[NSRCA-discussion] Growing Pattern for 2017 - Part 2 - Culture - What are we missing?

[Dave Lockhart]

If the statements were made – 

 

“Every top level pattern pilot that has migrated to another competitive event is in due time (very little in many cases) in the top echelon of that event.”

 

“Moderately successful pattern often find greater success in other competitive events.”

 

 

I can’t think of any exceptions…..

 

I think it is point worth considering….maybe there is room / benefit to specifically marketing pattern to pilots that already have a primary focus, and perhaps have some room to “cross train” with pattern.  It used to be very common for scale pilots to participate in pattern to sharpen their flying skills.

 

Regards,


Dave Lockhart

 

From: NSRCA-discussion [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of David Cook via NSRCA-discussion
Sent: Friday, January 13, 2017 5:12 PM
To: jpavlick at idseng.com; General pattern discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Growing Pattern for 2017 - Part 2 - Culture - What are we missing?

 

Maybe instead of thinking of ourselves as a destination, maybe market ourselves as an entry gate to better flying.

TOP GUN

We have a program that will make any modeler progress to better flying! and that is unique among modeling SIGs. Where else can you exit to pursue other interests with intentionally higher flying skills than when you entered! 

 

I know several 'former' pattern fliers who are in other areas of interest that admit that they are only able to pursue them with success because they were forced to master many skills in pattern. Sure you can learn to fly without pattern but you can tell in the air those that came through pattern. Imagine scale contests if the flying judging was held before the static judging. I can always tell a fearless 3D flyer form a 3D pilot that came through pattern by the over/under rotation and angles and up lines, obvious  difference.  Even at demonstrations I have experienced full scale aero pilots notice that our flying style is so much more disciplined and unique. Even the local club members wonder why I am able to buy airplanes that are not effected by cross winds.

All this starts so much earlier than the contest flight line. Do any of you remember the feeling of accomplishment when you got an airplane to actually start and fly 6 consecutive times in a row (without minor reconstruction)? Do you remember the first time you deliberately pointed your only working airplane at the ground in your first loop?

 

We have a lot to offer.

 

Judging seminars may be a best start. Meet in the off season, Invite all who may be interested, bribe them with donuts if you have to. And if we don't get to judging that may be OK. Airplane and radio setup alone would increase the success of the novitiate. Can NSRCA resurrect and update the judging seminar handouts and power points that we could be use again. I remember sheets on aircraft set up, expo, throw angels, CG,  Aristi, trim charts, etc. all that would help get a good start. Even if we don't get a competitor, we may get a judge. (Didn't we used to have a pattern primer at Toledo?)

 

Develop a coach/sponsor. Most all of us do this naturally, but if we reach out in our districts and offer seminars and someone to contact, we would appear less distant than we may appears to the club fliers currently. This effect my be because there a so few of us and we are some distant apart, so it isn't anything we have done deliberately in the past, but maybe we can improve it in the future. A known sponsor to your first event can only help you get over the jitters that come with competition.

 

A mobile on-line presence will be necessary for the future. To start we don't need to scare entry away with the F3a sequence. Just a nice slow narrated presentation of the sportsman pattern with long out of the box time to calm the would be competitor. What are we looking for, straight and level, master that and we are half way home.

 

End of Rant.

No brainstorm here, just a light drizzle

Dave Cook

 

 

 

 

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