FIrst of all, I luv you all.

Sometimes, I think we are afraid of change. Sometimes, I think we take the side of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". I have yet to see one valid reason why the weight rule makes pattern better. Not because it's always been there or someone could put a gas engine in a plane and have more power but an honest to God reason why the weight rule holds merit or how it makes pattern better. Mr. Sweeney gave several reasons above why removing the weight rule would be extraordinary and they are valid reasons. The argument that this has been hashed over and over doesn't make a hill of beans when it comes right down to it. Obviously, nothing has been done AND there's probably a good reason why. So....what is the reason really? That's all I'd like to hear...why? To me, the reasons to remove it are superior. Keep the 2 meter size and that's going to limit us plenty. We ALL have more power than we use. My 4995g De Ja Vu flies the entire sequence at 1/2 throttle and the verticals require just slightly more. We NEVER use full throttle and if you are, I'd suggest checking your packs. I've flown Hebert designs, I've flown Glen Watson's planes on glow and they too have more than enough power. A bigger engine isn't going to change the ball game. Removing the weight restriction could and will entice more people to attend events, especially the NATS according to the Weight poll here on RCU.

Let's discuss safety for a second. I'd like to put an arming switch on my second De Ja Vu. Guess what, I can't because it would put me over the limit. I've already discussed the redundant regulators so no need to go there again. My point is, we shave here and there and we bore holes over there and run lighter gauge wire here all to save weight when in reality, we are not as safe as we would have been had we not done that. Particularly with arming switches and lighter gauge wire all in the name of a few grams. I'm not saying it can't be done but is it really necessary to go to these great lengths that I've seen posted around here all in the name of grams? I don't think it is and I also think it's sad that people stay away from a National event because they are just over the limit. The size and noise limit is sufficient. No one has given a definite safety, "field-leveling" reason why the weight limit needs to be enforced that solidifies the weight rule. It's outdated and we should change it for the betterment of pattern as well as increased attendance at our national level.

And, I still luv y'all.