[NSRCA-discussion] Exper Class??

[seefo at san.rr.com]

The IAC has a system in place to do this as well, where pilots who don't feel competent for the higher class do not have to move up, and can in fact move down if they wish. Granted, they have more than just the loss of an airplane to think about but I think the concept warrants attention from the NSRCA. 

If someone just doesn't feel up to the added difficulty, then they should be allowed to stay. Of course, then the determination needs to be made that someone isn't just staying in a lower class to be a trophy hound, but I wonder how much of a problem that really is in pattern? 

-Doug


---- Derek Koopowitz <derekkoopowitz at gmail.com> wrote: 
> There is a discussion going on the District 7 list at the moment about not
> forcing people to move up a class (using points).  Case in point is a pilot
> that was forced out of Intermediate into Advanced and has crashed 2 Angels
> Shadows due to "pilot error" (he admits it).  He is 67 years old and his
> skill levels just don't warrant him being in Advanced.
> 
> Eric Henderson's last article in Model Aviation about the points system in
> the NSRCA just proves this issue - I'm in full agreement with Eric on this
> and would like to see the points system scrapped.  We definitely need to
> cater to the pattern pilot that is very uncomfortable flying a new class
> (they've pointed out of their current class) and would like to stay put
> until they feel more comfortable.  This can also happen if a new sequence is
> developed for their class and the pilot is uncomfortable flying it as well
> in a contest.  Shouldn't we allow them to move back a class until they feel
> comfortable with the new sequence (as Chris and Mike suggested)?
> 
> I would hate to lose a pilot to pattern (and a long time supporter of
> pattern) because the system forced them to do something that they just
> aren't comfortable with doing.
>