Crap Trap #14
I'm full of crap right now, but before I dump some on you let me say that we just got back from the Nats. Mike, Bill, Pete, Leroy, and crew did a wonderful job. It seems as if they will be back again as well. We are very fortunate.
Everyone is struggling with entry level racing. We love our 428 and 422 and have repeatedly fought changes. This, of course, is short sighted but the normal thing to do. What's done is done.
Here is what I think we need:
1. Unified rules for as much as the country as we can get to join. I toyed for awhile with sponsoring the "Jett Afterburner Q-500 Series", but decline because I fear the liability. These rules must be very strict and flexible, unlike they way we operate with AMA rules.
2. They must fit into 424, for obvious reasons and have the following characteristics:
- Very strict engine limits. (I don't necessarily believe in this cost crap—people pay the cost of an engine at a Saturday dinner and paid 250.00 in real 2001 dollars for K&Bs 20 years ago). Quality and life cycle cost is the important thing. You cannot obsolete somone's engine every weekend. Find a good quality engine and lock it in. Inspect engines and airplanes at every race, or you do not get sanctions for your event. Remember if you pick a Nickel plated POS, then you will not allow aftermarket parts!!! Look at the whole cost.
- We need an ARF. It should cost no more than 150.00 and be strong and quality enough that you don't have to buy 8 to get one good one. We need to find a manufacturer or importer that is reliable and get them made. Just like you do me with engines--if it is Chinese, then screw the Americans. They can build the 500.00 composites. One or two airplanes. That is it!!!!!!! I prefer one, but supply might be a problem. We need to work on this. It must be ARF!!!
- Raise the minimum weight by 4 OZ. This will help the ARF and help cut the cost of servos and radios. Beginners do not work light.
- Get a committee of no more than 3 to set the rules and give them the flexibility to change them, but only to increase participation.
- Fly the short course. This makes it seem faster and opens up more club fields.
- Fly in front of ourselves. I thru this in to give you a taste of what the AMA is going to do to you in a few years. Just you wait.
I have other ideas, but this is the gist of it.
Dub
