Keith,

I disagree. I was in sportsman for one year, intermediate for 5 or more and last year was my first year in advanced. I had to move up to intermediate after one year because I won a contest with more than 4 contestants. I remember worrying all winter about whether I was ready. Well after about 2 or 3 contests it was clear that I was ready. Was it pretty at first no but clearly I wasn't going to crash. Dito last year when I move up to advanced. I think most people should be able to get through sportman in one year. And for that reason I believe turnaround in sportsman and intermediate is what makes it fun. This is a competitive event and pilots giving it a try for the first time should and must have some level of aerobatic competence before they give it a try for the first time. We don't want people who just soloed with a trainer moving directly to aerobatic competition do we??