[NSRCA-discussion] Pattern is for elitist snobs?

Sat Aug 25 07:54:17 AKDT 2007

I am new to pattern this year.  I got into it because I liked the smooth
precision flying I saw at the District 4-5 Shootout.  I had never seen
pattern before.  I went to my first contest in Quincy, Ohio a couple of
weeks ago and I have to say I really didn't enjoy it.  It was the
pressure.  I tried to tell myself I was just going out to practice at my
home field but my mind knew better and made me nervous anyway.  I think
as I become comfortable with the Sportsman routine I will enjoy trying
to make it precise instead of just surviving it.  Maybe then, I will try
another contest.

I used several different callers at the contest.  I learned the most
when I had a caller from a higher class.  My problem was when the caller
said start working your way back in, I wanted to say, How do you do
that.  But there is no time to learn while you are flying at a contest.
I know everyone is very busy at a contest either judging or flying.
However, If I could have had one caller from a higher class that would
act as my mentor and review each flight with me, I could have learned a
lot more.

To keep me in pattern, I need a mentor at my home field and that just
isn't available.  Trying to figure out what you are doing wrong on your
own is a very slow way to learn.  I am sure I practice many mistakes
over and over.  I have driven 1:45 away twice to get advice from Steve
Maxwell.  He has been very helpful!  I just wish he was a little closer.

Maybe if I get more comfortable with the Sportsman pattern, I will try
another contest next year.

Ron

-----Original Message-----
From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Ed Alt
Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2007 9:53 AM
To: 'NSRCA Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Pattern is for elitist snobs?

Del, various efforts have been a huge success in D1, in terms of new
membership each year, new and total number of contests each year and
with one exception that you might like to pick on again, very good
contest attendance.  We've even got all-IMAC guys running a new pattern
contest in PA.  Go figure. You're entitled to your own opinion, but you
are not entitled to your own facts.

Do you still have an airplane?  If not, someone will probably lend you
one.  Heck, I will. I'll call maneuvers for you too. There's a pattern
primer in Staten Island tomorrow.  There's another contest in New
Hampshire 9/2.  There's another contest in Jackson, NJ two weeks after
that. Come on out or give it a rest please.  I don't even know what you
look like and I've been to almost every pattern contest in the district
since I started flying pattern in 2004. If you're that unhappy with
things, pick another hobby!

Ed

-----Original Message-----
From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Del K.
Rykert
Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2007 9:36 AM
To: NSRCA Mailing List
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Pattern is for elitist snobs?

I sure can't disagree with any of your post John. All of these things
have been being done for years by some in our part of the country with
varying degrees of success. I used to be able to attend 5 to 7 contest a
year in my area. That has now been reduced for varying reasons to 2
possibly 3. Why?  The answers are varied in each case but the changes
aren't to the good of promotion of the sport. 

Also Unfortunately it doesn't address the casual flyer issue. Maybe the
majority don't care that their mind set and past decisions have driven
many from the sport. I appears that is the case, as repeated action has
proven and no need to further address the causal flyers plight. 

    Del

----- Original Message ----- 

From: John Pavlick <mailto:jpavlick at idseng.com>  

To: NSRCA Discussion <mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>  

Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2007 12:29 AM

Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] Pattern is for elitist snobs?

Since we're trying to figure out what we need to change so that more
people will fly Pattern, I'd like to share some ideas with everyone.

As far as I'm concerned, there is really nothing "wrong" with what we're
doing. I don't think rule changes or easier schedules or anything like
that will lure more people into flying Pattern. If you just admit that
not everyone needs (or wants) to become a Pattern pilot, you'll be fine.
The object is to find the people with good flying skills and a
competitive spirit and expose them to Pattern. Here are some things that
I've done that ACTUALLY WORK:

1. Go to the club field with a sport plane or a warbird (leave your
Pattern planes home!) and have fun flying with the clubbies. Chances are
you'll make some new friends. You can try to get them hooked on pattern
later...

2. When you see someone struggling with a motor or having an obvious
trim issue, offer to help. But not in the usual "Let me show you how
it's done" manner. That creates resentment. Instead, say something like:
"Wow, that's the same thing that happened to me! Wanna see how I fixed
it?" Suddenly you're both on the same level. That's a better position to
be in.

3. Go to non-Pattern type club events. A Fun Fly or even a Scale Fly-In
is actually a good way to relax and have fun. That's what we're supposed
to be doing with toy airplanes anyway. Usually you'll meet people who
ask how you learned to fly so well. Of course you know how to answer
that...

4. Become a club flight instructor. This is very rewarding and you can
see who has the potential to fly Pattern before they get distracted by
other interests.

5. Help out with a club event. Don't even fly. If you have to cook
burgers, then do it. In return, ask them to help YOU hold a Pattern
Primer.

OK, there are 5 things that almost anyone can do. I know, because I've
done them all. Yeah it's kinda like "work" but it's not that bad. So far
in the 3 years that I've been flying Pattern, I've gotten 3 more people
to join us (all NSRCA members now). If I can do it, anyone can. The
longest journey begins with the first step...

John Pavlick
http://www.idseng.com

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