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

[Rcmaster199 at aol.com]

Since moving to the NE, I managed to attend 1 full blown contest primarily 
due to business commitments. There were several on the docket but that's all I 
could attend. 

However, earlier in the season, I attended and assisted in 3 primers. I'd 
like to think that the fellows attending got something out of the primers, even 
if they never attend a full blown contest again. If they never attend, was the 
effort in vain?? I think not. I see long time pattern guys making continuous 
efforts along similar lines, mentoring new guys. The K-Factor is often a key 
ingredient.

Is there a decline? Perhaps there is, at least somewhat, here in NE anyway. 
But considering the problems we have had finding, obtaining the rights to and 
maintaining a decent flying site, I understand perfectly why the problems may 
exist, here in NE. My club field for example is year to year and it's doubtful 
we could ever host an event due to the uncertainty.

We have a bunch of high level, dedicated pattern people in the NE. Although 
the present state of pattern here may not show it, I believe that seeds are 
being sown for the future.

When I was D3 VP a couple years back,  I saw first hand a resurgence of 
sorts, adding a couple new meets and we even had Tangerine making an initial bid 
for a comeback, and it worked. I was pleased to hear from the guys that this 
year's Tangerine was successful. That's all great stuff. 

I think we should be looking at the national scene rather than our own back 
yard in this case. It would be naive to view it through rose colored glasses 
but we shouldn't let astigmatism rule either

Happy New Year everybody

MattK

In a message dated 12/27/2006 7:22:11 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
drykert2 at rochester.rr.com writes:
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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