Ok we have similar debates here in SA><div>
</div><div>Currently our rules for Novice and Sportsman follow the norm with T/O and Landing is judged. Planes have a max weight of 5.5kg and noise is not strictly enforced. This is too encourage folks who may fly 30% LS aerobat to participate. </div><div>For Advanced and Masters T/O and Landing is not judged and the weight limit is 5.5KG, again to help keep the cost within reason as a 2nd hand 2x2 that's done the rounds could be over the 5kg limit for F3a due to use and abuse and therefore necessary repair.</div><div>For F3A we follow the technical rules to the letter except noise is only measured at NATS and Masters.</div><div>
</div><div>The need for the weight rule has also been debated over here to death. No one sees why its needed but its the rules so its followed.</div><div>Some fear Large Scale Bipes may be eligable if the weight rule is not applied but heck if you can fly one of those as smoothly as a dedicated pattern plane then you probably deserve to win!.</div><div>
</div><div>Globally it would be ideal to see the weight rule removed. The more expensive planes will always be thereabouts but it will encourage moe F3A participation but at lower cost. F3A should not be about the size of the cheque book...</div><div>
</div><div>So my interest in this discussion is that changes that happen in the bigger participant area of the globe have a large influence over how the rules will shape up in future. I hope theres concensus around the lack of a need for a weight rule.</div><div>
</div><div>However T/O and Landing should be judged. I think by the time you're ready for F3A you should be able to land...and therefore its not necessary to judge that.</div>