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I think there are several factors. <br>
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. <br>
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. <br>
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.<br>
<br>
We do have a shorter season but D1 has had lots of top contenders (and
still does)<br>
<br>
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)<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
Stuart C.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Dave wrote:
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<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Ok….just stirring the pot
a bit…..after talking
with some guys after the NATs this year.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">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?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Just stirring the pot,
and looking to bump up D1!!!<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Regards,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Dave Lockhart<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><a moz-do-not-send="true"
href="mailto:DaveL322@comcast.net">DaveL322@comcast.net</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span
style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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