Obviously the ARF is allowed a role at some Scale R/C Airplane contests at present. It is separate from builders scale, as it should be, in my opinion. I agree with cocobear that the actual building, is a smaller portion then the detailing and finishing. However, it is the basic portion of the process that I feel must be part and partial to the "builder of the plane" requirment.

As far as competing goes, I simply don't have the money; or, the inclination to do so. I go to Mall Shows and that's about the extent of the competing I do. Many might say now; I don't have the right to an opinion on this topic, because I don't compete! That's fine you have your opinion and I have mine! Mine is still that I think there should be a venue which should never change and that Scale R/C Airplane competions should be for builders of model airplanes! My definition of a builder is someone who starts with a kit, plans or designs his own. My definition of a kit is a box containing parts which do not look like componant parts of an airplane.

This is not a condemnation of ARFs! It's only my opinion on this topic!