[NSRCA-discussion] Arm Chair pilot....

Wed Dec 27 17:10:54 AKST 2006

Well said Lance. Also, I don't think earlier contest postings  serve a purpose. If a particular contest has been on docket several years you can expect it to be scheduled on or about the same date next year.

The cold weather must create a  strain. I suggest a simulator or new wife or <G>  ...           Nat                          

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Lance Van Nostrand 
  To: NSRCA Mailing List 
  Sent: Wednesday, December 27, 2006 6:47 PM
  Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Arm Chair pilot....

  Del,
  Pattern interest ebbs and flows.  3 years ago the only Oklahoman attending contests was Bob Pastorello.  Now he is out of pattern but the Tulsa club has grown to contain 9 pattern guys, 5 of which travel to contests.  Go back 5 years and the same is said of Houston.  In D6 we have more CDs that want contests than can fit.  We just got a new one in El Paso, which is pretty far from everything, but growth in that area for pattern is amazing.  I've been sad to see diminished interest in Colorado, but it is more than compensated for in other areas of my district.  I could go on, but won't.  

  Point is that the "big picture", as you refer to it, is not that clear.  There are new contests in D5 and D3 is on a roll.  I'm finding too many people that attend contests but don't join the nsrca, so membership is not an accurate indication of pattern interest.  With 10 contests locally all attracting 25-35 pilots I think D6 is healthy as it is in other areas.  I recognize that just as some areas grow, others shrink.  Also, there is a critical mass that requires a few energetic people to create the soul of an area and a little luck in finding converts.  I've seen pattern voids turn to pattern centers in 2 years.  

  YOu might just toss my comments in with the rest of the polyannas but I wanted to offer my comments because from my perspective we have challenges to work on, but the battle rages on and is far from lost.

  --Lance

    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Del K. Rykert 
    To: NSRCA Mailing List 
    Sent: Wednesday, December 27, 2006 6:20 PM
    Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Arm Chair pilot....

    Rex..
        What I meant by an armchair pilot is I have not flown my planes in 3 years..  Thus have not competed at all in that time. The last 3 years I subscribed to support this SIG and try to stay in the loop in case I returned to competition. In my area which had 7 and 8 contests per year I could easily travel to and compete in has dwindled to 2 or 3 at best. Some sites that used to allow on site camping now don't.  
        I am disturbed some of the powers that have been elected are in denial there is or has been a continuous and steady decline.  Some have even been putting in print that pattern is well and growing.  Well excuse me..  But quit micro managing and look at the big picture folks.  If the numbers are to be accepted and believed the undeniable fact is pattern is still and continues in a decline. Many factors contribute to this decline. 
        I am not against the raising of the dues $10.00.  It does bother me the way it was announced and at the last minute. That information should have been in print in the K-Factor in Septembers issue and printed on the renewal forms. These factors all contribute to make the straw I mentioned in my 1st post on this thread. 

                     Del 
              nsrca - 473
             AMA - 8928
            kb2joi - General  

    ----- Original Message ----- 
      From: Rex LESHER 
      To: NSRCA Mailing List 
      Sent: Wednesday, December 27, 2006 4:19 PM
      Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] What the NSRCA does (and could do) for me

      None of this is a big deal to me....  I spent the equivalment of the 25% dues raise on breakfast this morning,including the tip...
      I'm a little at a loss on the meaning of "armchair pilot"....  Does that mean that you don't fly contests?  If so, that would mean that
      you pay your dues just to get the Kfactor, and sort of stay in the loop.  That would also indicate that none of rules, changes in sequences,
      or anything the least bit important to an active pattern flyer would have any affect on you....
      Here in D8, pattern is alive and well.  Considering our weather, and geographical locations for contests, we do pretty well, and I haven't heard any real complaints....  We draw a lot of flyers from Canada and California to help fill in the ranks at contests.  Growth is small, but we are seeing a steady, slight increase in numbers.  That's just the way it is!!!  
      Now, there's absolutely nothing wrong with being an "armchair pilot", I'm just having a problem with understanding your complaint...  I spend thousands of dollars on planes, and around $500 per contest on travel expenses.  If I go to the Nats, that's about 6000 miles, and two weeks of
      time and money...  $10 extra for helping the hobby I hold so dear is sort of like the time I lose out of my life during a sneeze!!!!
      Look at it this way, pay the ten extra bucks, it allows you to complain on the list...  It also gives people like me the opportunity to jump on it like a rabid dog!!!
      I, for one, am very supportive of all the people that have always donated their time and efforts towards running the NSRCA....  They are taking time out of their lives to make "our" lives a little better.  They actually do have our best interests at heart, and if all they are asking for is $10 dollars extra a year, I'm not going to question it.  If I do, I better be prepared to jump in and help....    For what it's worth.

      Rex Lesher
        ----- Original Message ----- 
        From: Del K. Rykert 
        To: NSRCA Mailing List 
        Sent: Wednesday, December 27, 2006 10:39 AM
        Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] What the NSRCA does (and could do) for me

            Even with all the ingenious ideas, membership, pattern attendance and 
        contests have shrunk the last few years. It would also seem time to trim the 
        budget and some line items in the organization.  I would think the majority 
        of members would prefer at least a 2 or 3 month notice that a dues increase 
        was coming. Was it only decided by the board in December to raise the dues? 
        This last minute notification gives some the impression no one is minding 
        the store.
            A 25% dues increase is a big jump. This armchair pilot says it is the 
        final straw.

                             Del
                  nsrca - 473

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