ORIGINAL: JAS
When you flew in your first contest, were you intimidated that you had to fly in front of judges, other pilots planes in your class or nothing at all? What's the mind-set of a new pattern pilot?
I was 7 when I entered my first contest, came in dead last, and most times the judges couldn't see my landings cause they were a quarter mile away (benefits of flying in Jamesburg, NJ at their county athletic park with 8 full-size soccer fields). I don't remember if my TF Headmaster trainer had enough power (Fox .40) to do everything properly, but I guess I did most things somewhat right cause I didn't have all 0's when I got my score sheets. I don't know what would have happened if I had to fly turnaround though.
While I'm not sure that a non-turnaround sequence is really going to bring more pilots to pattern (there are many other factors why pilots won't try competition), maybe this would help sway a few still on the fence. And if the Club class is too easy, nothing would be holding them back from jumping right into Sportsman.
JAS, - Glad to be of help. Flying in front of judges was not a big deal for me as I'm used to be on stage / have competed lots in many different sports as a kid. I can see how it would take some getting used to for lots of people, though. I'm not sure the difficulty of the sequence is the determining factor there, however.
The biggest help for me was that a generous FAI pilot offered to be my caller on my first round of my first contest which was very reassuring and made my day. Actually, the support for others, offered freely, is a huge turn-on about the pattern scene and is the core of why anyone might participate as opposed to how easy the sequence is, IMO.
Something I would add is that as a hypothetical individual poking around and looking at investing time and $ in a new sport, browsing the internet and forums and checking out what this pattern thing is all about - one thing I would not like to see is a lot of quibbling (and acrimony) on the forums about what the rules are (weight/sequences, etc). As a matter of fact, as a 2nd year guy it still kind of ticks me off, though I understand the need for discussion.
This hypothetical newbie would want to know that the rules are consistent, solid and well accepted, and are likely to be stable for the foreseeable future. Otherwise, he might sit out a few seasons and see where the dust settles belfore spending time and $ to get up to speed.
Bill P, D7<br type="_moz" />