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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Lots of guys still buying YS 160's you would be
surprised at the numbers. I was astonished at the number of motors they have in
each shipment and they still go like hotcakes.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Not to take anything away from Electric pattern
models. They have a very real niche in the sport. But remember the majority of
guys at the NATS were not flying Electric just many of the top 10-12 in
FAI were flying electric. In Masters the percentage was extremely small.
And then the same guys were in the top as past years in Masters flying glow made
the choice to fly electric this last year and finished at the top again...
Did electric make them fly better, nope they are good pilots. A pilot that
struggles with trimming and flying proper geometry will still struggle with
those things flying electric. Same with FAI same guys in the finals of FAI
same guys as usual but many this time around were flying electric. Only a
handful running electric in Masters and in the 402 and 403 classes they
were definitely dominated by glow motors. Remember only a small percent of
pilots fly F3A and the majority of guys fly the AMA classes.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I take the position that the power plant doesn't
make you win. It is just another option out there. You need the power to work
for you. It is very possible to have a dead stick with Electric as well as glow.
The electric setup is not for everyone. Jason has told us this time and again,
and I feel he is correct. Each system has some advantages and some
dis-advantages. The Electric is new and it turns heads. The top guys are running
it....so it turns even a few more heads. Does it do the job. Yep sure does it
does the job in spades just like a 160DZ will. We saw this at the Worlds. The 2
of the top 3 spots in individual were YS and the Team Trophy went to all Glow
powered. Did electric make huge advances at the worlds YES it did. Did it
replace Glow NO. Just like 2 strokes didn't replace 4 strokes. Each has its
advantages. The more choices the better in my book. </FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I think there are more people looking at pattern
these days since there is an electric option. This is good it could bring in
some more people to pattern.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>We as the pattern community really need to get out
and promote the sport and hobby. If electric sparks some interest then cool get
some guys flying electric. Today I flew with Mark Leeseberg and he got his hands
on my Pinnacle with the YS 160DZ in it. He was amazed at the power it had going
uphill. Not that his Electric Eclipse is lacking power by any means it was just
different. He got a real thrill out of letting the YS eat! I'm not knocking
anyone's choice. I have played with them all and fly the one that works the best
for me this will always be the case. There are lots of choices in lots of
price ranges. This can only help to make pattern more appealing to some. I
really don't think our sport is governed by the $$$$. Look at how many people
fly big IMAC planes. They are expensive, but they are cool, and they are fun to
fly. For me I love what I'm flying and will continue to fly what I love to fly
regardless of if its E-power, YS, Rubber power, hydrogen Power or whatever. It
has to be fun!</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Perhaps Electric pattern will bring some of this
fun, excitement, and cool factor back to pattern. I know Tony Frakowiak is only
flying pattern again because of electric. Are we better to have him and his
expertise, I think so. The way I look at it the more pilots the better, and the
more fun. I have a huge passion for Precision flying and I know lots of people
feel this way. We need to be open and available to nurture this passion. We all
choose our own models based on our expectations and needs. I'm one that has a
huge investment in my pattern models. I run the equipment that I feel is the
best for me. Relationships with companies that many top pilots have are
beneficial for everybody. Jason, Chip, Quique, and Tony helped to flush out a
good system in the Hacker motor. Myself, Chip, Quique, Sean, Don have helped YS
develop an outstanding product in the 160DZ. You can't read the sticker on the
guys plane an assume he is being bought and paid for. Its just not the case.
People choose different products for different reasons. Look at Quique running
OS EFI motors and winning the NATS. Then the next year switching to YS and still
winning the NATS. The result is these guys have fun and are great
pilots.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Its all about making it fun. We need to get
back to making it fun. Electric pattern makes it fun for some guys. A YS 160
grunting out a 45 degree upline 1.5 snap or Reverse Avalanche makes it fun
for others. In pattern we get critical of everything and read meaning into
little things that really have no meaning. I do it and I know others do it too.
Fly what works for you and when we meet up...I'M having fun this
year!</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Make it Fun!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Troy</FONT></DIV>
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