Growing pattern

Fri Nov 18 04:31:08 AKST 2005

Ed, you are right on.  I think there are tons of small seemingly
insignificant times when we could expose people to pattern and the joy
in learning the skills needed to fly it.  Notice I did not say compete.
There are those out there and I fully understand this who don't want
their hobby to be a means of competition so I try to get them to just
learn to fly the maneuvers to gain the feel for precision in their
flying.

I too monitor RCU and in basic help questions I try to respond but I am
fairly new to pattern, 3rd year but still learning equipment and yes, I
am developing some strong opinions about setups.  Who would have thought
that?

As for what I can do, I wouldn't mind being the accumulator of info.
Someone sent me an email and the question was asked... is this for
technical help or to recruit.  I would like to see the video as a
recruiting tool.

How many hobby shops do you see with vcrs and dvd players now?

I think we should give this a try.  If you have any inflight video that
would be great. We could even post on the NSRCA website downloadable
planes for G2 sim and the Aerofly Pro sim??  Just a thought.

Thanks for any input.

Chuck Hochhalter

-----Original Message-----
From: discussion-request at nsrca.org [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org]
On Behalf Of Ed Alt
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2005 4:19 AM
To: discussion at nsrca.org
Subject: RE: Growing pattern

So Chuck, what do you plan on doing after this email post of yours?  I'm

away on business travel this week and only have a few minutes a day to 
monitor the list and have been patiently watching for something more to
pop 
up regarding this topic, so thanks for that.  I feel strongly about the
need 
to do several positive things to grow Pattern.  I have some definite
ideas 
and suggestions for our D1 VP to consider, as well as the rest of the
NSRCA 
leadership.  For example, designate a small team per region to monitor 
forums such as RCU to see who is asking aerobatics related questions
that 
may deserve answers from the Pattern community.

I try to do this in both the Pattern and IMAC forums.  Every week or two
on 
average there is someone asking a question or posting a response in the
IMAC 
forum who just might be a real Pattern candidate, if only they were a
little 
better informed.  So I try to inform them with what I have learned so
far.  
It's usually very basic stuff too.  Guys are always asking things like
"Gee, 
I  still have this (fill in the blanks) 70 inch wingspan thing" that
fits 
into what could be flown in Pattern Sportsman or IMAC Basic.  The post 
always contains basic bio info such as where they are from, so I go to 
Mapquest and then to the D1 website and give them an answer which
includes 
things like what contests there are in D1 that they can reach out and
touch 
easily.  I also tell them something about the IMAC contests that still
exist 
(yes, they are on the DECLINE in the NE as Pattern is simultaneously
GROWING 
in D1).  Everything I give them is 100% factual based on what I know
about 
IMAC history in my region (I used to be the IMAC NE Regional Director)
and 
is based on the last contest season for both IMAC and Pattern as a 
reasonable point of reference.

Chuck, we aren't likely to get more than a handful of responses on the
list 
that aren't meant to tickle the funny bone and make fun of the topic.
I'm a 
little disappointed too.  So I suggest that you and the other few who
might 
have a similar interest just grab your district VP by the collarbone and

yank.  Get your ideas directly into their ear and insist on active 
participation and results.  I think that our district VP is of a similar

mindset and there probably isn't going to be much to block progress with
him 
by brainstorming and taking initiative, other than the normal pressures
we 
all have in our daily lives.  Put some pressure on your leadership to 
actually do something if they aren't already.  That's where delegation
of 
responsibility comes in if they are too busy to do it all themselves,
which 
is totally understandable.  Inaction, however, isn't forgiveable..  If
you 
really care about this and think it's a real problem, then please do
more 
than simply complain to this email list, because it will take more than
that 
for real results.

Regards,
Ed

>From: Chuck Hochhalter <chochhalter at direcway.com>
>Reply-To: discussion at nsrca.org
>To: discussion at nsrca.org
>Subject: Growing pattern
>Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2005 20:34:47 -0600
>
>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!
>
>This really pisses me off that so many people can get on the list, say
>what all the problems with pattern, the NSRCA, the AMA and other
members
>and don't do crap about trying to be part of the solution or contribute
>more than just their opinions.
>
>The same thing happened with the "vote" on the list response method
(btw
>thanks for fixing it imo).  There was a flurry of opinions then
nothing.
>(not taking a shot at the moderator, I appreciate your hard work) but
>then there was silence till one lone person mentioned it, then another
>flurry.
>
>Didn't I hear something about the NATS possibly traveling again?  Wow ,
>what  a worthwhile topic for people to be involved in as this would be
a
>great way to spread pattern and expose it to others rather than just
>bringing the pattern community to one "overexposed" so to speak spot.
>
>How about the idea to do a combined event with IMAC, this would
possibly
>convert or "cross-train" some IMAC pilots?
>
>I just don't see why it seems the only good that comes from this list
is
>when people have equipment needs.. what about our sanctioning body and
>our sport.
>
>Sorry to ramble but it just doesn't make any sense. Do we not have the
>organization to address these issues?  What is the purpose of the NSRCA
>then?
>
>
>Section 2 - Purpose of the Society
>a. Act as a focal point for rules development and progression. Gather
>intelligence from the AMA precision aerobatics community to provide the
>basis for AMA rules change proposals
>b. Promote precision aerobatics in the general R/C community by
>providing leadership in all of the objectives of the society.  .
>c. Enhance model precision aerobatics as a recognized sport.
>d. Develop and provide high standards in judging for competitions and
>provide qualifications and achievement recognition for judges.
>
>Anyone notice E.  what is being done to accomplish this and the other
>purposes of our "society"?
>
>
>Chuck Hochhalter
>
>I skipped the flame suit and went straight for a bunker.
>

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