[NSRCA-discussion] Proposed NSRCA sequences for 2011 and beyond

[John Gayer]

  We knew you meant Advanced.
We have trouble in this part of the country getting enough pilots in 
each class so there is some competition. It can be very discouraging to 
drive hundreds of miles and end up the sole participant in your class. 
The last thing we need is to add a class to avoid fixing  the problem in 
Masters.  If Masters progresses to F3A then the pressure to upgrade 
Masters as a destination class would ease off.

Perhaps we _should_ look to IMAC for some ideas. Around this part of the 
country (southwest) they are outdrawing pattern  two to one and there 
are at least twice as many contests available. This is with planes that 
are at least as expensive than ours. BTW, Arch, the 1/4 circle with one 
roll  starts in Intermediate not Sportsman.

So what are they doing?

   1. They have a common scoring system for all contests that _must_ be
      used.
   2. They spice up a contest by having unknown patterns for all classes
      except Basic. The unknowns are created for the whole year by some
      committee. The CD just requests the unknowns for the weekend of
      the contest.
   3. They maintain season standings and individual contest results for
      all participants on a regional basis which is all available on one
      website. These regional standings can qualify you for entry in
      competitions such as the Tucson Shootout.
   4. The patterns for all classes are only 10 maneuvers long and you
      fly the sequence twice in each flight, Landings and takeoffs are
      not scored and you are expected to takeoff before the competitor
      preceding you has landed which keeps things flowing pretty well
   5. There are additional separate results kept for Seniors with season
      point totals as well
   6. There is usually an optional Freestyle competition that appeals
      mostly to the kids
   7. They change patterns every year.

In any case, IMAC is where you find the kids and  the young adults, not 
at a Pattern contest. At our pattern contest last week we had 6 
Sportsman flyers, all in their first contest. The age spread was 47 to 
67. In fact the 47 year was the second youngest competitor overall as we 
had an intermediate contestant who was only 43.  The only kid on the 
field was a 12 year old that was helping out as a club member.
The last IMAC contest here in Albuquerque  had two contestants under 13 
and I would say that all age groups were well represented.

I don't believe there is anything that would "turnaround" the current 
skewing in pattern towards old farts but we could try some of the 
concepts IMAC is  using. Certainly IMAC appears to have a much better 
handle on patterns and scoring. With a one year cycle on patterns it 
would be easy for the committe to respond to specific objections about 
patterns "we'll look imto that next year. Meanwhile just fly what we 
gave you".  Also a National scoring system and website presentation of 
results and standings would be a big help.

John



On 9/23/2010 6:12 PM, Dave Harmon wrote:
>
> >> time because the new class would
>
> be populated from the other classes….like Masters and Intermediate.<<<
>
> arrrrgghhh……I meant Advanced……another class between Advanced and Masters.
>
> Sorry….
>
> *Dave Harmon*
>
> *NSRCA 586*
>
> *K6XYZ[at]sbcglobal[dot]net*
>
> *Sperry, Ok.*
>
> *From:* nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org 
> [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] *On Behalf Of 
> *Archie Stafford
> *Sent:* Thursday, September 23, 2010 6:59 PM
> *To:* General pattern discussion
> *Subject:* Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Proposed NSRCA sequences for 2011 
> and beyond
>
> We arent talking about totally changing everything. Unfortunately the 
> average age of pattern flyers is constantly getting older. There are a 
> few young new faces but not many. Many of those also fly helis or IMAC 
> and at some point they will migrate that way. The planes have 
> progressed, the equipment has progressed, but unfortunately a lot of 
> the mindsets haven't. Adding new maneuvers which arent more difficult, 
> but add new skills is essential in the progression of the sport. The 
> sequences need to be designed to be a challenge for the top 50%, not 
> made easier for those not there. Like it or not, Masters is a 
> destination class and the skill level should reflect that. If guys 
> dont have time to practice or skill levels are diminishing then 
> avenues for them to move back a class. Not comparing us and IMAC, but 
> in there sportsman sequence theyhave guys doing partial rolling 
> circles. I have seen the pilots, they are certainly no better than our 
> intermediate pilots. Their schedules FORCE guys to try new things. Its 
> OK to try new things. Most people will find they arent as difficult as 
> we think. No Im not advocating rolling circles, but how many pattern 
> guys ever go out and just fly. Trying new maneuvers and trying to 
> learn new skills. It will really improve your flying skills.  OK. Ill 
> shut up on the subject now.
>
> Arch
>
>
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