Tony,
The one question/issue I have yet seen addressed by proponents for increased weight for electric is this - given the rapid progression of electrics, how is it possible to draft a rules change that will be implemented in 1-2 years?
Current day, there are relatively cheap and expensive electric planes at 11 lbs (+/-). Generally, the expensive planes have the benefit of more power or larger airframes - same can be said for the more expensive glow planes. In the next few years, glow will become obsolete as electric matures, and electric will become cheaper while yielding more performance (higher power, lighter weight) - and this applies to motors, ESCs, batteries, and airframes. There will still be relatively expensive and cheap electrics, and I would rather see this happen at the 11 lb mark vs something higher (as history shows heavier and/or bigger planes always cost more).
We can have differing opinions on what will be, and what might be the outcome of rules tweaks.
We agree on the FAI influence of landing gear!
(TO / landing stopped being judged in FAI F3A ~1989?). I do think it would be a bit of a hard sell that 3 extra oz, extra drag, extra building/maintenance would be worth a couple points for takeoff/landing today tho.
Tony/Joe,
If I may, I know you both, and both are direct and passionate with the best interest for pattern. I re-read the entire thread and see plenty of room for some interpretation on content. Both of your inputs are needed and appreciated. Few have the expertise that Tony shares willingly, and guys like Joe are needed to maintain and grow the sport. I don't think pattern is broken, but it is competing for participants more than it ever had to in the past, and for those of us that have been in pattern for a long time, that is something new.
Regards,
Dave
ORIGINAL: TonyF
Dave,
If in 1 to 2 years planes are again pushing the weight for the reasons you stated, it would probably mean that each of those airplanes cost the owners considerably less then what they cost now. And that would be a good thing.
Let me give you a for instance in why I am sure that no models will be developed strictly for AMA. For a long time F3A has not judged the Take-off and landing. So airplanes went away from the tricycle landing gear and went to tail draggers. But in AMA take-offs and landings are judged, and they are a very significant part of the pattern, especially in Intermediate. But no one flies a trike. Because they are not readily available.
I agree with you that if the weight was increased in F3A with no other changes it would probably eventually raise the cost. But it won't happen in AMA.