[NSRCA-discussion] Electronic versus Paper K-Factor Poll

[Woodward, Jim (US SSA)]

JN - there is more to the comparison of IMAC/Pattern than the traceable
history to the TOC or available ARF scenario.  I think Jay hit on it
something important other day stating something to the effect that, "...
if you are not in FAI or Masters you are left on your own."  (forgive me
if it wasn't Jay or I misquoted).  Pattern and IMAC are totally
different in many ways and being that I'm involved in the
District/Leadership of each, I'll list a few in no particular order:

1.       Basic, Sportsman, Intermediate in IMAC:  in a 50 person
contest, there are 5 Unlimited, 5 Advanced, and 40 persons spread almost
equally between the lower classes

2.       Sportsman, Intermediate, Advanced in Pattern: In a 20 person
contest, maybe 3-4 FAI, 7-10 Masters, 8-10 spread between lower classes.

3.       R/C Clubs view holding an IMAC Contest as a money-making event.
Not so sure for the pattern event.

4.       Not such a rush to move up in classes in IMAC:  IMAC changes
sequences yearly and has unknowns flown each contest, all classes except
for Basic.  IMAC classes get harder in a hurry.  For instance the
intermediate class will have a 90 degree rolling turn in it and numerous
snaps rolls, also a spin.   There is no mercy on unknowns... sometimes
they are more difficult than the normal sequence, sometimes easier,
sometimes just different.  There is not an expectation that all pilots
will reach the "destination" class.  There is no destination class in
IMAC.  

5.       Piloting differences?  I find the average IMAC pilot is a
fairly high skilled R/C pilot that is learning the precision side of
things. You might watch a OK sequence, but later in the evening see them
throwing it down on the deck in aggressive Freestyle most of us would
dare try.  The Pattern guys grow-up precision and can fly a higher
scoring stall turn and have better sequence-fundamentals (and
positioning), but lack in some of the other R/C roundness.

6.       The IMAC ranks have a lot of guys "who used to fly pattern" in
them.  I've heard it all as to why they stopped flying pattern and here
it is (believe me or not , up to you):

a.       Pattern is too political at the top

b.      Feeling of Topped out - it didn't matter how much I practiced, I
couldn't improve my scores or beat that one guy

c.       Best flights aren't winning rounds

d.      Didn't fit in

e.      These are opinions range from normal pilots, to "top guys" that
only fly IMAC now

7.       Flying/Positioning - I love the pattern way of flying in a box,
with a centerpole - I FREAKIN-HATE the IMAC way of writing sequences
with "sort of left, sort of right" maneuvers.  I understand why it is
done and such, but I'd take the box anyday.  Flying the box in pattern
is its "own-significant-difficulty" which makes the less complex
maneuvers harder to do.  The IMAC way lets them "load-up" each maneuver
into a super-complex deal - very hard to score well I may add too.
However, its all part of the pie.

8.       Winning?  In pattern, a win means you flew the sequences the
best.  This is cool because often you can "beat" a better pilot, by
flying the maneuver you need to know how to do better than the other
guys.  In IMAC, usually the "best" pilots wins, because it is a
combination of flying the known and unknown. 

9.       Planes?  Pattern planes fly the best, but are harder to fly
well.  Pattern planes are less affected by small changes in atmospheric
conditions, or good/bad engine days - IE  -- you almost always have
enough power in a pattern plane regardless of sequence flown.  IMAC  -
totally different.  Humidity (specifically), can DRASTICALLY affect the
speed of your plane.  Power requirements change hugely with
sequence/class changes.  For instance, unlimited need a truly unlimited
power setup.  Not so easy to move up without changing equipment.  A 40%
plane is easier to fly "wings-level", but the judging penalties are 0.5
point per 5 degrees, instead of 1 point per 15 degrees. 

10.   Organizational view on Judging - I don't know what the NSRCA
stance is on judging right now.  In IMAC, there is HUGE $$$ spent on
judging programs, seminars, and creating a national standard for
judging.  How do they do this?  They fly in people from all around the
country for a national-type of judge certification.  These guys then go
forth and carry the message.

a.       Why do they do this?  Because they know that regional
differences and biases, or cheating of any kind, can kill-off an
organization.  They put a huge leadership and organizational priority on
getting judging right.  - if you know me - you know I like that. 

 

So, there are many, many differences between the two.  Personally, I
gravitate towards flying the pattern plane.  However, the "competitive"
factors in IMAC are solid too and given the activity around my neck of
the woods, you can't pass it up.  So what's the point, I guess the point
still is that  the total formula is working for IMAC.  The NSRCA formula
is not.  What can we take from the differences to tune-up our own game?
And regarding the K-factor - in today's economy it is hard to justify
business decisions that don't break even.  

Jim

 

 

From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of J N
Hiller
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 8:48 PM
To: General pattern discussion
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Electronic versus Paper K-Factor Poll

 

IMAC v/s Pattern is almost an apples to oranges comparison. IMAC
popularity can be traced to the TOC and the general appeal of large
colorful high performance readily available aircraft but mostly
visibility. Pattern flying is absent from many local clubs but large
aerobatic airplanes are represented nearly everywhere. The big airplanes
attract the press and interests spectators. Pattern by comparison is
extremely repetitious and boring to those not directly involved. 

I didn't want to get into this here but I question how many non-pattern
folks would read a free K-Factor. There is a free sample available there
now. Is anybody finding it? The problem I find is "Pattern" visibility.
I couldn't get Google to find the NSRCA when querying aerobatics, RC
aerobatics or pattern, however IMAC showed up. It's as if some amount of
prior knowledge is needed before an outsider can gain access to pattern
activity. 

AMA doesn't do a very good of job explaining competition events or
activity and if you don't know follow the SIG you are kind of out of
luck. How dose an outsider become aware of and interested in any
competition event without knowing where to look? 

As for the K-Factor, the publication is second to none. I have been
receiving them since it was several folded 11 x 14 sheets from a copy
machine. The content has for the most part remained about the same;
mostly contest results and district news. It's more of a competition
newsletter with content of interest to those involved and of
questionable interest to outsiders or the mildly interested. There is
little seed for growing interest in any rulebook event on the Internet.
It only happens at the local level with people having fun. 

To be active competitors in either IMAC or pattern requires a fair
amount of disposable income and time commitment. We draw from the same
shrinking pool of people willing to commit to a weekend out of town to
participate in what appears to be a very regimented activity flown near
the limit of visibility for many. Bigger really is better and we
(Pattern) is somewhat restricted by trying to remain compatible with
FAI.

I have probably gone on too long but I don't believe our salvation lies
in a free K-Factor, not that it shouldn't be, it just won't draw many to
our sport.

Sorry Derek, forgive me for splattering this even more.

Jim Hiller

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org]On Behalf Of Troy
Newman
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 3:44 PM
To: General pattern discussion
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Electronic versus Paper K-Factor Poll

 

 

Jim,

 

What is really amazing is locally here in AZ and Sothern California IMAC
contests attract 60-70 pilots.

 

IMAC membership is up near 1000 members. They have an online only
newsletter. Not even a magazine.

 

Why would it be horrible to emulate an organization that is successful
like that.

 

They can't be doing anything right they are just IMACers

Just something to think about.

 

Troy

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.nsrca.org/pipermail/nsrca-discussion/attachments/20090129/9c0a2bae/attachment.html>