ORIGINAL: ChiefK
.... but I am unable to understand the logic here. I'll leave it alone from now on because I truely believe that SPA provides a terrific outlet for those of us who grew up with pattern in the 60's and 70's, but I'd sure appreciate it if the issue could be addressed by the SPA rules committee. If a logical policy is not approved, I'll learn to live with the existing arbitrary illogical policy.
I'm actually on the side of allowing reasonable builder freedom to ''customize'' their projects (as we did back then). I like the concept of requiring maintenance of at least a ''reasonable'' (recognizable) likeness of the subject airplane. Virtually everyone makes some modifications, so why not remove the controversy and let the rule book coincide with actual practice? There'd be a lot fewer rants about this issue and we could all move on to becoming better pilots.
The truth of the matter is stated as honestly as I know how above. I've entered into quite a few debates over time presenting the SPA position on a number of "hot issue" topics. All of these debates are with well-meaning, (I assume) individuals outside SPA who want to change something more to their liking before joining etc. The truth is that change within SPA is driven by active member pilots expressing their gripes to the Board of Directors. It won't come from anywhere else. We exist to compete
WITH vintage models...the models themselves are not of
PRIMARY concern, (though we try as an organization to be true to the concept of flying vintage planes close to the original design). The rules DO STATE that the aircraft should resemble the original. If members were upset at the wonderful guys who introduced the "geese", maybe something would be done, but nobody within SPA is upset enough yet.
The pilots tend to get riled at things that could directly affect the outcome of contests, such as supposedly "unfair" power advantages. Another hot topic right now is the selection of maneuvers for each class that happens every two years. Maneuvers will change for 2011-2012.
For an example of controversies we try to avoid, we had a big "discussion" about electrics last year that finally resulted in them being BANNED outright because of all the hubbub. We lost members, and some people were upset. We hate this when it happens, so we try to avoid stringently enforcing every little rule, and try to follow the "honor system" in the rules regarding mods, and let
member concerns drive changes. Actual members who compete are not as concerned about the mods as readers on RCU threads. My best advice is to join SPA, fly with us, and see how you feel after a season.