exist to prepare for the next level.  And in my mind, FAI is clearly one of those levels...happens to be the top.  To argue that Masters is the top...and that FAI is a different "track" makes no sense to me.  If we were to truly do that...then we'll end up creating lower "FAI" classes...that would compete with the AMA classes.  
     
    Do we currently crown the Masters champ at the Nats as our National Champion??  Are they considered the best flyer at the event? 
     
    Ok...done preaching...lol...sorry.  It just doesn't make sense to me.  
     
    I do agree with you that I like having control of those sequences...and that's an advantage in my mind.  The OLD FAI pattern may not be the best way to train for the next FAI pattern...   The masters pattern of today should be preparing flyers for the P-07 or P-09 of tomorrow...

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