Class Structure

[Ken Thompson III]

Dave,

I also understand your points.  I'm sure there are some pilots that are intimidated with the perception that surrounds Pattern.  Myself, I flew a Quest, last year, and am going to fly an Excelleron 90 this year.  These acquisitions were not because of the "perceived need to fly Sportsman with a Pattern plane", they were just because I wanted a new plane, and what better excuse to use on the wife, "But Honey, I going to fly Pattern and I have to have a plane that's competitive!"  
I believe that some of the reason that pilots are staying in Sportsman a little longer is, the better pilots are moving up so last year's beginners are finally in the plaques, vying for 1st and 2nd places, nice stuff to hang on the wall of achievement, if desired.  

Nothing will make me drop out of Pattern.  I have set a goal for myself, and that goal is to be flying Masters in 8 to 10 years.  I will work toward that end with as much vigilance as possible, giving in, when necessary, to all of the other things that go on in life.

I'll be around, no matter what happens to the Sportsman class.

Ken Thompson
D4 Sportsman, again
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: David Lockhart 
  To: discussion at nsrca.org 
  Sent: Monday, January 10, 2005 8:19 PM
  Subject: Re: Class Structure


  Ken,

  I understand your point and am not specifically looking to take away the "carrot".  A repeated theme I've heard from potential pattern newbies is about intimidation - they won't go to a contest because they don't have a "pattern" plane and don't want to spend the $$$ on a pattern plane to find out if they like the event.  They also don't want to go to a contest and fly in the entry level class (currently called Sportsman) and find they are competing with someone who not only has a pattern plane but has been flying in the class for 3 year.  Real "pattern" planes and long term pilots in the Sportsman class are both intimidating to a significant number of potential pattern newbies.  And whether or not the real "pattern" plane is really of benefit to a new pattern pilot in Sportsman - for some it is (they can handle the plane and are not afraid of it), and for others it is probably a detriment (they are scared of the plane and likely way behind it) - but that is secondary to bigger issue that the perception is that the pattern plane is needed and this is reinforced when the guys winning the entry level class are flying "pattern" planes.

  I certainly don't want to see someone as yourself drop out if the District Championship were removed, but, if it were removed, I think some of the currently intimidated pilots would try pattern and maybe stay around.  No way to know for certain.  I would certainly welcome any additional thoughts you have.

  Regards,

  Dave
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