This is off topic but in response to Ed and Randy

Actually we are toying with the idea of combining AMA-NMPRA scoring with FAI for one of our Q40 or 428 races this year. The plan would be to run the heats just like FAI. Launch with 1 second delay between planes. (No mid grounds and less chance for mid air). Keep track of heat time. 1 cut 10% penalty 2 or more or DNS/DNF 200 second heat time. After heat award AMA-NMPRA points by low times. (200 gets zero). The point scores would be the same as now. We may even consider throwing out the worst round after 5 like FAI.

Why do I want to do this? For a while I kept track of Q40 carnage. On average we loose 30 to 35 percent of our entries. At a JR Gold several years I counted 31 Q40’s lost, not just damaged but totaled. My numbers may be high or low but everyone who is competitive in 422 or 428 looses a lot or equipment (read spends a lot time and money)

I was team manager of the 2001 US F3D team, like Q40 but a little bigger, faster and more expensive. That year the world event was held in Aus. I believe total entries (3 per country) were about 50. As I remember it not one airplane was lost during the actual race. Not one mid air and of course no mid grounds. We flew 14 or 15 rounds.

In my opinion adopting FAI style scoring would dramatically decrease the carnage we now experience. Some may like it some may not but I believe in the long run it would improve the viability of pylon racing.

Just my option.
Barry