[NSRCA-discussion] [Fwd: Proposal]

Wed Aug 22 20:12:54 AKDT 2007

John

I'll jump right in and comment on what you propose.... 

Revive the practice of assigning mentors to Sportsman and Intermediate flyers

We have been doing this all along, here in District 8.  I would 
hope that this is happening in all districts.  It's the best thing
we can do as a group, to help the newer/inexperienced pilots...

Create a National Database for Pattern

This is an interesting idea...  Not sure that I would really keep track
of where I stand, but I'm sure quite a few pilots would be interested
in this.   The only concern would be getting someone to take care of
this...   I do like the idea of having to be part of the NSRCA  to  see it.
That would create leverage towards joining...   You are correct in the 
fact that a lot of different data could be generated from this....

Redirect the focus to our international team competition through modification of the advancement system

I don't care for the idea that Masters gets thrown into the advancement program.
There are too many variables that pertain to the ability for all to fly FAI.
I like the idea of Masters being a destination class and the ability to move back 
and forth between any AMA class and FAI at will...
Here in the NW, I could see where it would be necessary to switch a few pilots back and forth
between Masters and FAI just to facilitate the ability to run a contest with enough judges...
Also, if forcing an advancement of Masters pilots to FAI is a way of taking care of the "Bulge" of 
pilots flying in that class, all it would really do is create a "Bulge" in FAI.  Or, pilots that have 
pointed out in Masters would quit....
The idea that there are two "destination" classes is appealing as it allows room at the top for expansion without
forcing anyone UP or OUT....  there's no other way to go!

Most of all, I'd like to take a moment and thank you for taking the time to share your ideas, and 
make them available for comment.  I hope that you don't feel that I am attacking you or your
ideas in any way...   I really like the fact that you thought about what you wanted to say and 
presented them in a fashion as to show your intentions....
None of this is easy, as changing one thing can have adverse effects on other aspects if not
carefully thought through.     

Rex Lesher

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: John Gayer<mailto:jgghome at comcast.net> 
  To: NSRCA Mailing List<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> 
  Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 5:12 PM
  Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] [Fwd: Proposal]

  I'd like to present three proposals that might appeal to a few if not the many....
  Modified from the original proposal . Apparently not many saw it. The first one has been added 
  Comments?
  John
  NSRCA 632

  Revive the practice of assigning mentors to Sportsman and Intermediate flyers

  At contests, assign an experienced competitor to mentor, call and advise the Sportsman/ Intermediate flyers. This is nothing new, but should be a part of every contest. We should try to provide a connection that will last past the contest.
  As I see it, there are four issues that drasticaly affect the ability of these flyers to compete effectively: aircraft trimming, execessive throws, wings level and centering(also known as flying the airplane, not letting the airplane fly you).
  These flyers have shown the initiative to come out and compete. We owe them (and ourselves) all the help we can throw at them. 

  Create a National Database for Pattern

  The database must contain the raw scores of all flights for all competitors by class. The only thing normalized scores are good for is finding the right  finish order for each class at a contest. Raw scores are much better for comparing results even at a contest. For example I finish round one with a 930 and round two with a 985, both to competitor A. Now did I fly a lot better in round two(I thought I did)  or did competitor A flop a stall turn in the figure M in round 2.
  Anyway once you have the raw scores by competitor and class, you can do the following:

    1.. Create a National Ranking for each class based on average points per maneuver. Once this is in place and on line, we will have a reason for pattern competitors to join NSRCA. you can't tell me that there wouldn't be a lot of interest in seeing who is hot around the country and how you stack up against the competition. I know, the judging isn't always equal but that's always been true and we have to live with it. 

    2.. The data available on each competitor would include contests entered, placing, advance points earned. The districts could extract whatever data is required to ascertain the district champions. We could archive previous years as well. 
    3.. Other ways to specify advancement in class become available, percentage of average FAI score, even eventually moving the 10 top-rated pilots up a class. Possibilities are endless when you have the data.

  Since the database would only be open to NSRCA members, if you want to track your National standing, joining NSRCA would be a must. If you want to see what the guy nobody heard of that just rolled in from out of district has accomplished, look him up. We've been looking for reasons  to join NSRCA, I feel this is one that could be big and would be worth some investment in time and money. I would be willing to help with such a project although I don't feel like I could take it on by myself.

  Redirect the focus to our international team competition through modification of the advancement system

    1.. Modify the advancement process to be consistent through all classes from Sportsman through to F3A. See section two for possible advancement criteria 
    2.. Advancement can be forced by the advancement criteria(see section 2) or voluntary.

    3.. The first year in a new and higher class is an option year. At the end of the option year you can downselect one class for any reason. 
  This has the advantage of being able to try out the higher class for a year without committing your entire pattern career. If you discover that the next class is beyond your means( time, money or talent) then you option down the following year. If you absolutely refuse to fly your new class, then perhaps you could use the time and money to reintroduce your self to your wife, girlfriend, etc. If you need a goal for the year, focus on making your rudder commands instinctive, learn to fly a helicopter, learn to fly rolling circles. You would probably come back a better pattern flyer than when you left.

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