Greetings fellow Region Niners --
I posted this note on the 2009 PG Comps to the PG forum. A member suggested I cross post it to the HG forum because the HG might also be interested. --It is not exactly the same, because I corrected some errors and made a few minor clarifications--. Let me know if any of you are interested in providing input to the Comp Rule book development group. I am not in this group, but I will put you in touch with those that are. I
LE
>>>The competition committee ended at 7:30pm after going about 4 hours. It all came down to a pivotal decision by Mike Haley. I made a motion to have only one paragliding nationals. If that motion passed it would have awarded the paragliding national to Dunlap. Dunlap is really cool. They recently made massive bulldozer improvements on the launch and it is fast becoming one of the premier paragliding sites in the U.S. It is located about an hour out side of Fresno and is adjacent to a National Park.
My motion was defeated but only after a bizarre series of events. The first general discussion was Rob Spore’s idea that we just go ahead and have two paragliding nations, because it looked as if there were going to be two hang gliding nationals.
Two sites submitted applications for the 2009 Hang Gliding Nationals. King Mountain and Big Spring. David Glover was the champion for Big Spring and he had lobbied extensively to the issue. However, the Big Spring application was not very well prepared—Most of the discussion time was going over it line by line to correct the several errors. It was also not very clear what would be included with the entry fees.
Big Spring is good in a lot of ways. It is a race to goal. Comp pilots are accustomed to racing and that is the way they train and compete internationally. So that was good. But the program for King Mountain was excellent. The package would have resulted in a world class event. It would also be a great follow up to the last summers PBS special that was filmed there.
King also had some very good sponsors lined up and some promising leads to stories in adventure magazines like National Geographic Adventure. King Mountain proposal provided camping sites with hot showers and facilities, breakfast every day, and several sponsored dinners.
King Mountain would be an open distance contest. It was also a lot cheaper. The King Mountain proposal will cost the pilots $150 all inclusive. Big Springs $350 not inclusive plus $298 in tow fees and that is only if the price of gas stays the same as it is now. If gas goes up the tow fees will go up.
However because one was tow and the other foot, the event sponsors left the room and worked out an agreement. I voted for the agreement and so did most of the others, so it passed. I the General Assembly the Motion to accept the committee report passed and USHPA will be having two sanctioned HG nationals in 2009, subject to approval by the King Mountain Club.
The points from each comp would be compiled to give a score to the rankings. Because the hang gliders had two comps, Rob Spore made a motion for the paragliders to have two comps..
I thought that was a good idea, but USHPA has a project underway to revise the Competion Rulebook. The new system envisions a series of events to determine National Champions. Each event would pilots give ranking points, sort of like bull riding. The national champion selection would be based on a compilation. I said the development of the details of this ranking point system should be compete before we implement it.
The vote was 4 to 4 and Mike Haley, as the Chair of the comp committee, had to cast the tie breaker. Mike decided we should talk about the issues some more. Other directors came into the meeting as their meetings had ended. After talking about it some more another vote was called and it went 5 to 5. Then Mike cast his vote for the two comps for pg.
One comp will be at Dunlap, CA and one at Inspo UT. The Dunlap is April 26 – May 3 and Inspo will be Aug 15-22. The big job now will be to make sure that we have the rules in place for these comps. No meet director can take money from paricipants until the rules are in place.
The Draft Competition rulebook was presented at the board meeting. The next step will be to correct some minor discrepancies identified during the meeting and send it out for further participant comment. I will let you know when it becomes available.
L.E. Herrick, Director
Region Nine
October 24, 2008
USHPA Board of Directors Meeting
Chattanooga TN
2009 Comps
Moderator: CHGPA BOD
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John Simon
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Fri Feb 11, 2005 12:33 pm
Re: 2009 Comps
Hi,
Thanks for the info from the BOD. It's not often enough that we get some explanation as to what happened and why. I think however, the concept of 2 HG (or PG) Nationals was a misunderstanding of a proposal from a member. He advocated for a Series type US Nationals. He proposed 4 US meets and take the best 2 and add the scores... Top guy gets the title. This way, you could attend 2, 3 or 4 meets and still be eligible and have a shot at it.
The way I read your email was there are going to be 2 (PG) nationals? How would this work? Do you flip a coin or would the champ be required to attend both meets? Unless I'm missing something (likely) I'd not be in favor of such a system... Any more info here?
The choice of King as a site for our Nats is a bit disappointing. Sounds like they have a great package put together, but no race to goal? Lousy ratty air? I think it's good to spread the wealth around (not in a socialist sense), so I'll keep my fingers crossed that it'll be better than last year.
Lastly, as a simpleton... I prefer a single choice for the nationals and not a series (and certainly not a dual Nats) as proposed . Few can make many comps a year and it'd skew the results towards that lucky and relatively small group. There are already 7 race days in a NATs and it's more dramatic having it this way. There are other minor reasons...
Take care,
John
Thanks for the info from the BOD. It's not often enough that we get some explanation as to what happened and why. I think however, the concept of 2 HG (or PG) Nationals was a misunderstanding of a proposal from a member. He advocated for a Series type US Nationals. He proposed 4 US meets and take the best 2 and add the scores... Top guy gets the title. This way, you could attend 2, 3 or 4 meets and still be eligible and have a shot at it.
The way I read your email was there are going to be 2 (PG) nationals? How would this work? Do you flip a coin or would the champ be required to attend both meets? Unless I'm missing something (likely) I'd not be in favor of such a system... Any more info here?
The choice of King as a site for our Nats is a bit disappointing. Sounds like they have a great package put together, but no race to goal? Lousy ratty air? I think it's good to spread the wealth around (not in a socialist sense), so I'll keep my fingers crossed that it'll be better than last year.
Lastly, as a simpleton... I prefer a single choice for the nationals and not a series (and certainly not a dual Nats) as proposed . Few can make many comps a year and it'd skew the results towards that lucky and relatively small group. There are already 7 race days in a NATs and it's more dramatic having it this way. There are other minor reasons...
Take care,
John
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Lauren Tjaden
- Posts: 371
- Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2005 6:27 pm
Re: 2009 Comps
Hi LE,
First, thanks for your service with the USHGPA. It's a huge deal.
Is there anything we can do about the hang gliding nats? King is NOT a great place for them. It is not in a central location, but besides that, it has turbulence that scares the crap out of pilots like Jeff O'Brien and Davis and Jim Lamb.
They are NOT weenies. I thought the air in Big Spring was, uhhh, pretty sporty (one day I flew over 35 miles between 12000 and 13000 feet without turning) and those guys just laughed at me. The same guys that had the giggles shuddered when I mentioned King.
Whenever somebody dies/tumbles/throws the laundry at a comp it is a negative for competing, not to mention the sport. I know; life is dangerous and hang gliding is an extreme sport, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to be smart.
Further, the open distance format is just weird. How will this help prepare the US pilots for international competitions? Dribbling downwind is a different game than trying to be fast over a difficult task.
I wrote my representatives before the meeting, and am not sure what else to do. I do know that some of the bigwigs -- like Davis or David -- can be abrasive, and I have to wonder if the USHGPA is trying to punish them.
What do you think? I know you have only good intentions. How I can I be more influential? How can more of the top pilots be influential? I totally don't get it.
Lauren
First, thanks for your service with the USHGPA. It's a huge deal.
Is there anything we can do about the hang gliding nats? King is NOT a great place for them. It is not in a central location, but besides that, it has turbulence that scares the crap out of pilots like Jeff O'Brien and Davis and Jim Lamb.
They are NOT weenies. I thought the air in Big Spring was, uhhh, pretty sporty (one day I flew over 35 miles between 12000 and 13000 feet without turning) and those guys just laughed at me. The same guys that had the giggles shuddered when I mentioned King.
Whenever somebody dies/tumbles/throws the laundry at a comp it is a negative for competing, not to mention the sport. I know; life is dangerous and hang gliding is an extreme sport, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to be smart.
Further, the open distance format is just weird. How will this help prepare the US pilots for international competitions? Dribbling downwind is a different game than trying to be fast over a difficult task.
I wrote my representatives before the meeting, and am not sure what else to do. I do know that some of the bigwigs -- like Davis or David -- can be abrasive, and I have to wonder if the USHGPA is trying to punish them.
What do you think? I know you have only good intentions. How I can I be more influential? How can more of the top pilots be influential? I totally don't get it.
Lauren
Re: 2009 Comps
LE,
(skyblueonline dot net)
Thanks for posting the back story! In my few short years of trying to speak as a member on Competition issues it is rare to hear any response. Again, thank you.
I could go off about all the negatives about the change going on right now but after a long week at work, my fingers don't have the endurance to type everything that need to be said about the current rework going on. The dual national is novel, it won't be that big a deal if it doesn't work better then the old system. What is disgusting is the effort to hijack our current competition system to serve the desires of a select group of people. Yea davis can be a pain, but since he was booted from the competition committee I haven't seen them do anything that didn't reek. It seems as if a small group is trying to redefine what is accomplishment in the world of HG competition to suit their personal agenda. Agendas aren't inherently evil, but this one seem to march forward as always without the input or consideration of the pilots that actually are involved in the Sanctioned USHGPA and CIVL competition systems.
LE, thank you for keeping us in the loop. Maybe its time for disgruntled comp pilots like myself to take it to the next level of involvement. Anyone that ever wants to talk to me about competition, encouraging competitions, fostering pilot development, or anything related...feel free to contact me anytime. my email address is kevin at the domain listed at the top of this email.
Kev
(skyblueonline dot net)
Thanks for posting the back story! In my few short years of trying to speak as a member on Competition issues it is rare to hear any response. Again, thank you.
I could go off about all the negatives about the change going on right now but after a long week at work, my fingers don't have the endurance to type everything that need to be said about the current rework going on. The dual national is novel, it won't be that big a deal if it doesn't work better then the old system. What is disgusting is the effort to hijack our current competition system to serve the desires of a select group of people. Yea davis can be a pain, but since he was booted from the competition committee I haven't seen them do anything that didn't reek. It seems as if a small group is trying to redefine what is accomplishment in the world of HG competition to suit their personal agenda. Agendas aren't inherently evil, but this one seem to march forward as always without the input or consideration of the pilots that actually are involved in the Sanctioned USHGPA and CIVL competition systems.
LE, thank you for keeping us in the loop. Maybe its time for disgruntled comp pilots like myself to take it to the next level of involvement. Anyone that ever wants to talk to me about competition, encouraging competitions, fostering pilot development, or anything related...feel free to contact me anytime. my email address is kevin at the domain listed at the top of this email.
Kev
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Flying Lobster
- Posts: 1042
- Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:17 pm
Re: 2009 Comps
I didn't get the impression that this was a permanent state of affairs--just a transitional one while they figure out how to get a new system in place.
I agree that the comp pilots that do them are the best ones for input on comps--but it just wasn't handled right this time around, IMO. Tons of whining on national forums isn't the way to get it done. Get momentum going with well-coordinated efforts is. This has never been a strong point on the US comp pilot scene (and not the pilot's fault, either). Sorry, just calling it as I've seen it over many years.
I produce art shows now, as well as handle all the marketing and promotion for my own work. If there is one thing I've learned in 10 years of doing this it is that if I gave up on my projects because a "they" or "them" presented an obstacle I would never get anything at all done.
marc
I agree that the comp pilots that do them are the best ones for input on comps--but it just wasn't handled right this time around, IMO. Tons of whining on national forums isn't the way to get it done. Get momentum going with well-coordinated efforts is. This has never been a strong point on the US comp pilot scene (and not the pilot's fault, either). Sorry, just calling it as I've seen it over many years.
I produce art shows now, as well as handle all the marketing and promotion for my own work. If there is one thing I've learned in 10 years of doing this it is that if I gave up on my projects because a "they" or "them" presented an obstacle I would never get anything at all done.
marc
Great Googly-moo!
Re: 2009 Comps
"I agree that the comp pilots that do them are the best ones for input on comps--but it just wasn't handled right this time around, IMO. Tons of whining on national forums isn't the way to get it done. Get momentum going with well-coordinated efforts is. This has never been a strong point on the US comp pilot scene (and not the pilot's fault, either). Sorry, just calling it as I've seen it over many years."
I agree with you. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. You have to do something about what you feel is important.
However, in regards to some aspects of the Nationals decisions, the pilots have in fact presented unified opinions directly to the BOD and the competition committee. "Representatives" are supposed to represent. Well coordinated efforts were put forward by the top pilots, and their voices were ignored by the minority in power. What can you do? Eh, move on I suppose. If the members care enough, they will vote accordingly.
Kev
I agree with you. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. You have to do something about what you feel is important.
However, in regards to some aspects of the Nationals decisions, the pilots have in fact presented unified opinions directly to the BOD and the competition committee. "Representatives" are supposed to represent. Well coordinated efforts were put forward by the top pilots, and their voices were ignored by the minority in power. What can you do? Eh, move on I suppose. If the members care enough, they will vote accordingly.
Kev
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Flying Lobster
- Posts: 1042
- Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:17 pm
Re: 2009 Comps
I probably don't understand enough about the contemplated switch to a series of comps to determine the nats champ, as opposed to a "winner take all" single meet. Dropping King from the discussion for the moment, is it the comp pilots contention that Big Springs remain/be selected as the one and only meet for crowning the nats champ?
It sounds like the nats exclusivity for Big Springs in 2009 is a lost cause at this point--but it also sounds like that there is plenty of time to organize and have input on not only how the "new series" will pan out but to secure a place for Big Springs as a primary venue.
A guy like you Kev would be great to lead the cause--might not hurt to have someone like Linda S. on board too, she impresses me as a very articulate and "even-tempered" advocate. I personally don't see how anyone can afford to be a serious comp pilot without becoming a professional beggar--where does the money come from?
marc
It sounds like the nats exclusivity for Big Springs in 2009 is a lost cause at this point--but it also sounds like that there is plenty of time to organize and have input on not only how the "new series" will pan out but to secure a place for Big Springs as a primary venue.
A guy like you Kev would be great to lead the cause--might not hurt to have someone like Linda S. on board too, she impresses me as a very articulate and "even-tempered" advocate. I personally don't see how anyone can afford to be a serious comp pilot without becoming a professional beggar--where does the money come from?
marc
Great Googly-moo!
Re: 2009 Comps
You are right, Linda is the Bomb.
The issue with Big Spring was more last year then this year. How the nationals was awarded to Lakeview stunk to high heaven. The pilots presented a highly unified opinion and it was not reflected in the final decisions.
The dual meet this year seems like a good comprimise
I pride myself on being an anti demonizer but it seems like over the last couple years an agenda is being executed. King goes from an unsanctioned meet to Nationals in what...a year? From what I have read about the new NTSS proposals we seem to be following a way of thinking that is common in this country. We alienate ourselves from the world community by redefining what is an international standard to try and fit our selfish objectives.
The NTSS point system is about our participation in a world wide system that is racing XC against the best pilots in the World. The push now is to turn NTSS into the vector for encouraging regional involvement in competition. WHAT?!?! They are trying to restructure NTSS to manipulate the participation patterns of the competition population at the expense of what the points are supposed to focus on.
A system of NTSS points that encourages pilots to participate in the biggest national and international meets is the best way to nurture future champions. A system of regional or community events is the best way to encourage "pass back" to the rest of the community. Ollie and the TreeTopper crew have proved just how easy and successful this can be with 0 NTSS points involvement. Ironically, they tried it with points a few years ago and dropped it. Look at how successful the team challenge is now?
So why are we d**king with these 2 models of competition right now? Its hard not to question the ego's of the key players in the debate.
Kev
The issue with Big Spring was more last year then this year. How the nationals was awarded to Lakeview stunk to high heaven. The pilots presented a highly unified opinion and it was not reflected in the final decisions.
The dual meet this year seems like a good comprimise
I pride myself on being an anti demonizer but it seems like over the last couple years an agenda is being executed. King goes from an unsanctioned meet to Nationals in what...a year? From what I have read about the new NTSS proposals we seem to be following a way of thinking that is common in this country. We alienate ourselves from the world community by redefining what is an international standard to try and fit our selfish objectives.
The NTSS point system is about our participation in a world wide system that is racing XC against the best pilots in the World. The push now is to turn NTSS into the vector for encouraging regional involvement in competition. WHAT?!?! They are trying to restructure NTSS to manipulate the participation patterns of the competition population at the expense of what the points are supposed to focus on.
A system of NTSS points that encourages pilots to participate in the biggest national and international meets is the best way to nurture future champions. A system of regional or community events is the best way to encourage "pass back" to the rest of the community. Ollie and the TreeTopper crew have proved just how easy and successful this can be with 0 NTSS points involvement. Ironically, they tried it with points a few years ago and dropped it. Look at how successful the team challenge is now?
So why are we d**king with these 2 models of competition right now? Its hard not to question the ego's of the key players in the debate.
Kev
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Flying Lobster
- Posts: 1042
- Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:17 pm
Re: 2009 Comps
I'd write a carefully worded--politely written--piece for the mag and avoid any criticisms of people or groups and simply lay out the reasons why the membership, as well as pilot community, would be better served by a different system.
Otherwise, see if you can sick Tad on them. : )
marc
Otherwise, see if you can sick Tad on them. : )
marc
Great Googly-moo!
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LE Herrick
- Posts: 30
- Joined: Tue May 29, 2007 10:44 pm
Re: 2009 Comps
Greetings -
I wrote that I was not a memebr of the redevelopment group, but that may not be true any more. Yesterday, an e mail went out to me and several other people asking for participation. I said I would help where I could.
Although I do not have comp credentials. I do have many years of regulatory development, I hope I can contribute to the over all sucess of this. I have offerd to help coordinate and organize the member comments to the draft.
LE Herrick
I wrote that I was not a memebr of the redevelopment group, but that may not be true any more. Yesterday, an e mail went out to me and several other people asking for participation. I said I would help where I could.
Although I do not have comp credentials. I do have many years of regulatory development, I hope I can contribute to the over all sucess of this. I have offerd to help coordinate and organize the member comments to the draft.
LE Herrick
-
Flying Lobster
- Posts: 1042
- Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:17 pm
bonjour LE!
Hi LE!!
Greetings from Paris from Marc!
I think you should work closely with Kev on the comp thing, especially on the hang gliding side of things. He knows what's best for developments in that area--and I don't think he's going to act vindictive or "my way or the highway" about it.
I believe your experience and "level-headedness" in matters bureaucratic would be a big asset for Kevin as well.
la vie en rose,
marc
Greetings from Paris from Marc!
I think you should work closely with Kev on the comp thing, especially on the hang gliding side of things. He knows what's best for developments in that area--and I don't think he's going to act vindictive or "my way or the highway" about it.
I believe your experience and "level-headedness" in matters bureaucratic would be a big asset for Kevin as well.
la vie en rose,
marc
Great Googly-moo!
Re: 2009 Comps
hmmmm, i have been following this thread for a while (thanks for saying nice stuff) and finally got my log in updated so i could comment. i wish i could say something very well researched and knowledgeable and USEFUL, but really, all i can give is an opinion. well, LOTS of opinions.
first, my interest in what has been going on regarding the changes and decisions made regarding comps in the US is completely selfish. i want affordable, safe, exciting, organized, competetive, fair, and challenging competitions in keeping with the format that is most like the current world meets. i mean- cross country race to goal. i don't care if they are foot launch or tow launch, or even freaking balloon drop launch if that's what the rest of the world is doing. i don't care anymore what they call the nationals, because being the national champion means next to nothing when it is rarely recorded, awarded, or even recognized by people who run our organization. ( http://gottafly.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html -you would have to scroll down to read the what i called 'Funny (?) Story') what i want is a ton of experience and a FULL women's team to represent the USA abroad. it seems to me like davis, pain in the ass that he can be, is pretty knowledgeable and resourceful when it comes to competition, and he happens to have the time and energy and the popular forum to do stuff that no one else seems to want to do. he has some great ideas about growing the sport and the competition aspect, he has lobbied to implement those ideas and been successful, and who doesn't read the OzReport for competition info? i'd like to be able to be one tenth as effective in getting a message out as he is, but frankly, with my full time job, full time teenage kids, and my own attention deficit disorder, it's all i can do to get my gear together, scrape up some money, and go compete. i think i am probably giving the impression that i am a huge davis fan, and i can be one- that is- if i stick to the adage "principles before personalities".
so... simply put - grow our sport. we all benefit. i think that while not all pilots are competition pilots, most pilots are competetive, and even when we sit on the sidelines and cheer our competing team on, it helps to grow the sport. with the sport pilot class included in most of the meets now, participants get an intensive cross country clinic with differing levels of "instructors" ! what better way to learn and maximize the whole flying experience....
i have never been to king mountain, but i think the format, and the site itself (what i hear from guys i have competed with), is not conducive to serving the desires i have for competition. seems like there is a different agenda than the one that attracted me to to the national competition scene in the first place.
okay thats all i have for now- sorry if i offended anyone (except davis, i dont think he is offendable)- and don't forget to support your national women's team...
Linda Salamone
first, my interest in what has been going on regarding the changes and decisions made regarding comps in the US is completely selfish. i want affordable, safe, exciting, organized, competetive, fair, and challenging competitions in keeping with the format that is most like the current world meets. i mean- cross country race to goal. i don't care if they are foot launch or tow launch, or even freaking balloon drop launch if that's what the rest of the world is doing. i don't care anymore what they call the nationals, because being the national champion means next to nothing when it is rarely recorded, awarded, or even recognized by people who run our organization. ( http://gottafly.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html -you would have to scroll down to read the what i called 'Funny (?) Story') what i want is a ton of experience and a FULL women's team to represent the USA abroad. it seems to me like davis, pain in the ass that he can be, is pretty knowledgeable and resourceful when it comes to competition, and he happens to have the time and energy and the popular forum to do stuff that no one else seems to want to do. he has some great ideas about growing the sport and the competition aspect, he has lobbied to implement those ideas and been successful, and who doesn't read the OzReport for competition info? i'd like to be able to be one tenth as effective in getting a message out as he is, but frankly, with my full time job, full time teenage kids, and my own attention deficit disorder, it's all i can do to get my gear together, scrape up some money, and go compete. i think i am probably giving the impression that i am a huge davis fan, and i can be one- that is- if i stick to the adage "principles before personalities".
so... simply put - grow our sport. we all benefit. i think that while not all pilots are competition pilots, most pilots are competetive, and even when we sit on the sidelines and cheer our competing team on, it helps to grow the sport. with the sport pilot class included in most of the meets now, participants get an intensive cross country clinic with differing levels of "instructors" ! what better way to learn and maximize the whole flying experience....
i have never been to king mountain, but i think the format, and the site itself (what i hear from guys i have competed with), is not conducive to serving the desires i have for competition. seems like there is a different agenda than the one that attracted me to to the national competition scene in the first place.
okay thats all i have for now- sorry if i offended anyone (except davis, i dont think he is offendable)- and don't forget to support your national women's team...
Linda Salamone
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theflyingdude
- Posts: 358
- Joined: Thu Jan 06, 2005 11:40 pm
- Location: Cumberland, MD
Re: 2009 Comps
Nice post, Lisa.gottafly wrote:hmmmm, i have been following this thread for a while (thanks for saying nice stuff) and finally got my log in updated so i could comment. i wish i could say something very well researched and knowledgeable and USEFUL, but really, all i can give is an opinion. well, LOTS of opinions.
first, my interest in what has been going on regarding the changes and decisions made regarding comps in the US is completely selfish. i want affordable, safe, exciting, organized, competetive, fair, and challenging competitions in keeping with the format that is most like the current world meets. i mean- cross country race to goal. i don't care if they are foot launch or tow launch, or even freaking balloon drop launch if that's what the rest of the world is doing. i don't care anymore what they call the nationals, because being the national champion means next to nothing when it is rarely recorded, awarded, or even recognized by people who run our organization. ( http://gottafly.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html -you would have to scroll down to read the what i called 'Funny (?) Story') what i want is a ton of experience and a FULL women's team to represent the USA abroad. it seems to me like davis, pain in the ass that he can be, is pretty knowledgeable and resourceful when it comes to competition, and he happens to have the time and energy and the popular forum to do stuff that no one else seems to want to do. he has some great ideas about growing the sport and the competition aspect, he has lobbied to implement those ideas and been successful, and who doesn't read the OzReport for competition info? i'd like to be able to be one tenth as effective in getting a message out as he is, but frankly, with my full time job, full time teenage kids, and my own attention deficit disorder, it's all i can do to get my gear together, scrape up some money, and go compete. i think i am probably giving the impression that i am a huge davis fan, and i can be one- that is- if i stick to the adage "principles before personalities".
so... simply put - grow our sport. we all benefit. i think that while not all pilots are competition pilots, most pilots are competetive, and even when we sit on the sidelines and cheer our competing team on, it helps to grow the sport. with the sport pilot class included in most of the meets now, participants get an intensive cross country clinic with differing levels of "instructors" ! what better way to learn and maximize the whole flying experience....
i have never been to king mountain, but i think the format, and the site itself (what i hear from guys i have competed with), is not conducive to serving the desires i have for competition. seems like there is a different agenda than the one that attracted me to to the national competition scene in the first place.
okay thats all i have for now- sorry if i offended anyone (except davis, i dont think he is offendable)- and don't forget to support your national women's team...
Linda Salamone
JR
Re: 2009 Comps
aaarrrrrrggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!
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Flying Lobster
- Posts: 1042
- Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:17 pm
Re: 2009 Comps
Heya Linda--had a fun time talking with you at the women's gig at Lookout. Your Italian buddy was a crack-up. I've made some interesting improvements on landing the RS which I'll share with you if you want to take it off-line.gottafly wrote:aaarrrrrrggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!
marc
Great Googly-moo!