AMA MASTER'S unknown?

[tony at radiosouthrc.com]

Bob:

I am not taking any sides here either, as I don't fly Masters.  However, If Masters is to be an ending class paralleling FAI, then perhaps either a finals sequence, or a finals and unknown are appropriate.  This puts it on the same level as FAI which is what many have told me they thought Masters should be.  This will give the same level of difficulty as FAI, but with all the associated rules and sequences totally controlled by the USA.  

Having been USA Team Manager 4 times, I totally agree that the caller becomes an integral part of a successful pilot, especially in the unknowns.  Having a known finals sequence is less demanding on the caller, but requires the Masters pilot to learn a second, much more difficult sequence.  

Keep in mind that this would only effect the NATS.  I would push for a rule that makes flying the finals sequence at a local contest illegal!  This is the way it is in FAI as well.  Finals and unknowns are only flown at National and International competitions.  This keeps everyone who has no interest in flying at a Nationals from having to learn anything other than the Masters pattern.  

A poll would be interesting, but I would only allow those that have flown at the last couple of NATS to be involved, pushing the rule that any extra sequences would only be flown at the NATS finals.  

Anyway, my $0.02...

Tony Stillman
Radio South
3702 N. Pace Blvd.
Pensacola, FL 32505
1-800-962-7802
www.radiosouthrc.com
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Bob Pastorello 
  To: discussion at nsrca.org 
  Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2005 5:39 PM
  Subject: Re: AMA MASTER'S unknown?


  I guess since I never take a position on anything, I should probably do so on this -- so -- here 'tis.

  1.  This is a genuine yes/no POLL question of the MASTERS pilots only....and needs to be carefully administered, IF the Board is interested in opening this one.
  2.  If the POLL has at least 2/3 majority, then the next question should be designed to find out how crazy we (Masters) pilots are about having our scores judged by JUDGES WHO HAVE NEVER SEEN THE SEQUENCE  and 
  3.  How crazy we are about the totally-impossible-to-fairly-administer influence of the "team".  At this level of competitions (you guys are talking about the NATS FINALS, for G---s sake!!!) I would be hard pressed to say it will be "fair" to have the outcome determined by who had the best caller (or the most effective team).  Not everyone can do that...  and finally ....
  4.  MASTERS is supposed to be the Top AMA class....as such, philosophically, I think it should be the best - the VERY best - of precision, smoothness, and gracefulness....

  AND implementing an Unknown turns all that back into "IMPRESSION" judging....

  I'm not in favor of it;  won't be; won't try to persuade others to be; and believe wholeheartedly that if a pilot is strongly committed to flying Unknowns that he go play IMAC.  Then fly "Pattern" for precision, practiced, smooth and skillfully-executed "routines".

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


    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Ed Deaver 
    To: discussion at nsrca.org 
    Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2005 3:54 PM
    Subject: Re: AMA MASTER'S unknown?


    Flying an Unknown truely does make it a 2 person flight.  I would still welcome the opportunity as the challange and thrill(flying well or goofing up and trying to collect yourself to fly the next manuever) is really great.  

    I don't know if it really identifies the callers ability, as much as the teams ability.  Another thought depends on how much time is allowed to prepare also.

    ed

    rcaerobob at cox.net wrote:
      Before I'd answer whether I wanted one or not, I'd like to have an understanding of what, specifically, the unknown in Masters would "reveal". If pattern is about precision piloting that could be a different thing than an ability to have a good caller....

      Just my ignorant opinion.

      Bob P.
      > 
      > From: "Grow Pattern" 
      > Date: 2005/01/06 Thu AM 11:25:48 EST
      > To: , 
      > 
      > Subject: AMA MASTER'S unknown?
      > 
      > How does this list feel about a Masters Nat's final that was different to 
      > the regular schedule. OR, even an unknown in the final to make it more than 
      > just three more of the same flown in the heats.
      > 
      > Regards,
      > 
      > Eric.
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