Helipilot01
Senior Heliman
Location: ColliervilleTn
| Hi All,
I missed seeing everyone at the Nat's this year so I'm sure I missed out on a lot of good discussion on this subject, so here is my 2 cents. Adjusted for inflation, it’s probably worth just that.....
Several years ago competitive rc model helicopter flying enjoyed it greatest attendance ever. Today, I’d say we are at about 30%, except for FAI, of that previous attendance. FAI numbers remain high because there is no where to advance to. Anyone wanting to fly competition will eventually point out of the lower classes and advance to FAI. This decline in the lower classes was well noted in the years past and much discussion was given to bringing new pilots into competitive flying. At this same time, 3D style flying was growing rapidly. It was decided that the maneuvers in competition should as least reflect the style of 3D in order to draw new pilots into this type of flying. I believe it's easy to see; this did not go as planned and instead maybe went the other way...
Today, we see we have lost a lot of great competitive pilots to 3d or freestyle flying. I personally owe a lot to Paul Soha and Gary Wright for the trophies I collected...They certainly gave me goals to strive for!!!!
Not only are these guys gone...But so are many others. While there are a host of reasons that could apply to each person’s absence, in my opinion, I believe we have made flying competition difficult. I spoke with Horace Hagan at Toledo this year on this same subject. I expressed to him that I believe one of the factors effecting attendance at contest is the two schedules. I believe we would have better attendance with just one schedule. I’ve seen some of the very top in this country make mistakes and forget which schedule they were flying. They lost placement and others advanced not because of their skill, but because of another’s confusion.
I know personally it's tough to finance a competitive year in FAI. I am certainly thankful for the sponsorships I have had over the years, but there was still the lions share that I had to bear. Don't get me wrong, I’m in this hobby because I want to be and I make this choice knowing that some things in my life will be sacrificed. However, that being said, it’s a hard sell to someone flying his one or two models 3D to invest in two FAI type machines and the time necessary to become competitive in two schedules in many different wind, sun, and temp conditions. In my opinion, this person must be asking "Why should I?" when our maneuvers are becoming so much like theirs and his cost currently are so much less, not to mention the dedication that must be there to become competitive in those two schedules. From my vantage point, I see that modelers are flying in competition because they want to, but the system we have now is what causes them to eventually leave.
I commented to Scott via e-mail several weeks ago about his proposal. I believe it has merit and is workable. The one maneuver I didn't like was the inside outside Horz. 8. My concern is for safety on this one maneuver. However, I do like the idea of using Fuse's for FAI. I know that might sound hypocritical based on what I said above about cost, but basic economics says cost in rarely a factor in product sales, especially in a hobby. I have judged and flown a lot of FAI rounds in the past years. I can tell you that points are not given if it’s not clear what the model is doing. Fuses make it easier for the judge to see the model, and therefore easier to score the points you’ve already earned. Even more, I believe FAI flying should be just that. The fuse separates it from 3D style flying and it becomes unique to this style of flying. I believe FAI style flying should distinguish itself for other types of model helicopter flying events. Case in point, look at the differences between r/c pylon racing and pattern ….The pattern guys don’t require themselves to fly 6 at a time and do their turn around maneuvers around a pole…Even more, the pylon guys aren’t doing slow rolls on long legs of the course!! Each style of flying is unique to itself and attracts those wishing to follow.
Just my .002……..
Mike Fortune |
I would get a fuse for my Freya EX WC too, but just can't afford it. I will rather spend my cents to fuel instead. But in any case, you have a point in this issue.
Great job all of you who have written those or commented!
