Its not YS territory yet, but it would be shortly....it would also remove electric 100% from the scene as we have a 42V limit.
You would think it would open the door to gas, but since the rules changes to unlimited engine displacement there has been well over 10 years of opportunity for gas to get a foothold....its never happened, and never likely to happen....it just doesn't compete with glow in this event. History shows us this is just not going to happen....higher weight limit will = larger models within the 2x2 framework with larger engines which = higher cost and less participants.
Smaller is the way to go to reduce cost, although that would be a tough sell. Its something you could try and take on as a country by country basis in their own class structure, but its unlikely to ever happen at the FAI level. Unlikely Pylon which generally doesn't follow FAI rules in the national classes (Q500, Q40 rather than F3D), most countries fly FAI pattern as part of their national class structure, therefore the rules that are laid out by the FAI typically have large influence over each countries rules for their own national classes.
In Canada for instance we basically follow FAI rules with a few exceptions.
ORIGINAL: mmattockx
I have stayed out of this since I don't compete, but this seems silly to me. If you step up to a 2x2 model with a 15lb limit, that is not YS territory, that is gas engine territory. And you can buy one amazing gas engine, with pipe, for about 2/3 (maybe less) what the current YS170's cost. That seems to me the only place where an increase to the weight limit would help, though. It's also getting close to the first gas TOC planes or smaller IMAC models...
Really, it is a competitive endeavour that uses technical equipment for the competition. No matter what you do, some individuals will always stretch the limits of the rules no matter what the cost. That is how it works. This is the same complaint that you hear regarding lots of racing. If you can't afford to run with the big dogs, find sponsorship or stay at a lower level that your pocketbook can afford. It's not fair or just, it just is.
If you want to limit cost, reset the box to 1.7mx1.7m, set a max weight of around 8-8.5lb and limit engines to 0.9cuin regardless of type. Maybe set a maximum battery pack size as well to even off the electric guys if it becomes necessary. Basically, this would step back to the mid 80's in aircraft size. Makes building, storing and transporting easier and cheaper and the smaller engines use less fuel. Radios, servos, etc. will still cost a lot, though.
Mark