Suppose...
That someone had the wherewithall to create a stunt ship with relaxed static stability that could actually turn the mythical 5 foot corner. I'm convinced the technology exists today... what would the reception be in the stunt world. If the pilot is putiing in control inputs via the controlines, what's the verdict?
Are judges too used to conventional patterns that they would score it lower?
Chuck
I watched Al Rabe win the Nats many years ago with loops that topped out at 60 degrees and vertical eights that topped out at 120 degrees. Does that answer the question?
In my opinion, judges for years have looked beyond the rule book for "artistry" if you will. That's fine with me if everyone understands the game, but it surely makes a joke of the rule book. Which is one reason I've had no interest in competing in the event at any serious level. I suspect more than a few others share my opinion.
I've been a very competitive person by nature. Perhaps that goes back to being a part of a state championship wrestling team in high school. I went on to coach several state and even a national champion in Olympic-style wrestling, and I've often felt the best thing I did as a coach was to officiate on a national championship and Olympic Trials level. I knew the rules backwards and forwards, and did my best to insure that my wrestlers did so too.
Question for thought: What does the word "discipline" mean to you?
I'm betting six bits many will first answer "punishment", but to me the first thoughts are about "structure, order, a system of rules". I believe the rules for any competitive event should tell me what to do to WIN. After all, that's what competition is all about.
(Some years ago, a friend called and asked if I wanted to go to a contest in another state to "see how we can do in combat". I was actually irritated - he should have known me better after many years - and told him "I'm not driving 300 miles to see how I can do, but I might to WIN".)
I've long thought that either (1) the written rules should be used to judge, especially at major contests where contestants might be driving many miles to compete, or (2) the rules should undergo major changes.
If the prettiest airplane, the "name" flier, or the smoothest manuevers are going to receive disproportionately higher scores in the flight,
Just Say So! Write rules that tell me what I must do to WIN!
Dennis,
ducking now