ORIGINAL: EC120
only means for recovery is going full power till it hits.
I think the mindset of trying to recover the model at all costs is the real problem. I've seen a torque rolling plane tilt over toward the pits and the guy hit full throttle and flies at and over the pits. I understand if a model gets over the pits by mistake and the pilot flies it back. That stuff can happen. I don't understand intentionally sending it at the pits as a bail out plan. So I would guess the rule was a result of a few idiots acting badly and screwing up things for everyone else. I think a better rule is to not fly anything your not willing to dump. Don't know how you would enforce that but I'll still follow it.
The first part here is certainly not the case. There is never a time that "only means for recovery is going full power" But I really am tired of argueing the merits of 3D and tail tapping.
EC120 has a good point, but it isn't related to this rule or thread. It applies to all flying of all types. I've had the distict misfortune of choosing to plant a plane (not 3D and not tail touching) because it was headed towards the pits. It sucks, but then, hitting somone would suck worse! 3Ders are under the same moral obligation as any and all RCers to put safety ahead of their planes and their pride. And if they don't, there are plenty of rules already to deal with that!! And they SHOULD be enforced!!!
But to be real clear, by Dave Brown's, And many other's, words, there was not even a single reported instance of "a few idiots acting badly and screwing up things for everyone else." While I would never say it hasn't happened, to relate that to the tail tap, or any other manuever (3D or not) is silly. It applies to every part of the hobby. It might not hurt as much, but the park flyer that hit me wasn't very great either!