I've been following this saga since the first post and out of all I've read there is one thing that really bothers me.
I intend to put the subject in front of the entire membership, and, I suspect the end result will be to see the turbines rolled back to the original 22 lbs, with reduced weight limits, and speed limiters
Does anyone remember the last time Dave had something to say to the membership about turbines? It was a little rant in Model Aviation about the night flight at Superman a few years ago. Dave has open access to the magazine and there is no requirement for equal time for our side. I see this as a major problem. I travel a lot for business and have flown with several different clubs over the past few years. I've got to tell you, most modelers haven't even seen a turbine close up, let alone know anything about them. So what's gonna happen when Dave publishes his latest rant and all the people who think you must be nuts for spending 3 grand on a model airplane engine start calling their Dist VPs?? Or what do you think is gonna happen when the club grump decides to start making noise??? You know the guy I'm talking about, he's the one who brings a Telemaster or similar plane to the field, but never flies and thinks a snap roll is an extreme aerobatic maneuver and is to dangerous for any modeler to even attempt.
In another thread there was a pitch for JPO membership to help get the numbers up and to show that they represent the majority of jet modelers. While it would be great for everyone to be a member, let's face it guys, even if everyone who has a waiver, wants to get a waiver, or even has a ducted fan in the hanger would join, we (jet modelers) would still be in a very scarce minority.
I know there a people out there that are a lot better at dealing with situations like this than I am and I would like to know what others think. If this gets going I don't think posting to RCU and a few calls and e-mails are gonna make much of an impact.