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

[J N Hiller]

Unless there is mandatory advancement to FAI little will change.
Jim Hiller
 
-----Original Message-----
From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org]On Behalf Of John Gayer
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2010 8:12 PM
To: General pattern discussion
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Proposed NSRCA sequences for 2011 and beyond
 
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>  [ 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
<http://lists.nsrca.org/mailman/listinfo/nsrca-discussion> 
 
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