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Buddy,
<BR>There's absolutely nothing wrong with your position, just that it's
futile. If the program is FAI driven(which it is), then it is pretty much
pointless for us to go off
<BR>on our own in some direction that will render participation at the
Nats level illegal.
<BR>Do you then acquire a stable of two pattern aircraft, one heavy bird
for the local pattern scene and another reserved strictly for Nats
participation. I realize the rediculum suggested in this scenario, but
there will always be the need to own that "EXPENSIVE" Nats airplane in
order to comply with the FAI standard.I don't think you can ever expect
the Nats to adopt a double standard. One for 401 to 404 and another for
FAI. The 401 to 404 pilots will always yearn for the technological performance
level of the TOP pilots and wont be denied irrespective of the cost.
<BR>To assume that an inexpensive weapon will grow the sport, I think,
is an erroneous conclusion. There are tons of offerings out there right
now that meet all the requirements of the neophyte and beyond, but you
don't see Sportsman and Intermediate participants overflowing the registration
coffers on the local contest scene.
<BR>If a guy shows up with "heavy" or "cheap", he quickly becomes aware
that his weapon of choice doesn't perform up to the standard of " that
guy flying Masters", and quickly concludes, " Wow, if I'm ever going to
remotely resemble that level of performance I'm going to need that type
of aircraft and my "heavy and cheap" is never going to provide me with
the same advantage that he has". If you try to mandate that everybody
has to fly "Heavy and Cheap", you will quickly introduce a strain of deception
and cheating the likes of which has never been seen.
<BR>The thirst for the perfect airplane will never end and will continue
to drive the advances we all have come to expect, and to return to bygone
days will never be tolerated by the rulers of the International Community.
The motto has always been "Onward and Upward", and as the grade steepens
there will be many heavy breathers lacking the fitness to emerge victorious
at the summit. That's probably why you see me in attencance as a spectator.
<BR>I still love ya, Buddy
<BR>Georgie
<P>BUDDYonRC@aol.com wrote:
<BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE> <FONT FACE="Arial"><FONT COLOR="#8000FF"><FONT SIZE=-1>G</FONT></FONT></FONT><FONT FACE="Arial"><FONT COLOR="#8000FF"><FONT SIZE=-1>Since
you indicated that it is OK to let your voice be heard, I would like to
pose a few questions which have aroused my curiosity while listening to
all the very thoughtfully constructed debate on the weight issues.</FONT></FONT></FONT><FONT FACE="Arial"><FONT COLOR="#8000FF"><FONT SIZE=-1>1.
Since I assume that the positions stated against change are based on FAI
rules being the basis for most top designs being produced today how could
a change in the AMA weight limit effect the basis of design for FAI, the
place where all state of the art designs of today emanate from as they
would be lighter than any AMA increased weight limit should one be adopted?</FONT></FONT></FONT><FONT FACE="Arial"><FONT COLOR="#8000FF"><FONT SIZE=-1>2.
Doesn't the same argument that is being used today against a rule change
hold true in reverse should FAI go to a higher weight limit in the future?
If FAI weight rules were changed today wouldn't that make the new designs
based on that change illegal unless the AMA changed it's rules accordingly?</FONT></FONT></FONT><FONT FACE="Arial"><FONT COLOR="#8000FF"><FONT SIZE=-1>That
being the case it seems to me that nothing significant will happen in regard
to a mass change in design concept that will effect AMA pattern to any
great extent if the weight rule is changed to allow a small increase aimed
at reducing cost, among other things since most all top AMA pilots today
are using designs based on FAI rules.</FONT></FONT></FONT><FONT FACE="Arial"><FONT COLOR="#8000FF"><FONT SIZE=-1>Seems
to me that logic gained from the discussion has indicated that an AMA weight
change is not the issue the real rub comes about if FAI changes their weight
rules, am I the only one or does anyone else see it this way</FONT></FONT></FONT><FONT FACE="Arial"><FONT COLOR="#8000FF"><FONT SIZE=-1>Buddy</FONT></FONT></FONT><FONT FACE="Arial"><FONT COLOR="#8000FF"><FONT SIZE=-1> </FONT></FONT></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE>
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