I am not an accomplished builder.

However, when I assembled my first 2-meter model about 3 years ago I had the good fortune to have the assistance - via RCU and e-mail - of Matt Kebabjian (MTK in this venue) who drilled into me the practice of watching weight at every single step during component selection, design and assembly. As a result, I ended up with an older design, a Focus II, with a hand-made soft mount for a Syssa 30cc gasser (yes, an ignition engine!) and an ES tuned pipe, custom modified pipe tunnel with an AUW of 10lb 8oz, which came in under weight FULLY FUELED. Total cost was about $2200.

Since then I have assembled a new e-model, the Sickle, that weighs in at 10lb 6oz (with a Himax motor, zippy batteries and CC 85HV) and a Spark Dynamic that I got second-hand. The Spark was very close to the limit, but I made some changes for my preferences and to lighten it a bit and it now weighs 10lb 11oz. So it CAN be done and it doesn't have to cost megabucks to do it.

Even with my relatively brief association with Pattern, I am aware some models have a reputation for being very hard or impossible to keep under 5kg without excessive expense and effort. I don't buy them! When contemplating a purchase I always search the build/assembly threads first for the weights of airframes and to see what equipment is being used.

The right message to send out is this: Guys, do some homework if you plan to attend the Nats!

Something occurred to me the other day: If the weight limit is increased to 5.5kg it will mean that just about every model will be able to make weight easily with the Contra Drive, so the next thing guys will be complaining about is that they can't afford an exotic and expensive drive system that offers a competitive advantage, and it's so unfair!