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

Thu Jul 13 12:15:56 AKDT 2017

ALCON,

 One of the biggest challenges a new (or in my case, returning) pattern pilot is visualizing the space you have to work with.  When I got back into pattern a few years ago I felt I needed to discuss the ‘philosophy’ of pattern with Jason S.  It boils down to one thing, “Make your eyes bigger.”  See the space.  See the lines, the shapes, the symmetry and use the plane as your paintbrush.  Your focus is on the plane but you’re always backing out to see the BIG picture and giving the plane what it needs to complete whatever maneuver you’re trying to accomplish.  New, returning and sometimes long-time pilots lose sight of the big picture (which is why Jon Lowe calls me the Box Nazi).  

 The one question I always get when being coached (and now I’m asking my aspiring club pattern pilots) is, ‘Can you see you’re not-vertical/not-horizontal/not-45/not-square etc etc etc?’  Most times my answer was ’No’…  It’s fixable and challenging to see the plane on a big canvas. Expanding your perception quickly from plane-focus to big picture and back makes this sport good for your brain.. and scores.  

 Make your eyes bigger.  Four words to fly by.  Thanks Jason.

Richard Bohn
D3

On Jul 13, 2017, at 2:56 PM, Jas S via NSRCA-discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote:

> That doesn't always work. Sometimes they get intimidated with an upper class pilot calling for them. Even upper class pilots get intimidated, so I'm not picking on any group, just the way some are. 
> I try to watch the Sportsman and Intermediate pilots during the event or even before if possible, but without them knowing. That way they go and fly more naturally without putting pressure on themselves thinking they need to impress. If there is a consistent issue that needs adjusting (late on center maneuvers), I suggest a fix (try starting  before they think they should). I remind them that it won't feel correct for a while but it will gain them a point or two and become natural.
> 
> Jas iP
> 
> On Jul 13, 2017, at 2:39 PM, susan varela via NSRCA-discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote:
> 
>> Peter has a VERY strong point. 
>> Have a upper class call and help them.
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from XFINITY Connect Mobile App
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> 
>> From: nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
>> To: atwoodm at paragon-inc.com,nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
>> Cc: Snaproll4 at aol.com
>> Sent: 2017-07-13 2:03:51 PM 
>> Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] The most important thing to understand about pattern
>> 
>> I totally agree on the last point!  Given that there are typically relatively few sportsman pilots, I would encourage CDs and Judges to make the time to allow the judges to provide 1-2 pieces of actionable advice to the sportsman pilots.  It shouldn't be things like "fix your centering" as they don't know what that means.  It should be "For the 45 degree downline to be considered centered, you need to start the down line to your left (when flying the direction you did today), and finish it the same distance away on your right.  You were consistently starting your center maneuvers too late, so they were significantly offset and I had to take off X points". Or "Slow down.  At cruising speed you should be traversing from the left box line to the right box line in X seconds.  Max throttle should only be needed on vertical up lines and the climbing parts of loops.  Cruise throttle should be used when flying straight and level", etc.   
>> 
>> I *really* like what was reported last weekend about assigning a masters or FAI pilot to call for a sportsman pilot through a whole contest in Cedar Rapids.  Absolutely brilliant!  
>> 
>> Peter+
>> 
>> On Thu, Jul 13, 2017 at 10:54 AM, Atwood, Mark via NSRCA-discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote:
>> At least 20 years. 
>> 
>> And we JUST lost a very active (came to 9-10 contests a year) Intermediate pilot because the box is too much for him.  Flying Sportsman was no good because he was usually the only one, and he wanted competition rather than a participation award.   I’ve said for many years the we lost a lot of non-traveling, club participants when we went to turn-around.   But that ship has sailed and we won’t realistically be going back. 
>> 
>> One thing I’d like to see at local contests is more attention and more flights for Sportsman pilots.  We have to make their contest experience a great one.  All too often they pay full price and get short shrift on flying and attention.  That alone could help us.
>> 
>> -M
>> MARK ATWOOD
>> o.  (440) 229-2502
>> c.  (216) 316-2489
>> e.  atwoodm at paragon-inc.com
>> 
>> Paragon Consulting, Inc.
>> 5900 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 205, Cleveland Ohio, 44124
>> www.paragon-inc.com
>>  
>> Powering The Digital Experience
>> 
>> On Jul 13, 2017, at 1:34 PM, Snaproll4--- via NSRCA-discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Mark,  Is it 20 years ago already?  That's when I started pushing for unhindered movement between classes.  As I came up through the classes I saw many people drop out because they were "sick of finishing last". Of course, if they moved back and consistently finished #1-#3, they would be shamed.  Every year that proposal would set people's hair on fire.  Why have rules that discourage participation?  On another matter, Turnaround was the death of the casual competitor. It takes a lot of practice to learn to keep a whole sequence in the box.  I think that Intermediate should have some breaks in the sequence.
>>  
>> Steve Miller
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>> 
>> -- 
>> Director, Fixed Wing Flight Training
>> Santa Clara County Model Aircraft Skypark
>> Associate Vice President, Academy of Model Aeronautics District X
>> Treasurer, National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics (NSRCA)
>> 
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