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<DIV><SPAN class=680320505-30122004>Hank,</SPAN><SPAN
class=680320505-30122004> </DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=880445704-30122004> I could fly the same plane <SPAN
class=680320505-30122004>in a SPA contest </SPAN>that I flew last year in
Sportsman - my Super Kaos Jr.<SPAN class=680320505-30122004> (.40
size!)</SPAN> I flew against 2-meter planes but the fact is you don't NEED
one in Sportsman. Anyone who is holding back because they think it's too
expensive - PLEASE DON'T. Sportsman is entry level. Sure there are some guys
that are <SPAN class=680320505-30122004>really </SPAN>good <SPAN
class=680320505-30122004>pilots </SPAN>and have expensive stuff, but more often
than not the Sportsman ready-line looks like a typical Sunday at the field.
<SPAN class=680320505-30122004>In fact, there are a lot of ARFs that are fine
for Sportsman. Yes, you can even fly an Ugly Stick. You don't need to spend a
lot of money! Bring whatever you're flying now to a contest and enter. You'll be
surprised. When you're ready to move up, look for some used equipment.
This is a good way to save some money and ease the learning
curve. </SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=880445704-30122004><SPAN class=680320505-30122004> I
actually did OK with the little plane last season - 2nd in D1 Sportsman, flying
in Intermediate this season. OK, NOW I have a Focus but it would
probably be overkill if I were flying in Sportsman next year.
</SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=880445704-30122004><SPAN
class=680320505-30122004></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV><SPAN
class=880445704-30122004><SPAN class=680320505-30122004>
<P><FONT size=2>John Pavlick<BR><A href="http://www.idseng.com/"
target=_blank>http://www.idseng.com</A></FONT> </P></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=880445704-30122004><SPAN
class=680320505-30122004></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=880445704-30122004><SPAN class=680320505-30122004>BTW - You
might want to check out Bob Pastorello's site: <A
href="http://www.rcaerobats.net">http://www.rcaerobats.net</A> if you
haven't already. I don't think he's caught up in the "mess" you
described.</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma><SPAN class=680320505-30122004></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma><SPAN class=680320505-30122004></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma><SPAN class=680320505-30122004></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma><SPAN class=680320505-30122004></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma><SPAN class=680320505-30122004> </SPAN>-----Original
Message-----<BR><B>From:</B> discussion-request@nsrca.org
[mailto:discussion-request@nsrca.org]<B>On Behalf Of
</B>HankPajari@aol.com<BR><B>Sent:</B> Wednesday, December 29, 2004 11:17
PM<BR><B>To:</B> discussion@nsrca.org<BR><B>Subject:</B> Re:
Participation<BR><BR></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px"></FONT><FONT
face=Arial id=role_document>
<DIV>I am a lurker here. Belong to the NSRCA but haven't started
competing yet. I am one of those types that learn by reading and
listening. Doesn't mean I get any better but I have one heck of a good
time anyway.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I absolutely agree with Ed. The maneuvers ought to be such that a
pilot can be competitive in the first several classes using an affordable
aircraft and radio. I don't think it is reasonable to expect someone to
pop for a $2,000 plane and engine just to find out if he wants to play.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Back in the caveman days I was able to compete in A pattern with a
straight wing Ugly Stick! I didn't win of course but I didn't come in
dead last either. We had a whale of a time! My buddy flew in C
pattern and usually placed fairly high. We all worked together and had a
good time. Is there a thread showing here (fun)?</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Really, to the great majority of guys I have met in the past 30 odd years
of playing with toy airplanes, the idea was to relax, learn, and have a
good time. Now we seem to be mired in the yuppie mess of one upmanship,
showing off, and conspicuous spending. I find that sad.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I miss those "good old days."</DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></BODY></HTML>