ORIGINAL: Phaedrus-MMVI
Just so I am clear, the National Scale Aerobatics Chanpionships are NOT IMAC contests?? Huh?? Then what is.
I too am one who cannot understand why Basic is excluded from the NATS. And BTW Shawn, not all regions recognize Basic in their regional standings. IMAC very much treats Basic as a second class citizen.
I have always viewed Basic as the very lifeblood of IMAc. Sadly, most others would rahter have 20 Unlimited pilots. I wold rather have 20 Basic pilots at a contest.
While I am not doubting what you are saying here, IMAC has gone through grest lengths to standardize the contest format. The rules state that if a CD deviates from this format that his contest will not count in season points. I put equal importance on all classes. we need to encourage and help anyone who wishes to come join us. I for one have numerous time stepped up and helped a basic pilot and helped get them through their first contest. I see this happening frequently here in the SW.
As far as the nats is concerned I can't say for sure but I would assume that basic is dropped because they think that not enough basic guys would enter.
Shawn