ORIGINAL: bwick
Matt mentioned that we need to make pattern less dull. Participation in global events and the opportunity to travel to South America, Europe, Africa, etc. sounds pretty exciting to me! In fact, it was exciting! I've done it! Wouldn't young talent be more inclined to get their feet wet in pattern if they knew it may come with the opportunity to travel to another country for a week?
Someone please explain to me why F3A is dull, and why we just HAVE to adapt our own set of rules that are so much ''better''.
Yes, for the three bi-annual annointed fliers, it better be exciting or we chose the wrong team. That wasn't the point. I'm talking about the flying itself, not the peripheral activity. Its sheer appeal to the masses. It was a response do Mike's casket nailing comment on which I think he is right. I believe we all long time pattern folks understand this shortcoming and are frustrated that we can't do much about it and still preserve all its elements. Do we love it? Yup! Do spectators? We don't want the sport to just survive by attracting one Andrew and one Brett every 10 years.
Back to the weight rule, relaxing it a bit will allow new developments, like larger bipes. That would be neat. However, Cost range will increase. Sure we'd be able to use mid sized gassers but will we? And possibly use existing airframe (cheaper) or create new Pattern specific ones (much more $$$). Next step up in electric would need to be considered (not inexpensive).