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<DIV>I think that one of Earl's points at least, is well taken. Many times,
a judge will be confronted by a pilot right after a flight is completed, at the
detriment of other pilots standing on the ready. Best place for that is after
the round is finished, and in as respectful a manner as possible. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>At local contests, unless there are 20 people flying in a class, the judge
will often remember some obvious or blatant things pilots have done. Minor
details are often lost very quickly, even immediately after a flight, so it's
probably a good idea not to expect that kind of explanation. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>One thing that has not been mentioned is approachability of the pilot. I
have had pilots really get mad at even suggesting they did something wrong.
Luckily it doesn't happen that often, such that I have been dissuaded from
making constructive criticisms.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I remember my first contest in Texas City, 25 years ago. I was lucky enough
to meet a gent who had been around the scene for awhile, and he agreed to have
my new bride and me share their tent. He also flew the Sportsman class of the
day, as I did, and it was a constant teaching class all weekend long for me. I
was open to his info sharing and I learned more during that contest than I had
in months of flying at the club site. In fact the only thing that topped it was
my first Nats, a year later. He called for me all weekend long and helped me
tremendously. Texas City used to put on some kind of shin dig back then. Lots of
fellowship and story sharing at the club sponsored supper Saturday night.
Tremendous information for young ears to eagerly absorb. BTW-I doubt Tx City RC
Club ever made a nickel from their annual contests.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I have a suggestion for the pattern newbie and not so new alike: at the
next contest why not approach a longtimer and pick their brain some? Ask them to
witness your next flight and ask for their input. I think many will accept, but
almost no one will just offer to critique unsolicited. You the pilot must
initiate that kind of input. Of course it's an obvious thing to do, and, IF you
are serious about improving, it is some of the best spent time at a comp.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>regards</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>MattK</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
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<BLOCKQUOTE
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Earl, I think you have some good points. But I
want to point out two issues relating to your comments.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>1. The marks on the score sheet that Lance
suggested were to facilitate evaluation *after* the round, not during the
round.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>2. Your point about the coach working with the
pilot at the practice fields has great merits, but it doesn't take into
account that not everyone has experienced pattern fliers to practice with,
and even those that do fly with other pattern fliers can benefit from
input from more experienced pilots at contests.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Since you're an FAI pilot and you work with guys
at your field you're coming from the viewpoint that sportsman pilots can get
expert advice if they look for it at practice. But how are those that don't
have top (or any) pattern pilots at their home field ever supposed to improve
if they don't get feedback at contests?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>If your answer is "their caller", then I'd point
out that most lower level fliers aren't fortunate enough to have top level
pilots call for them if they don't fly with them at practice. I've seen many
less experienced pilots calling for each other. Also, the top fliers are often
judging. Think about it this way, how many sportsman or intermediate pilots,
that aren't in your club, do you call for at contests, and how much feedback
do you give them? If these guys don't get feedback from someone how will they
ever improve?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I personally very much appreciate input from
judges on things they noticed me doing wrong. Especially when it's something
I'm doing wrong again and again and don't realize. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Keith Black</FONT></DIV></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV>
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