Pattern Box Rules (discussion)

[brianyemail-nsrca at yahoo.com]

Was the box adopted with the intent of replicating the
TO box FAI presented at the time?


--- BUDDYonRC at aol.com wrote:

>  
> 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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