Hi guys,

First of all let me say that John Christensen hit it right on the head when he said that it is most difficult to "Explain" a rule here. Too long and noblody reads its entirety. Too short and we don't have enuf information!

With that in mind, All I am asking is that you keep an open mind and I will explain the rule as quickly as I can.

First of all, Top Gun was introduced as a contest that would allow ANY model aircraft to compete fairly. Rules were establishjed to insure this. It was never meant to be dominated by any type of aircraft. Like it or not, that was the concept.

We have tracked and logged 16 years of flight and static scores. They "Prove" that Tricycle landing gear, 25 pound and over, Composite winged models have an advantage. They have an advantage in static scoring, since their surfaces are true, they have no grain or weave showing, and, they have an advantage on the flight line by producing straighter takeoffs and landings and they handle any sort of wind, cross winds too, better than the typical tail dragger. Assuming, of course, that the pilot isn't a total Goof. Again, that's a fact.

It is also a fact that many Jet Jocks seem to practice a whole lot more than their competitors and in general take the event more seriously. But that's an other issue! Nothing to do with the rule!

Composite components fit "Perfectly"! There is no chance of having incorrect washout, incidence or decalage. They have tried and proven internal structures to keep the construction in tact and help prevent flutter. And almost all of these type kits come from a proven design. It is very easy, with a wooden kit, to get the wing saddle incorrect, mount the stab wrong, have the fin off center etc. Not an excuse for poor modeling, but there is that chance. Not so with pre-molded components in most cases. So, we have a better chance of getting higher awards for "Craftsmanship" as well.

When it came time to apply the 2% "knock", we applied it to the flight score because if we applied it to the static score, it would actually be a greater penalty. Taking 2% of a high static of 98 would mean that the 2% remained as a factor throughout every round of compeition. 2% of a flight score would be varied, since some scores are 95 and others are 88.

Keep this in mind. Forget flying for a moment. There are a number of pilots at Top Gun that are incapable of actually building an aircraft that requires cutting wood, sanding beveled edges, installing formers, constructing a wood wing of ribs and spars, installing fuselage planking, fiberglassing and then gearing up the modeel with electronics. They are very capable individuals in other arenas, but thay are not "old time" modelers. This is where the all composite model has found its home. And that is just fine. Modelers that do build, actually enjoy it, nobody forced them to do it. And that is fine as well.

Because Top Gun wishes to remain a contest where any model has a fair chance of competing, we are looking for ways to "Level the Playing Field" on a yearly basis. We really don't want to penalize anyone! Perhaps it is more equitable to award a 2% "bonus" to a taildragger. Or maybe it is fair to make an all Jet class. Or, the only solution might be to have all pilots practice a bit more and get familiar with their modles as many other pilots do. Perhaps that is all we need. I do not know, but I do know that I want to keep Top Gun an event that features many types of aircraft. If Jets or anything else became so dominating that nothing else has a chance, it will have lost its luster.

I am open to any and all suggestions. My email is [email protected]