Growing pattern

[Ed Alt]

Great post Mike, thanks.  This is the type of enthusiasm and LEADERSHIP that 
we need.  For those that don't follow RCU, Mike is one of the more prolific 
contributors out there, patiently explaining what's what.  There is 
tremendous knowledge out there on this list.  Alot more should be involved 
and following Mike's example.

Ed


>From: "Mike Hester" <kerlock at comcast.net>
>Reply-To: discussion at nsrca.org
>To: <discussion at nsrca.org>
>Subject: Re: Growing pattern
>Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 22:27:41 -0500
>
>That's a good question Chuck. Now here's a few for everyone.
>
>Without exposure, and by that I mean POSITIVE exposure, it's a bit 
>difficult to gain new interest from people outside of competition pattern 
>flying. It can be done, but slowly.
>
>Now what about the people we already have, or the people we USED to have? 
>Have you picked up the phone or sent an email to any previous members you 
>haven't seen in a while? I have, I do it all the time. If you have a hole 
>in the bucket, you will never be able to pour enough new into it to keep it 
>full.
>
>When you're at the local flying field, do you make it a point to fly when 
>there are a lot of people around, or only when it's not so crowded? Let's 
>face it, most of us cringe at the thought of putting our pride and joy up 
>there with a bunch of nuts who can barely make left turns, and have no idea 
>that the left stick moves sideways too. But if you aren't seen a good bit, 
>and make it a point to be seen positively, then you become invisible. So do 
>you do it, or let somebody else take that chance?
>
>Have you talked at least one person into actually attending a contest this 
>year?
>
>Have you taken the time to help anyone with thier flying?
>
>Have you worn your NSRCA attire on common flying days?
>
>Have you sent common flyers to the NSRCA web site?
>
>Have you handed out K-Factors to average people?
>
>Have you actively used internet forums and mailing lists to 
>solicit/advertise for new potentials, and been extremely helpful (even if 
>arguementative)?
>
>Have you taken the time to help someone build and/or properly align an 
>airframe, pattern guy or not?
>
>If/when people mention you are a very good pilot, do you just say "thanks", 
>or do you make it a point to tell them it's because you practice precision 
>aerobatics?
>
>Have you BSed with the locals and told good stories about how much fun it 
>is to compete, going into that last round with only a couple fractions of 
>points between you and the next guy, knowing whoever blinks loses...you 
>know, talk it up.....and make mention that there is no REAL pressure, only 
>as much as you put on yourself....and that most guys in the entry class fly 
>about the same as them, give or take?
>
>How many contests have you attended this last year? If less than 4 and 
>there ARE 4 contests within reasonable driving distance.....why? Was it 
>because you legitimately have a good reason, or because you just didn't go 
>"because"?
>
>Have you volunteered to do anything for the NSRCA lately?
>
>If you can't answer "yes" to all of these, you aren't doing YOUR part. 
>Let's face it, you can't put a gun to someone's head and make them go to a 
>contest. All you can do is lay it out before them, and make it as appealing 
>as possible. Then some will do it, some won't, that's human nature. MOST 
>won't. We have to accept that and work with what we CAN get.
>
>And policy wise, perhaps we should put more emphasis on fixing existing 
>problems to keep the people we already have.
>
>"Ask not what the NSRCA can do for you, but what you can do...." well you 
>get the idea.
>
>-Mike
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Chuck Hochhalter
>   To: discussion at nsrca.org
>   Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2005 9:34 PM
>   Subject: Growing pattern
>
>
>   Well, it appears after a flurry of messages, lots of discussion, 
>realizing a problem..
>
>
>
>
>
>   Again.. there has not been ANYTHING done to try and come up with a 
>slight game plan to help pattern.
>
>
>
>   IT WILL DIE!
>
>
>
>   <<clip>>


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