Tim,


I disagree about forced advancement, and also that we currently use peer pressure.

I pointed out of advanced. I am capable of flying masters, although poorly I do not fear at any time I will crash my plane. That being said I could fly FAI and not crash. BUT.

I did place 3rd at Nats in advanced, moved into masters at the beginning of the next season because I pointed out and such as happens, life has changed significantly and I no longer can devote the time it takes to prepare and compete in masters and challenge others to do their best. Yes, I fly to win and to compare myself to those who are at the top of our Masters group here in D6. I am not a threat.

I wish I could go back to advanced and learn a few things that I never paid attention to so that I could be competitive again. Am I a sore loser, I dont think so and I hope that D6 masters pilots dont feel I run around sulking at my consistent below 900 normalized score. i go to have fun now, and I miss being in the thick of it but there is no way I can without burning fuel and putting in the time. At this point, that is not an option for me.

So.... I would favor a system that would allow me to compete again in Advanced, and gather the skills I need to be competitive and move back to Masters when I feel that I am capable of competeing.

I will be honest, but I know the logic and arguments and truth about Masters and some pilots not going to FAI. It is discouraging to know that there are masters pilots who even on a bad day will still make the finals at NATS and be top 3, but wont move to FAI cause for the same reasons I want to move back to Advanced. I want to be competitive and not just a place taker at the bottom of a contest. Is it fair for them to make this choice and not someone in a lower class?

Please, dont misunderstand, I will follow the guidelines and not complain however they may shake out in the future, but sure wish I could step back to advanced just as masters pilots choose not to go to FAI.

Fire away everyone.

Chuck Hochhalter