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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3>Weight Limit Rules Discussion</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3>Following is my consolidation of information and comments
received on this subject that I have used to form my opinion on this
subject.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=#000000
size=3></FONT></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3>First a few opinions, facts, descriptions, logic and
general guidelines that I have obtained from talking to many experienced pattern
pilots, designers and builders that could effect the understanding of the
requirements of design, construction and participation critical to the long term
growth and well being of the pattern community.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I have used these to put the subject at
hand in the proper prospective.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<OL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in" type=1>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>A two-meter pattern airplane is
not required to compete successfully in Sportsman and
Intermediate.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>A properly trimmed aircraft is
required for all classes.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>It is less difficult to be
successful in all classes if you are flying an airplane designed specifically
for pattern.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Skill and practice are more
important than utilizing the latest state of the art design to achieve success
and gain a competitive advantage in competition.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Light flies better.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The optimum wing loading for a
pattern aircraft is one pound per one hundred square inches of wing
area.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Weight exceeding the optimum wing
loading is a disadvantage.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Increasing the weight of an
aircraft will increase the power requirement exponentially.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>A state of the art, latest design
is not required to be competitive in any AMA class. </FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Most state of the art airplanes
were designed for competition in the FAI class.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>An airplane designed for pattern will
be more competitive than a smaller airplane even if it is somewhat over
weight.</FONT></FONT></FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>An increase in the weight limit to
twelve pounds may level the playing field between IC and electric powered
pattern aircraft.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If the weight limit were increased to
twelve pounds someone at some future date may find a way to gain an advantage
in competition.</FONT></FONT></FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Most new designs are the results
of the ever-changing requirements of the FAI pattern.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Changing the weight limit to twelve
pounds will make more pattern legal airplanes available at a lower
cost.</FONT></FONT></FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Changing the weight limit to
twelve pounds will not affect the current trend in pattern design it will only
make more airplanes AMA legal. And reduce the cost.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>If the two-meter size limit is
maintained most top competition pilots will still be designing, building and
flying airplanes of optimum design weighing on an average of ten pounds four
ounces.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The two-meter size limit should be
the only rule required to maintain pattern design at the present level into
the future even if the weight limit is increased to twelve pounds.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Lowering the cost requirements may
attract more people to pattern.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Increasing the weight limit to
twelve pounds may ultimately result in larger aircraft, make all current state
of the art airplanes obsolete and increase the cost </FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Twenty to thirty percent of all
pattern planes flown in local contests are over the eleven-pound weight
limit.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>More people may fly pattern if
they can use an ARF that is in the lower price range.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Cheaper versions of pattern
capable ARF’s end up slightly over weight.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Raising the weight limit may
increase Nat’s participation.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Reducing the weight of a pattern
plane that is slightly over weight could cost several hundred dollars if
lighter weight equipment must be used.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Average cost for the latest state
of the art pattern airplane is about twenty-five hundred dollars.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Many pattern pilots and some who
would like to fly pattern cannot afford the cost of the latest state of the
art pattern airplane.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Flying pattern has become an
exclusive event.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>In order to increase pattern
participation the pattern community must adopt methods to make it an inclusive
event.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>In AMA pattern a suitable design
contributes ten percent to the pilots success, and practice the other ninety
percent.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Most current state of the art
designs have a wing span less than two meters and less than eleven hundred
square inches in area.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Increasing the weight limit to
twelve pounds may result in reducing current participation.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Increasing the weight limit to
twelve pounds may result in increased participation.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The eleven-pound weight rule is
not a rule that was added to the pattern rules as a design limit, This rule
dates back many years and was adopted by FAI to define model aircraft and set
the requirements for setting world records. </FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Many AMA rules set minimum weight
limits to eliminate a performance advantage.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The only maximum weight rules
required by AMA were added to maintain safety.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Raising the weight limit to twelve
pounds will not pose a safety issue and in fact may increase the margin of
safety.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Due to the necessity to build
light, failures have occurred when weight was considered more important and
strength of the airframe was jeopardized to meet the weight limit.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>When the rules were changed in the
past participation went down.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>There are pilots who would attend
the Nat’s simply for the Nat’s experience but wont due to the fact that the
airplane they fly in local events is overweight and they would be
disqualified.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Weight rules are not enforced at
local contests.</FONT></LI>
<LI class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Pattern rules are illegitimate it
is widely known and accepted that a double standard exists and if enforced
participation would be reduced drastically.</FONT></LI></OL>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=#000000
size=3><FONT face=Arial color=#8000ff size=2>Buddy Brammer</FONT>
</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=#000000
size=3> </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
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color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></P></DIV></FONT></BODY></HTML>