Motivation. . . .

[MargueriteVG at aol.com]

    Hi Kieth   

A very Interesting question. We have all asked that question many times I am 
sure.

Why do we travel to events? Why do we travel hours and hours in the early 
morning hours.
Travel back late and exhausted from the days actives?

  Why do we spend so much money just to fly at a contest?  Why do we miss 
weekend club events just to travel to a pattern contest?

 Why do we miss family events just to travel to an empty piece of flying land 
with a pack of pilots taking turns flying in 100 degree sun?

 Why am I not HOME, sitting in the sun near my pool? I have to be honest and 
admit I do ask myself these questions once in a while also.

. Why do we wait it out in heavy rain?
  There we are standing under a tent with rain storms and winds. Holding down 
tarps over our expensive planes walking in the mud to go fly the last round. 
The bugs are out and all we want to do is get into dry clothes. Why?
 I have asked myself many times at contest and practice sessions just that 
What am I doing here?  

I do not really know except I enjoy flying pattern and it is worth all the 
effort and sacrifice it takes to keep flying  pattern.  I practice with a 
contest in site. It helps me stay focused on my goals. 

There is nothing like flying a sequence at a contest.  I have always been 
able to fly better at an event then in practice. Not that I practice as I should! 
 I have had great flights and not so great. They have always been worth the 
trip to the contest.
However contest for me have always been the reason I study and try to perfect 
my flying skills.  I must have my planes in flying condition and radios 
trimmed and set up.  

THE BEST part is the pilots at the events help with any problems or questions 
we have with new airplanes and radios. We have the best pilots in one small 
patch of pattern land!  Lots of expert advice.

Friends and pattern are one word in my book. I have made lifetime friends 
from our contest. I see that for many at our contest.
 I notice the pattern pilots welcome the new pilots at contest and coach and 
help them through the day. You know that pilot will return to the next  
contest its great!


I only wish I had more time to attend our events. I became a Contest Director 
17  years ago and helped CD pattern events for my club.  I always try and 
help promote many events and contest.  I try and give back to the hobby as much 
as I can. 

 Contest are not just for the pilots flying. I have seen pilots drive to an 
event with an unfinished pattern plane just to seek advice on there project. 
Some pilots come out to judge and help and enjoy the day.

Contest are fun and rewarding in many ways not just at the award ceremony. 
YES it is worth the trip and expense. So pack the car and have fun!
See you all at a contest   
Marguerite Gargiulo
NSRCA   Intermediate Pilot


n a message dated 6/2/2005 9:09:42 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
khoard at midsouth.rr.com writes:
 
I guess what I’m trying to get here is: What gets you to go to a contest 5-8 
hours away vs. spending the weekend at your local field or just driving to 
visit your flying friends at their local field?
 
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