[NSRCA-discussion] The most important thing to understand about pattern

[Larry Diamond]

Like any competitive activity, growth is a numbers game...
Not all Sportman make it to Intermediate, and likewise further reducing the number up to FAI.
Growing Sportsman is a much more complex challenge.
The most challenging aspect to grow pattern is access/availability to contest with minimal cost/travel investment.
If we plot the location of contests, at least in D4, they are located near the most current pattern population.
This is great for most, not people like me, who currently participate. As the fable is told, you can only pull so many fish out of a pond.
When Pattern and IMAC peaked, contests were very close to everyone who wanted to participate.
In D4 alone most contests are within 2 to 3.5 hours of current pilots actively flying.
In my case which is also unique, I am closer to more contests out of district. Muncie and Florence is about 4hrs for me. Everything else is 6.5+ hours actual drive time, plus food/gas stops.
I suspect if we truly want to grow the lower classes, we NSRCA, must put effort into looking at voids/gaps for contest locations and better manage them. 3 contest which is pretty local to a majority of active pilots is great for them. Not so much of a balance for the rest of a district.
I am not bitter for the D4 locations of contest. I am one of those that is competitive, but balance life. The last two closest contests for me I didn't attend due to timing. One was work and the other was a vacation to see my Grandson for the first time.
Do we need to look at the population data and look at redistricing as an option? I don't know because must be carful and understand the consequences.
Only my opinion, I could be wrong.
Larry Diamond 



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-------- Original message --------From: Matthew Finley via NSRCA-discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> Date: 7/13/17  12:04 PM  (GMT-06:00) To: "S. McNickle" <nelson_jett at comcast.net>, General pattern discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>, Anthony Romano <anthonyr105 at hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] The most important thing to understand about pattern 

Ok....



IMO ....... The emphasis as I have stated before needs to be aimed more towards the AMA classes Sportsman through Masters. Lets face it, there are not too many naturals like Andrew, Greyson, Chip, Hunter, etc who go from lets say Sportsman through FAI
 in a matter of two or three years. WE NEED TO GROW Sportsman and Intermediate most importantly. With time, growing those classes will increase all classes in due time all classes will grow including FAI. 



I think there also needs to be an attractant to attract new people interested in pattern to actually make that step and be "ok" with driving to a contest, being away from family, and spending the $$ to attend a meet. I UNDERSTAND this is easier said than
 done, especially in todays times. On an average contest weekend I pay anywear from $200-$300 just for a three day meet. 



Now with that being said, I would love to see more club members fly in Sportsman at the meets even if they dont decide to travel. With more and more club members doing that, they will more than likley grow interested in going further IMO



Happy Flying 



Matthew E Finley
Q.C.I Technical Assistant
248-794-8487 mobile 







-------- Original message --------
From: "S. McNickle via NSRCA-discussion" <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> 
Date: 7/13/17 11:11 AM (GMT-05:00) 
To: Anthony Romano <anthonyr105 at hotmail.com>, General pattern discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>

Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] The most important thing to understand about pattern





I think we need to decide if we're promoting a forum for the most talented and passionate among us, or maintaining a hobby for the rest. 
Too far in either direction costs us participants.



On July 13, 2017 at 11:04 AM Anthony Romano via NSRCA-discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote:







It has been said many times but you can't teach desire. Reread the last paragraph of Jason's post.



Having flown Pattern for so long now I've realized something. Pattern is a passion, a want. You can't 'make' someone
 a pattern pilot, they have to be one and not know it yet. Yes pattern makes most of the Worlds best pilots, but you can't take a pilot and make them a pattern pilot. If there isn't a drive to become better, not the best (that's the 2% of us), you'll only have
 a casual or short term pattern pilot at best. At my age I know my time is probably limited as far as being competitive or even having a chance at winning big events anymore, but my drive to be better and push myself is still there. So I will continue to learn
 new F patterns that will drain me every day I practice because I am a Pattern pilot 😁



Jas iP





When do people leave when the top of mountain is insurmountable and the effort greatly out weighs the benefit. I have
 heard hundreds of pilots say "this has become too much work" and can't recall one who said this is too easy.



Anthony




 
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