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<DIV>Dave, I like your thinking. I know that at least some dyed in the wool
Pattern folks have said similar things before so you aren't alone in your
observations and suggested solution aproaches. Although I don't believe
that "We MUST change the event or die....", I do think a
little variety can be a good thing.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>MattK</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>In a message dated 11/11/2005 3:42:37 PM Eastern Standard Time,
davidmichael1@comcast.net writes:</DIV>
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<DIV>1. Equipment: Perception is reality and the perception
is that you need to go and get a specialty airplane to fly pattern. I'd
rather fly what I already have in my basement and I don't have a "pattern
plane" in my basement. Case in point- the only reason I went to the
Arcola contest was because of the "use any plane up to 26lbs in Sportsman
& Intermediate format that was offered- then I found a great deal on a
turn-key plane and just bought it. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been
there.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Potential Solutions: a) Institute a "use any plane in Sportsman
with no size restriction rule". IMAC does the same in Basic. You
can fly a pattern plane in an IMAC contest but not visa versa. b)
Introduction of more Pattern like planes into the general flying market-
difficult to make happen but, for example, the Hanger Nine Showtime is a
great example of a crossover plane that can do this.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>2. Contest Atmosphere: Please- no offense intended here- just
constructive feedback. Personally, I felt less charge in the air at the
Pattern contest. In fact, I had some friends stop by to see it and they
said the same thing to me- really laid back, quiet, easy going. Maybe
that's ok and what is desired but maybe not.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Potential Solutions: Introduction of a) Unknowns b)Freestyles ( I
know about Artistic Aerobatics- is anyone doing this?). <BR><BR>It
really isn't much more work to do unknowns. What about doing unknowns in
all classes or all but Sportsman constitutes a prohibitive increase in
workload? People enjoy doing them. Isn't the goal to increase
participation and not to keep things easy for the CD? IMAC advertises
events to the general public and people come just to see the freestyle- and
end up staying and watching the rest.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>3. Perception with your target audience. In this case, young flyers
who will grow through the classes as they gain experience. Again, no
offense intended, just my perception of how people feel: My perception
is that people think that pattern is resistant to change and slow
moving. Afraid to change. Sacred in its current state.
Boring.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Potential Solutions: You said it yourself. It's boring, just
not to us. I have read comments that pattern is not boring to us
since we "get it" and that's just how it is. Wow- can you imagine if you
tried to run a business that way? Dismissing potential customers as
"just not getting it?" Pattern would benefit from finding ways to help
people "get it" and by adapting the product so that it is more appealing to
the target audience. This is where any resistance to change will hurt
pattern's growth.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I would suggest that knowledge about what interests the target audience
and an open mind about where pattern goes from here would be an
invaluable tool in shaping pattern so that it grows- the number one goal
should be to grow pattern not to keep it the same as it is. Think
outside the box- no potential change should be immediately dismissed.
Utilize tools like RCU to poll your target audience and listen to what they
say as the powers that be shape pattern going forward.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Sorry so long winded.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Just some thoughts.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Dave Michael</DIV></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV>
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