[NSRCA-discussion] The Pilot

[Ken Thompson]

I've read most of the replies in this discussion thread.  I'm sure my take on this subject has been stated before, but I'm going to give it any way.

These pilots are not winning because they are sponsored, they are sponsored because they are winning.  I don't see that fact as a detriment to the pilot that pays his own way, nor do I see this as a reason to add expense to local contests by giving out additional plaques.

I, for one, will never be good enough to get a sponsorship, I know that fact, and am ok with it.  I will go out and do my best, practice when I can, and have a ball!  

If I can't afford the best of the best, it's ok, I'll fly what I can afford.  I happen to have a very good plane this year, however, it's only because Mark gave me a great deal on his El Nino that I have a great plane.  If it was necessary, I would still be flying my LA-2, and I would be ok with that, because I would still be having fun.

The only way that I see a sponsorship as a HUGE advantage is if it entailed fuel.  That would be nice, but again, if I couldn't afford YS 20/20 or DZ, I would be running a ST-2300, cheap fuel and a lot of power for the money.

Some things I will be doing this year are as follows, 

1.  Practicing as much as I can.
2.  Learning every chance I get.
3.  Having fun.

Something I will not be doing this year,

1.  Worrying about the fact that I'm not sponsered.

Ken Thompson
D4

    
    -----Original Message-----
    From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org]On Behalf Of DaveL322 at comcast.net
    Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2006 11:47 AM
    To: NSRCA Mailing List
    Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] The Pilot


    Recently, in the US, the idea that "we are all winners" and everyone should be awarded for participating and trying hard in competive environments has been propagated in many areas.

    There is no doubt that we could easily create enough categories (Jr, Sr, Open, unsponsored, over 60, most improved, etc) such that everyone could be a winner at every pattern contest.

    The take away I saw from the emails from Ed and Matt was pretty simple - pattern competition is just that - competition.  And all competitions traditionally recognize the top finisher, or the top 3, or top 10%, with awards/trophies/etc.  I'm with Ed and Matt - I like the award system in pattern the way it is, just my opinion.  Promoting pattern and encouraging growth/participation are a separate issue with many avenues available outside of awards/trophies/etc, again, just my opinion.

    Regards,

    Dave Lockhart
    DaveL322 at comcast.net






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