<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><HTML><FONT SIZE=2 PTSIZE=10 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">Ed, I have heard and read that the top fliers can only really concentrate for about 4 full blown pattern flights in a session, about 4-5 times a week. I remember a bunch of years ago, the great Hanno Prettner writing that if something isn't perfect, he went back and flew it under his father's keen scrutiny, until perfect. He went on to say that he would travel to other parts of Europe where weather was similar to that expected in the big meets, and he would practice in bad conditions and crosswind until he was comfortable.<BR>
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So much for great fliers and their available time to do this in. As for the rest of us who can barely get out once a week, I think that having a good friend critique the flying, really helps. Good coaching must be practiced along with good judging. The friend has to be able to observe and help with the straight line sizes, the angles, the loops and rolls, can call center for you, lead you to the spins, and help watch the box limits. <BR>
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An easy way not to lose a few points a flight in a contest, is to call box entry and exit everytime in practice until it's routine. Same for take-off and landing if flying AMA schedules, at least for the rest of this year anyway.<BR>
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If you find that friend that you feel comfortable being criticized by and believe and have confidence in his/her views, then you could improve very quickly. The bottom line is, you are the pilot and you have got to turn what you hear into practice. If you can't bring yourself to do that, might as well race cars<BR>
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As for me, I get to the field and play with the engine until I get so disgusted I pack up and leave. (sigh!)<BR>
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Matt K<BR>
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<BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Subj:<B>Re: Practice Regiment </B><BR>
Date:4/28/2004 9:57:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time<BR>
From:<A HREF="mailto:jivey61@bellsouth.net">jivey61@bellsouth.net</A><BR>
Reply-to:<A HREF="mailto:discussion@nsrca.org">discussion@nsrca.org</A><BR>
To:<A HREF="mailto:discussion@nsrca.org">discussion@nsrca.org</A><BR>
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Ed <BR>
Once I learn the manouvers I fly the whole sequence because you get consistant practice on position and wings level and entry speed. Of course you learn the box also. If any of these are off you can get messed up for at least 2 manouvers. If I am practicing for a local contest, 4 flights in one session is all my brain can stand. This gets me used to 3-4 flights on Sat. and 2 flights on Sunday. When the Nats get closer I only practice 2 flights per session,because that's all your going to get there(2 flights per day).I flew hard one year maybe 5-6 flights per session and found out that when I got to the Nats,I couldn't get started in 2 flights.Must be a mind thing.<BR>
Anyway more food for discussion.<BR>
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Jim Ivey<BR>
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> From: Ed Miller <edbon85@optonline.net><BR>
> Date: 2004/04/28 Wed PM 08:12:11 EDT<BR>
> To: discussion@nsrca.org<BR>
> Subject: Practice Regiment<BR>
> <BR>
> Ok, the list is far too quiet so it's time to stir the pot....actually I'm looking for advice. Although practice makes perfect, he who burns the most fuel wins...etc, realistically what you all of you do to get the most from your practice sessions ??? Especially those that have a 24/7 lives and are at times lucky to get to the field once a week ?? My personal situation the last few years is unfortunately fly very little, get to the contest a day early, get a few flights in ( complete sequence in both directions ) and then do my best during competition. Got lucky and did well up through Advanced but that sure isn't going to cut it in Masters, especially in District 1. I was toying with breaking the sequence up in half or thirds to practice or ?? I'm listening...Ed M.<BR>
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