Pattern Box Rules (discussion)

[BUDDYonRC at aol.com]

As a member of the rules change committee I am trying to determine if there  
is interest in pursuing this matter and welcome a discussion and  suggestions 
regarding this issue
I have outlined some of the issues and suggestions pertaining to  this below 
and welcome your opinions.
 
 
The pattern box was added to the AMA rules when the  turnaround method of  
Presentation and scoring was initiated. It defines the  limited scoring area 
where all maneuvers must be performed. 
The purpose of the box is to provide a uniform but somewhat  flexible area of 
presentation that allows the pilot the opportunity to tailor  his 
presentation to the requirements of the pattern being flown, and allow  judges to score 
his presentation on an equitable basis when compared to the  presentations of 
other pilots flying the sequence. 
The rules provide for specific score penalties for  performing any maneuver 
either out of the box or partially out of the box,  making it all important 
that all box violations are downgraded the same by all  judges to provide the 
correct score earned. 
Over the years the failure of judges to provide a uniform  application of box 
violations has resulted in an unfair advantage to some pilots  and a 
disadvantage to others. 
In many cases box line poles are not  or cannot be provided to give the pilot 
or judge the visual reference necessary  which becomes the primary reason 
among others that this condition continues to  exist.   
In addition to the above the present box configuration  increases the 
possibility of a midair collision when two flight lines are used  because many pilots 
strive to utilize the same optimum distance out in their  presentation. 
By reconfiguring the box more area  will be available for those who wish to 
fly in closer with out fear of box  violation downgrades, this will also allow 
those who experience vision  difficulties at greater distances the possibly to 
be more competitive       
In order to provide a method that will  more nearly insure equity to all 
participants and simplify the task of judges,  while possibly reducing the 
occurrences of midair collision, and also encourage  those with limited eyesight at 
the greater distances to participate, It has  been suggested that a rules 
change be requested to modify the pattern  box layout and redefine the box boundary 
infringement  penalty. 
One suggestion was to revise the box size by changing  the box line from 
Sixty (60) degrees to Seventy-five (75) degrees. And adopt a  uniform system of 
accessing penalties similar to the FAI rule or to the  method used in IMAC   
Another suggestion which may offer solutions to more of the  inherent 
problems experienced with the present box layout and scoring methods  would be to 
adopt  
A box layout and penalty system as described in the AMA  Scale Aerobatics 
Rules Item 4.1 with modifications to suit pattern. 
Buddy Brammer 

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