Pattern Box Rules (discussion)

[vicenterc at comcast.net]

IMAC changed to 90 degree box this year.    

Vince

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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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