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<DIV>Here are a couple questions to think about: </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Quick, in one second, how many TOP masters pilots can you think of?</DIV>
<DIV>How many TOP F3A?</DIV>
<DIV>Which is THE destination class for the TOP pilots in the
country?</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>MattK</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I have a little different take on this ( so
what's new Ed ?? ) . We currently subscribe to the theory that a person begins
in Sportsman and they progress to one of two "destination" classes, USA
recognized Masters or world recognized FAI. The current format and rules may
not state that but in reality that is what is implied. So we make the
assumption that most if not all pattern flyers have a goal to fly one of those
two "destination" classes sooner or later, or never if you look at how the
numbers are dropping in pattern. I believe all four AMA classes can be
"destination" classes, I know I have said this before and it was not well
received. Frankly, there are those, myself included, that may never reach
a level of proficiency to win in Masters or FAI. I moved up to Masters in late
'02 for a change, not because I pointed out or won a district championship, I
wanted to challenge myself knowing full well that I was giving up winning in
Advanced occasionally to become the bottom of the heap in Masters. Given the
amount of time I can devote to practice, I can accept that, for me personally
flying pattern was never about wining, however, it sure is nice to win on
occasion. Years ago when I raced NHRA SS/L, my goal or destination was
not to become a top fuel dragster or funny car pilot. I was quiet happy racing
( and winning ) in that "sportsman" class. My goal in my work life was never
to become CEO of company XYZ. I think we need to recognize and accept the fact
that as we have raised the bar in schedule complexity AND equipment
requirements, many have realized they cannot compete at the highest levels of
our sport OR just plain do not wish too. Part of the reason folks cannot or do
not strive to compete at the Masters and/or FAI level is the amount of
resources required ( both time and $$ but more time ) to even fly, let
alone compete at that level. Not every one that competes wants to be
Chip Hyde, I'd dare to say most are just looking to challenge themselves.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Ed M.</FONT> </DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=mailto:rcaerobob@cox.net href="mailto:rcaerobob@cox.net">Bob
Pastorello</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A
title=mailto:discussion@nsrca.org
href="mailto:discussion@nsrca.org">discussion@nsrca.org</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Sunday, January 02, 2005 12:00
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: Sequence Poll
Results</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Thanks, Mark and Verne. Two sides of the
core issue. Since I raised the initial question, and Ed/Tony put out
the poll....I thought perhaps I'd summarize my rationale.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> Masters is THE top class in
AMA Pattern. That is what our National Competition is about. In
my thinking, it SHOULD stand as separate, and unique/different in it's skill
requirements than FAI.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> Mark, you wrote that FAI is
"the" Top Class. No, it is the class chosen for the World Championship
aerobatic competitions. Because of that, every country that wants to
participate in the WC must have flyers who prepare using the same standards,
same sequences, as the other countries. I think the US provides that,
and even CD's include FAI-F3A events in the typical pattern
contest.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Is there ANYONE out here who honestly believes
that the FAI class is not a "professional" class of competition??
Please....look at where the money is spent, the sponsorships "pay",
etc. I am perfectly comfortable being thought of as "Amateur" if I fly
AMA pattern....doesn't ruffle my feathers at all.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> At the "Professional" level
of sports, there are rules that the Amateurs don't have. Football is a
good example.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I happen to believe that our Masters' class, as
the top of the AMA heap, must represent the best we have in US
competition. IF folks want to compete at the International WORLD
level, professional competitions, then I'd bet they will come FROM our
Masters class. And to me, that means that they learn the "new"
Professional Sequences/rules that are needed when they make that
choice.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>It's not our job in the AMA Pattern classes to
make a person competent at FAI. It is our responsibility to provide
interesting challenge, growth, and INVOLVEMENT opportunities for the
majority of the 2% of all modelers who choose pattern in the first
place. Let's build maneuvers in sequences that provide the skill
base...then let those who are "advanced" enough, learn the rest.
There's plenty of mentors out there for them to feed each
other....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Before ya'll go crazy and start typing like
mad.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> I am *NOT* saying that we
exclude FAI, or discontinue or support of the World team, or any of that
stuff. That's good for the global community.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> I am saying that we should
look a little closer at why we have the game in the US, and design
everything we do around THAT purpose. Whatever it is deemed to
be.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><BR>Bob Pastorello</DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV>
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