Dave hit the nail right on the head. We may soon come to requiring pre-registration in order to limit the number of contestants in some classes. I don't care to hear the BS about "we run a contest with 50 people in two days and fly 5 rounds". To me, if it is possible, it doesn't sound like a fun contest. One contest I was at last year put me #4 in the order for round 1. Round 2 put me #14. Imagine the wait I had between rounds, given there were 19 people in the class (sportsman). I took it in stride and watch a couple DVDs in the van in the AC [8D] .

I did not get to fly my 2nd round due to some rain (which didn't start until 4:30 pm). Imagine my disappointment. I chose to withdraw from the contest and not return the next day, and chose to spend it with my family. Was I ripped off? Depends on who you blame. I still paid the $25. Big whup. There simply was too many people in the contest, and when weather was thrown into the mix, some people at the end of the order got screwed. Another contest down here this year suffered incredible winds and low temps, added to extremely high turnout. They had to nix the freestyle altogether just to get all the classes a SECOND round on sunday. Was it the fault of the CD? Flightline coordinator? Not really. Did I come onto a public forum to announce my displeasure...no. Then again I've been doing this for five years now, have helped run four contests, and know how things can go south.

High turnout is something we all like to see; it stuffs our club coffers and puts a positive light on the sport. However, as they say, you CAN have too much of a good thing. Back when I was in Colorado, total turnout of 25-30 was perfect. We didn't make as much money as a contest with 50, but we had more fun, could fly 4 or 5 rounds, and still have freestyle. That and be done by 3 on Sunday.

Blaming the CD for how a line moves is like blaming Ford for the traffic jam on the interstate. Yes, they could build less Fords and have less traffic on the highway, but the DRIVERS are also responsible for keeping things moving. You all out there play a big part in having more rounds in a tight contest. Be at the line even if your #3 up. Have your score sheets if needed. Have your Caller at your side. Work out RADIO conflicts ahead of time. Start your engine on cue. An idling engine doesn't burn much fuel. Maybe even get airborne early (with line boss approval) and fly deep pattern out of the way until your turn. Blaming a CD or line coordinator for a slow contest only pisses them off for next year. Take a look at what your flying peers are doing to make things slow, too.

I had the pleasure of running the line at our last contest here. Most pilots did just as I expressed above. As a result, everyone was able to get 6 sequences in, plus unknowns for the upper classes, plus a freestyle with 9 pilots...with a turnout of 38 pilots. Awards meeting ajourned at 4:00 Sunday.

Geesh, long enough eh? I think I'm done with this issue, for now.

Erich Freymann
Bay City Flyers "Flightline Nazi"