[NSRCA-dist1] D1 at the NATs

[Ed Alt]

I was thinking about this a little more.  How about we figure out a practice
schedule in advance of the new flying season, starting now?  We could
designate a few anchor fields as the planned practice locations for the
schedule.  We would need be mindful of club restrictions and/or
sensitivities  as to the number of times they would allow this, how many
flyers at a time etc.  Maybe we entice clubs with a small donation each time
we do this.

 

Along with this, designate who will step up to be the main coach/mentor for
each session, along with at least one back up.  We could also put together
sort-of a coaching checklist, with stuff to look for.  Basically, we should
add some real structure that will make the sessions worthwhile and still be
fun.  

 

How does everyone feel about the idea of two flight lines with dedicated
spotters during practice, along with some simple rules of engagement to
allow dual practice with a very minimal risk of mid-airs?  It would be the
spotter responsibility to have the pilot break at the possibility of a
conflict, well before it is too late.  That might be annoying at times, do
the flight schedule could be structured to have dedicated flight slots and
dual practice slots.  Maybe every other hour it's solo, then alternate with
dual practice flights.

 

Ed

 

From: nsrca-dist1-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-dist1-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Stuart Chale
Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 6:07 PM
To: CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-dist1] D1 at the NATs

 

I think there are several factors.  
In order to compete at that level especially in the higher classes it takes
an enormous amount of dedication, (and practice time).  Not too many have
that dedication and time.  I suspect most top 10 Nats finishers are flying 3
or 4 times a week.  
Coaching is often mentioned and is a big part of making that practice time
profitable.  I fly by myself pattern wise.  No coaching.  While we can
obviously see a lot of what we are doing wrong while flying a good coach
sees much more.  I have learned a lot from my callers at the few contests I
have been able to attend.  Things that I can practice on my own, but the
limited access to a good caller/coach  makes it difficult.  
Those of you that can get together and critique each other should.  Flying
with others lets you always try to fly better than the other guy.  It helps.

We do have a shorter season but D1 has had lots of top contenders (and still
does)

I can call myself a "has been"  Back in the mid 80's during the ballistic
pattern days I did have the drive and time it takes to get to the top of my
class.  It was before marriage, kids, and house.  I flew 4 times a week,
during the mid week I usually practiced alone.  During the weekend there
would usually be 1 or 2 other pattern fliers there.  I flew at all of the
contests that were within reach and some that weren't.  Before contests and
sometimes on non contest weekends I would drive from LI to NJ to fly with
the Jersey contingent.  Norm Staub, Dean Pappas, Rick Constable, and a one
or two others.  All accomplished pattern fliers in their class.  Dean was an
excellent teacher to rest of us in the lower classes, and Dean's brother
Larry who didn't fly competition was an excellent judge and helped
immensely.   A couple of times a summer Norm and I would also find our way
down to fly with George Asteris.  George is one of those guys who is always
two steps ahead of the airplane and his Nats finishes show it.  He would
often say left or right rudder and I would think what.... Oh now I see it :)
(too late)

Although not all of us have the time it takes to make it to the Nats finals,
we could all benefit from a couple of friendly "judging" sessions.  Best
done on a non contest weekend at a central location where 5 to 10 flyers get
together to fly and critique each other.  I am not sure what the maximum
number of flyers could be so that all would get a few flights.  A gathering
like this would also improve judging.  One person may point out something
that others do not look for etc.

Stuart C.





Dave wrote: 

Ok..just stirring the pot a bit...after talking with some guys after the
NATs this year.

 

D1 has some good pilots and close competition in multiple classes at
multiple contests within the District.  However..many years at the NATs it
seems D1 does not bring the "A" game?  Why not?  How can we improve?
Different practice routine at home?  Different practice routine at NATs?
Different mindset?  Anything we can do different at D1 contests, practice
days, seminars, etc?

 

Just stirring the pot, and looking to bump up D1!!!

 

Regards,

 

Dave Lockhart

DaveL322 at comcast.net

 

 



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