ORIGINAL: Low Rider
Mike, you see examples often enough on the NSRCA message board.
A Sportsman or Intermediate guy asks a question-
they are just looking for a little guidance. It may seem to be a "dumb" question to some, or one that has been answered before...but you take a guy interested enough in pattern to be on the NSRCA website and sign up hoping to learn some things...and all they get is teased or smart aleck answers for the next 8 hours...
great way to build pattern's future!
Yes, there are some awesome pattern guru's who do take the time to give thoughful, helpful answers...but personally I have learned more here on RCU.
In person, I am lucky enough to be a in club very active in pattern, and very newcomer friendly. We are hosting our 50th consecutive Pattern meet this August- can any club top that? I also have met only good people at D-1 contests and strive to be as helpful when new guys ask my help.
Scott
NSRCA D-1
I know, I've gotten a snootfull of it myself. Just never really in person. Ok maybe once or twice after I had gotten in an arguement with someone's lord and savior
Pattern guys are sort of smart alecs to begin with. That part I guess I'm used to and it goes right past me, actually because I'm the worst probably. . But the uppity elitist ignoring ego crap is what grates me to no end. Pattern isn't dripping from the pages of every magazine. To find answers, you have to DIG for them. People should be more receptive and helpful, but honest too. I know the recent list thread you're talking about, I just read it. There's good info in it, but way too much BS for a new guy. If -I- asked a question, I'd expect it, because they mostly know me and I'd know it wasn't personal or whatever. But to do it to a new guy ain't the best idea. On thier defense, I didn't read any malice or meaness, those particular guys just poke fun like that. I garauntee you they never even considered it might be taken in a negative way.
There are great guys out there. Just go to a contest and get off the net
You'll meet plenty of great people and then the rest don't matter. In the mean time, if you read a bit you'll discover some great people right here in this forum that have a TON of knowledge on everything from scratch building planes to the latest composite uber kit, to trimming, flying, engine tuning (all types)....I garauntee you if you ask the question here, you'll get the answer. But you may get 6 different ones. And in truth and fairness all 6 are probably "right".
But if there is an elistist attitude floating around out there, it needs to die a painful and horrible public death. Because pattern isn't about that at ALL.
Welp speaking of contests I have to get loaded up for the long drive to Ocala tomorrow. I love flying with these guys in D3, they are the coolest. From our NSRCA pres on down the line to the greenest sportsman, these guys are awesome. That's why I HATE hearing stuff like this.
Cya.
-Mike