beginner time limit

[Paul Smith]

Since the pattern is shortened anyway, they should just eliminate the landing and let the judges take a break while he's running out of gas.  That would also eliminate the need for a smooth field.

[Jim Carter]

There is a good reason to keep the time limit at 8 minutes for the BEGINNER, rather than altering it to 6 minutes:   It allows the beginner to set up an engine/tank/fuel/needle/stopwatch that will also work in the INTERMEDIATE class.   It allows the beginner to add laps between maneuvers, to calm the nerves and get prepared for the next maneuver.   It also allows the beginner to add new stunts during practice without changing the aircraft set-up (in preparation for moving to INTERMEDIATE).

Good answer!!  Good answer!!  Now if I can ever get a plane to last long enough to learn some new stunts ..... I think I've mastered "The Rebuild" maneuver!!