[NSRCA-discussion] The Pilot
rcmaster199 at aol.com
rcmaster199 at aol.com
Thu Apr 6 09:30:51 AKDT 2006
Consider what Dave Guerin's brain child (The Primer/Contest last week in SC) included:
Plan the event to bring in Sportsman and Intermediate pilots, and really anyone who needed assistance with anything specific, at least for Saturday, and go over the basics of flight set-up and flight trim in a classroom environment
Invite long term pattern modelers with proven records to serve as instructors/coaches
After classroom and discussion of fine points, have the coaches and students go over the models--engine tuning, radio set-up, etc
Have students fly their models with the coaches at their side. One day of such coaching may not necessarily improve someone's skill overnight to the point of being a Champion, but it sure helped.
Have students fly critiqued flights and have immediate feedback on flaws observed, by competent judges
Finally, create a carnival environment, BBQ a pig, and add lots of camaraderie.
Fly a 2 round contest on Sunday.
Voila!
Next steps would be up to other prominent modelers to do something similar in their respective parts of the country. This was great approach and as more leaders get involved, the word will get around.
It beats the hell out of just talking about it to this captive audience. Marketing our wares to a more general modeling public is just around the corner, it seems to me.
Matt
-----Original Message-----
From: Earl Haury <ehaury at houston.rr.com>
To: NSRCA Mailing List <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
Sent: Tue, 4 Apr 2006 11:32:16 -0500
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] The Pilot
I agree with Dave - pattern is competition, for many competition against ourselves to improve - rather than other competitors.
Pattern growth (lack of) and promotion have been hashed and re-hashed. Possibly our focus is too narrow, most "plans" revolve around recruiting other modelers (that have chosen a path), rather than folks without predefined commitments. The name "Pattern" is poorly descriptive, grown folks playing with "model airplanes" also suggests something amiss!
Having competed in marathons (tens of thousands of folks working very hard for months to punish themselves by running for a few hours) and triathlon (same - with mega dollar bikes), I don't believe it's the work or the money or the competition. I think it's likely the overall image. We can't speak about our sport to "civilians" without a long description (and maybe a feeling for an alibi). The trick is to make it kool! What we do is fine - presenting it isn't. I look to my initial motivation - my interest was in doing neat precise maneuvers with an R/C airplane - I learned to fly for this specific purpose - competition was / is just a measure of progress.
I certainly don't have all (any?) of the answers. A name change might help. Posting individual maneuver scores (avg.) in real time so that spectators can connect with what's going on might help. Commentary for spectators might help. I suspect many might object to even these changes as too provocative. Fine - come up with a better idea. Eric is right in that we should explore this topic (or be quiet and satisfied with the status quo).
Earl
----- Original Message -----
From: DaveL322 at comcast.net
To: NSRCA Mailing List
Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2006 10:47 AM
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
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Grow Pattern" <pattern4u at comcast.net>
Let' not forget that this is a discussion list, by name and by definition, so please don't be discouraged by Mat's and similar e-mails, below. Just tell us what you think, it will encourage others to contribute their ideas.
The idea of creating an NSRCA discussion-list, based upon the original Eskimo-list, was to tap into the great pool of pattern knowledge and openly discuss ideas and issues. In particular share technical tips and product news etc. Unfortunately we sometimes slip into the behavior of the poor-taste ads seen these days in political campaigns. I am not immune from making this mistake, and I know how easy it is to fall into the trap.
Please keep contributing your creative thoughts and don't allow yourself to be engineered out of the game.
Regards,
Eric.
----- Original Message -----
From: rcmaster199 at aol.com
To: nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 11:52 PM
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] The Pilot
Indeed Ed! Do you guys REALLY think that the first guy who placed just behind all the "Sponsored" pilots and has just be awarded 1st Place of the AlsoRans believes he came in first??
Let me add....Give us all a break and deliver us from.....email. Pure, unadulterated Bovine Skat. Actually I wouldn't mind a little Ice Cream after the movie as long as I get to wear my beenie cap
Matt
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Alt <ed_alt at hotmail.com>
To: patternrules at earthlink.net; NSRCA Mailing List <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
Sent: Mon, 3 Apr 2006 23:36:11 -0400
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] The Pilot
I didn't know we had such a big issue re. sponsored Intermediate/Advanced
guys beating up on everyone else. C'mon guys, this is starting to sound
like what they've done to Tee-Ball. There's no losers, you're all winners.
No red ink when grading Johnnie's test in school either, it might hurt his
self esteem. Aaaarggh!
I have the answer. The CD should take ALL the flyers out for ice cream
after the contest.
Ed
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steven Maxwell" <patternrules at earthlink.net>
To: "NSRCA Mailing List" <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 11:24 PM
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] The Pilot
> Now that's not a bad idea Eric, plagues aren't that much and if they place
> that high will probably only be once, they'll probably get sponsors after
> that.
>
> Steven Maxwell
>
>
>
>
>> [Original Message]
>> From: Grow Pattern <pattern4u at comcast.net>
>> To: NSRCA Mailing List <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
>> Date: 4/3/2006 10:38:33 PM
>> Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] The Pilot
>>
>> BTW - in my original postings I was only leading to suggesting the
> thought
>> that the winners who are not sponsored should be recognized within a
> class
>> and or given their own "highest amateur award, or something like that.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Eric.
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "White, Chris" <chris at ssd.fsi.com>
>> To: "NSRCA Mailing List" <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
>> Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 2:54 PM
>> Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] The Pilot
>>
>>
>> >I wish to offend no one, but wanted to give another perspective.
>> >
>> > I'm SURE that sponsorship is an advantage....but it is still up to the
>> > pilot to get out there and practice with determination and the intent
>> > to
>> > be the best he can be. Yeah, I wish I didn't have to risk so much
>> > money
>> > every time that bird goes in the air. But, sponsorship probably doesn't
>> > buy personal satisfaction for many. We are all trying to be the best
>> > we
>> > can even if our funds or participation is limited. We are striving for
>> > that perfect flight, for equipment that is reliable, for airplanes that
>> > keep getting better, for friendships that grow & grow. We could
>> > probably
>> > spend far less money and buy trophies or plaques...but the real value
>> > in
>> > competition is FUN....FUN....FUN. It doesn't seem to matter where I've
>> > been...I've had a great time and everyone helps everyone get their
>> > rounds in...even if they know that pilot could beat them out of that
>> > round. Never have I seen so many good people, trying so hard to become
>> > their personal best no matter what their interest in competition. Some
>> > guys are striving to be the best pilots, best designers, best builders,
>> > best innovators...but mainly they are trying to see that competition
>> > flying stays healthy and will do their dead-level best to promote
>> > anyone
>> > to their best. I haven't flown with anyone I didn't like, admire or
>> > respect in one way or another. Sponsors...please keep sponsoring...may
>> > you sell tons of stuff and may the sport live on and prosper. Thanks
>> > to
>> > anyone who encourages another...that is what makes the sport grow. I've
>> > been blessed to see few sour grapes....most of the guys are just glad
>> > to
>> > spend a weekend flying their best with friends, family and new
>> > acquaintances.
>> >
>> > To all the sponsored guys....thanks for your promotion, hard work, and
>> > for showing us your skills. I love to watch good flying regardless of
>> > who's doing it, or how many advantages they may have...more power to
>> > you! I was fortunate enough to spend a nats next door to Quique and
>> > his
>> > family. I caught Quique at his van checking equipment, as I was doing,
>> > and we talked for a while. I discovered that this great pilot loves
>> > all
>> > this stuff just like I do.... You top guys just keep flying pretty and
>> > we'll always have something to aim for....:) Oh, and along the
>> > way...thanks for the show!
>> >
>> > "It's not the destination, It's the Journey" (What makes the journey
>> > worthwhile?)
>> >
>> > In any case, I wish to participate to any degree that I can. Sometimes
>> > when I'm practicing I see something come together really well and it
>> > makes me feel precise..and I'm like: "Yeah baby"....that's why I like
>> > to
>> > fly pattern!
>> >
>> > Chris
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > -----Original Message-----
>> > From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
>> > [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Michael
>> > Wickizer
>> > Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 12:49 PM
>> > To: nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
>> > Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] The Pilot
>> >
>> > How many pilots in Intermediate and Advanced have an advantage due to
>> > sponsorship?
>> >
>> >
>> >>From: "Del K. Rykert" <drykert2 at rochester.rr.com>
>> >>Reply-To: NSRCA Mailing List <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
>> >>To: "NSRCA Mailing List" <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
>> >>Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] The Pilot
>> >>Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2006 11:42:13 -0400
>> >>
>> >>Sponsorship does have negative aspects also Nat. Well true, that the
>> >>majority of sponsored pilots have garnered their sponsorship through
>> > their
>> >>genuine ability this has not always been the case. Sponsorship, can
>> > give
>> >>some pilots, if all other things are equal regarding skill an
>> > advantage. Is
>> >>very similar to the argument that it is not the equipment... BUT the
>> > skill
>> >>of the pilot that is truly the difference. The truth is better
>> > equipment,
>> >>whether obtained through ones own pockets that may be deeper than
>> > others or
>> >>through sponsorship does make the workload less for the competitive
>> > pilot
>> >>so they can focus more of their energy on improving their skills. The
>> >>disadvantaged always have a harder time overcoming obstacles that money
>> > or
>> >>sponsorship does allow. IMHO.
>> >> The raw numbers of competitors is low enough without making a new
>> >>group of sponsored pilots. But it might help if sponsored pilots were
>> > only
>> >>allowed in the Masters & FAI classes if there ever was a need to
>> > address
>> >>the issue.
>> >>
>> >> Del
>> >> nsrca - 473
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> ----- Original Message -----
>> >> From: Nat Penton
>> >> To: NSRCA Mailing List
>> >> Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2006 5:29 PM
>> >> Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] The Pilot
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> The sponsored pilot received his sponsorship because of his skill
>> > and
>> >>dedication. He did not gain competitive advantage due to the
>> > sponsorship.
>> >>It is a priviledge and opportunity to be able to fly alongside this
>> > talent
>> >>and partake of their skills and knowledge. It is one aspect of the
>> > hobby
>> >>for which I am most appreciative.
>> >>
>> >> There have been infrequent critizisms thru the years wanting to put
>> > the
>> >>sponsored pilot in a separate group. Maybe "sour grapes" should just
>> > work a
>> >>little harder.
>> >> Nat Penton
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>-----------------------------------------------------------------------
>> > -------
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> No virus found in this outgoing message.
>> >> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
>> >> Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.3.3/296 - Release Date:
>> > 3/29/2006
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>-----------------------------------------------------------------------
>> > -------
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> _______________________________________________
>> >> NSRCA-discussion mailing list
>> >> NSRCA-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
>> >> http://lists.nsrca.org/mailman/listinfo/nsrca-discussion
>> >
>> >
>> >>_______________________________________________
>> >>NSRCA-discussion mailing list
>> >>NSRCA-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
>> >>http://lists.nsrca.org/mailman/listinfo/nsrca-discussion
>> >
>> >
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > NSRCA-discussion mailing list
>> > NSRCA-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
>> > http://lists.nsrca.org/mailman/listinfo/nsrca-discussion
>> >
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > NSRCA-discussion mailing list
>> > NSRCA-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
>> > http://lists.nsrca.org/mailman/listinfo/nsrca-discussion
>> >
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NSRCA-discussion mailing list
>> NSRCA-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
>> http://lists.nsrca.org/mailman/listinfo/nsrca-discussion
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NSRCA-discussion mailing list
> NSRCA-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
> http://lists.nsrca.org/mailman/listinfo/nsrca-discussion
>
_______________________________________________
NSRCA-discussion mailing list
NSRCA-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
http://lists.nsrca.org/mailman/listinfo/nsrca-discussion
_______________________________________________
NSRCA-discussion mailing list
NSRCA-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
http://lists.nsrca.org/mailman/listinfo/nsrca-discussion
_______________________________________________
NSRCA-discussion mailing list
NSRCA-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
http://lists.nsrca.org/mailman/listinfo/nsrca-discussion
_______________________________________________
NSRCA-discussion mailing list
NSRCA-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
http://lists.nsrca.org/mailman/listinfo/nsrca-discussion
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://lists.nsrca.org/pipermail/nsrca-discussion/attachments/20060406/8c045e96/attachment-0001.html
More information about the NSRCA-discussion
mailing list