The 5k rule wasn't aimed at F3a when it was brought about as there wasn't an F3A class when the 5k rule came about. It was the FAI deciding that 5k and under was a model, over that was something else.

Having said that if FAI does away with the weight rule then Pandora's box will likely be opened unless another limiting factor is instituted.

How about limiting the Size of engines? We already have a voltage limit on Electrics why not a 2.0 CI on IC? There are not any Pattern engines above that size now. If there were then we'd have to think about making a manufactures product obsolete over night. YS has the 175 and OS a 2.00 that would still allow both to refine the IC engine and the Electrics will still be improving but limited by the voltage limit.

Face it, the propulsion explosion is what allowed the air frames to grow in size to meet the ever increasing difficulty in the sequences in FAI. The weight limit has caused the major cost factor in air frames.

Personally I couldn't care less what FAI does, I only care about AMA. I detest spending $2000-$3000 for an airframe then having to spend another $500 on really light weight "stuff" to make weight. There is only one place weight is even an issue and that is if you happen to place in "The Iron" at the Nats.

If we ignore a rule is it really a rule?

Tim