[NSRCA-discussion] NSRCA update

[Anthony Romano]

Hello Pilots,

There has been so much great work in seeking ways to enhance and grow our sport, not only from a participation level, but also from a qualitative value.  Part of this exploration has been to look to the successes of the past to help pave the way for future success.  One successful venture from the past was providing a National event as a traveling competition that allows people from all reaches of the country to reasonably participate.  This allows the Nats to be more than just another competition, but an opportunity to see new folks participate, enjoy different areas of the country and bring the family along to make it a fun adventure.  Remember those days of traveling to Lake Charles, Lincoln, or Westover AFB?  These were trips that offered more than just a location to fly our planes.

Much of the motivation in making adjustments to the NSRCA and the Nats has been driven by changing the direction of the strategies of the past that have resulted in less passionate participation in our sport.  We were presented an opportunity to change the status quo and make the Nats a traveling competition once again.  Mike Harrison stepped up to offer a choice for our future competition format.  He has worked tirelessly with Al Glenn to bring back that special quality that seems to have been missing from the Nats in recent memory.  Both Mike and Al have championed making this change of venue a premier event and I look forward to seeing as many of you there that are able to make the journey.  The site is an old air base that been converted to a salvage yard for decommissioned airliners.  How cool is that?

That said, with all the changes, the Board has failed to properly get the word out promptly on what some of the changes are.  There two hot topics that are being discussed across social media outlets, namely logistics of the Nats and the proposed new sequences for the AMA classes.  In an effort to clear up some of the missing information and confusion, the following is copied directly from the BOD meeting minutes of 6/14/17 that have yet to be published. Minutes are normally voted on by the board at the beginning of the following months meeting and published on the website.


  *   Discussion about who is the ED for the 2017 NATS; Mike Harrison was authorized by the board to plan the 2017 NATS at a new venue, Blytheville, AR; however, no formal designation of Mike as the ED was ever voted on - Al was appointed the ED for 2 years, 2016-2017 -

     *   The ED position is important for perception from the membership - Motion appointing Al and Mike as Co-ED’s approved - With 2 ED’s, how will disputes be settled; a motion to appoint a Jury, consisting of the Co-ED’s and the CD was approved by the board for the 2017 NATS; the ED’s have the option to recues themselves from the jury, if there is a conflict; the position would be filled by the Site Director -

  *   FAI finals will consist of 2 F and 2 Unknown flown in the morning -
  *   Masters finals are under discussion; a survey has been sent to Masters competitors that competed last year at the NATS and are competing again this year, to hear their input -
  *   Discussion:

     *   The ED has the final say as to how the NATS finals will be conducted (as has always been the case with the Nats)
     *   It is important that no misinformation be given through our social media

  *   A survey was developed for this reason, to dispel rumors and get input from the membership

     *   A motion to send the survey was approved (Masters Pilots who participated in last year's Nats and are registered for this Year's Nats should have that in their email now, so please respond).

  *   Regarding the new sequence proposals, there was enough conversation to warrant a dedicated meeting to review the sequences and rationale.  Though those sequences have been distributed out prematurely, it's important that until they are posted as official, they are just that; proposals.  Once the sequences have been properly vetted, they will be published for comment.


Our intent is to improve the quality of the NSRCA organization and the Nats.  Practice up and make the commitment to join in the fun.  We all look forward to seeing you in Blytheville next month.

Respectfully,
NSRCA Board of Directors
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.nsrca.org/pipermail/nsrca-discussion/attachments/20170616/6d9a9221/attachment.html>