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<DIV>In a message dated 2/25/2005 3:46:35 PM Central Standard Time,
DaveL322@comcast.net writes:</DIV>
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<DIV>Buddy,</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Point one - if the average weight of the top models now is 9.75 lbs (I
think pretty accurate), and the average weight of the "average" model is 10.75
lbs, both will have a higher average cost if the average weights shift to 10
and 12.5 lbs (which will unquestionably happen if the weight limit is
increased).</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>The professional, aspiring professional, and non-professional are all
influenced by the top F3A flyers and the top Masters flyers
(albeit it to a lesser extent). The top F3A flyers drive much of
the airplane and product design/manufacturing. You can not remove
the influence of the top F3A flyers on the whole of pattern, and the majority
of flyers will emulate the top flyers.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>The top competitors will push the envelope and the masses will
follow. It has always been that way, and it always will be - the nature
of competition does not change, nor does the nature of a competitive human or
a human striving for perfection.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Dave</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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Original message -------------- <BR>
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<DIV>Dave </DIV>
<DIV>In answer to the following parts of your post (had to split it up to
big for the list to handle)</DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#8000ff></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>Raise the weight limit in pattern, and the 2x2m
monoplane will get bigger and more costly (and the most competitive examples
will still probably be under 11 lbs, but the "average" plane won't
be).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>So far this is my point exactly. If we are to make AMA pattern an
inclusive event we in my opinion must include the average competitor. Those
who have higher aspirations will do what they must to achieve perfection and
a weight rule change will have little effect on those who aspire to
compete on a higher level.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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<DIV><FONT color=#000000>Raise the weight limit in pattern while leaving
unlimited displacement and the 2x2m box, and the 2x2m monoplane will no
longer be the most competive design - the most competitive design will be
a purpose designed pattern bipe that will be substantially more expensive
(money, time, maintenance) than the current day designs.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#8000ff></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>If you don't think a purpose design pattern bipe
would be the best, ask Chip. He will tell you without reservation he
would not have flown his Double Visions in the past few years if he did
not think it was the best plane.</FONT></FONT></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE>
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<DIV><FONT color=#8000ff>Yes, but you also need to consider the level of
competition and his goals. Lets face it Chip is playing to the world
in an arena composed of professionals making him a member of an
exclusive group that for the most part excludes the rank and
file of pattern. Here again I believe AMA pattern should be
structured to attract all of the rank and file while affording those
who aspire to greatness the opportunity to compete on a
higher level without effecting or excluding those who make up the
core of the pattern community or those who interested in joining it
</FONT></FONT></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE>
<DIV>Buddy</DIV></DIV></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Dave</DIV>
<DIV>I think I understand what you are saying. With that in mind what happens to
the AMA classes when FAI raises the weight limit which many think will happen in
the next rules change cycle. Is it better to look forward and be a year ahead of
the game or wait and be a year behind?</DIV>
<DIV>If we do it a year ahead it will be the first time and may give our FAI
flyers a head start but if we wait it will be as always AMA will follow all FAI
changes putting everyone a year behind. </DIV>
<DIV>Buddy</DIV></FONT></BODY></HTML>