Sequence Poll Results

[Cameron Smith]

In Baseball you have "T" ball, Little League, A, AA AAA & AAAA Then you
have the Majors. Ask a kid what's the "Destination" class. My bet is the
Yankees or the Braves.
In Pattern WE call it F3A!
 
 
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: discussion-request at nsrca.org [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org]
On Behalf Of Rcmaster199 at aol.com
Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 7:47 PM
To: discussion at nsrca.org
Subject: Re: Sequence Poll Results
 
Here are a couple questions to think about: 
 
Quick, in one second, how many TOP masters pilots can you think of?
How many TOP F3A?
Which is THE destination class for the TOP pilots in the country?
 
MattK
 
 
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 <mailto:rcaerobob at cox.net>  
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
 
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