Some interesting points Troy. But I have some responses.

As someone who intends to get back to pattern flying I am interested in Masters class, as that is what I intend to fly. At my age I have zero chance of competing with the "kids" in the current F3A event. The unknowns make it too difficult. So I do have a dog in the hunt.

In regards to the number of Masters fliers to F3A pilots at a local meet, Troy, get over it and accept it. It's the price you will pay to fly F3A since it is such a huge step in difficulty over Masters when taken in total and with the current F3A rules you will never see that change.

And why do anything to shorten the schedule? It seems like you are taking an even shorter survey to come up with a result. IMO that makes the results even more questionable. I understand why they do it in F3A as those rules are designed solely for use at a Continental or World championships. The FAI is not concerned in the least how the F3A rules are used at the local level. Now having said that I feel that Masters 09 is too easy. Masters pilots should be more open to some increasing difficulty in the schedule, like climbing snaps or rolling circles. But hard to argue with success!

And BTW, why are you talking about what's broke in Masters when it is often the class with the most entrants? Seems like that makes it the most successful class at the local level. What is more important is what is broke in Sportsman and Intermediate!

I personally feel that the restrictions on models should be eased in AMA pattern. It is getting to be too expensive to get a 2-meter airplane under 5 Kg that is properly powered for less then $5 to 6K. Start adding it up. It is a huge limitation to getting new pattern pilots. Look at the huge amount of ARF IMAC model available, even in 2-meter sizes. They are extremely well priced and are very popular. But how many can be used in pattern? Practically none as they are over the weight limit. The few manufacturers who attempted weight legal ARF pattern models in the 2-meter size had failure issues and got drummed out of the pattern business. So they went back to making 12 to 14 pound 2-meter IMAC style models and the business thrives.

As to 10S electrics giving glow a run for their money, what just won F3A at the Nats? Hey!

Now let's discuss the removal of throw away flights in the finals!