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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Randy Powell on October 09, 2007, 01:01:31 PM

Title: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 09, 2007, 01:01:31 PM
OK, here is the proposal that me, Marvin Denny and a few others have been working on. The concept is Marvin's and I think it gets the general idea across pretty well. Please try not to just fire off complaints or explain to us why you're sure it won't work. If you have a constructive comment, we'd love to hear it. If you're just going to gripe, start your own gripe thread.

The idea here was to try to please the most people while still maintaining the spirit of the event. It should give an avenue to those that are just starting out a way to get some points at the beginning and more as they move from ARFs to building their own planes. It also only minimally handcaps those that prefer to just fly pre-builts or use a lot of pre-assembled components. I already know that some will not like it and will complain about various elements, but at least it's a rule that tries to be inclusive. No rule in this area will be complete. There is just no way to foresee every circumstance. But hopefully by the time this rule is submitted for consideration, enough elements will be included to cover most contingencies. The rest will have to be left up to the CD at a contest to determine.

It still relies on folks being honest, but at least they will know what the parameters are. I'm sure it's not perfect and you can certainly "rules lawyer" the thing to death by nit-picking details, but the point here is to propose a concept and get feedback. We would like to hear constructive opinions.

Have at it.

Proposed Change to Current Builder of the Model rule.
 
It is proposed that the current Builder of the Model rule be changed to acknowledge the efforts of those building currently available Almost Ready to Fly and Almost Ready to Cover aircraft along with those that use substantially pre-constructed components while still giving consideration to those that build and finish from scratch.
 
Final determination of the status of an aircraft shall be the responsibility of the Contest Director. Such decisions are final. If an aircraft is entered that is available as an ARF or ARC, but built from plans by the builder, documentation such as pictorial of construction or other proof that builder constructed the model from scratch should be submitted to the Contest Director prior to the competition.
 
It is proposed that the Builder of the model rule be broken into three categories.
 
1)     ARF Aircraft, 1-10 points available
 
Qualified is any aircraft that comes to the builder as pre-constructed and finished components so that it can be assembled, ready to fly, in a matter of a few hours. This would include planes that come pre-covered (where used) with Mylar or other plastic finish. Determination of overall quality of completed plane will take into account alignment, airworthiness and final presentation as will changes in the basic design including added components such as wheel pants, changes in fuselage profile and other additions that add to the creativeness and individuality of the aircraft.
 
2)     ARC Aircraft, 5-15 points available
 
Qualified is any aircraft that is constructed from preassembled but unfinished components in a complete “kit” or an aircraft that is constructed completely or partially from preassembled components. Included would be aircraft that are considered ARC or Almost Ready to Cover. Also included in this category are aircraft that are partially constructed by the builder but use pre-assembled components such as wings or fuselages from other suppliers. As a minimal example, if a builder buys a completed foam core wing that has been sheeted with leading edge and trailing edge, wing tips and coupled flaps but otherwise constructs the remaining aircraft, it would be considered to fall into this category. Consideration in the final appearance score should take into account the fact that some parts were constructed by the builder. It should also take into account originality and creativeness.
     
3)     Scratch or Kit built Aircraft  10-20 points available
 
This will include any aircraft that is either designed and built, built from plans or built from a kit and completely constructed and finished by the builder. A kit, in this case, is defined as including precut, pre-molded or formed parts that have very little no pre-construction or pre-assembly. An exception may include such items a control system, machined spar or similar components that are pre-cut and pre-fitted but not permanently assembled. Such kit parts must be entirely assembled and aligned by the builder. Such aircraft should be identified by the builder as being entirely constructed by the builder including assembly, alignment of components and finish of the aircraft. As with all categories, the workmanship and final appearance will be considered in scoring.
 

Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bill Little on October 09, 2007, 01:28:08 PM
Hi Randy,

I can live with it.  I feel it is more explicit than the present rule.

A question (not a complaint! ;D ):  is there a provision for a "bought" model?  One that the pilot has really only hooked up the lines to?

Thanks to you, Marvin, and the others for this effort.

Bill <><
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Andrew Borgogna on October 09, 2007, 01:33:59 PM
It is a rules change that I can certainly live with.  It gives fair credit where credit is due.
Andy
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Mike Foley on October 09, 2007, 01:47:37 PM
  While the contentions are good I think it complicates things more.  I would leave the current "AMA" rule in effect. ARFS = no appearance points.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Alan Hahn on October 09, 2007, 01:48:23 PM
My complaint is that it penalizes the poor guy who, let's say, builds a Oriental kit. If it already exists, how does he document he built it?
I still say that if one needs documentation, then everyone  y1 should provide it. Nice smiling pictures of your face as you glue a rib on or vacuum bag the wing.
But before you think I am complaining too much (and I am!  n1), I know your hearts are in the right place about the rule.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bob Reeves on October 09, 2007, 02:22:13 PM
I am in the process of applying for CD status and thought when I first started reading and thinking from a CD's point of view.. Man this is going to complicate the whole process.. However after reading the entire proposal it wouldn't really be that bad, at least thats my first take.

As far as bought airplanes complete and ready to fly.. The pilot didn't do anything but maybe install an engine and make a few trim changes to suite his flying style so I would have to say no points.

As much as I am an advocate of eliminating appearance points alltogether this just might be the best compromise.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Marvin Denny on October 09, 2007, 02:39:45 PM
  That is correct ---  borrowed or bought RTF except perhaps installing an engine,tank, and wheels--- 0 points.  Likw wise,  If I builsthe Fuselage and tail feathers but buy a prebuilt wing--- automatic  ARC status. 5 to 15 possible points.

  Bigiron
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 09, 2007, 02:44:55 PM
Bill,

Good point. Adding a note that a bought plane with no construction at all equals no points would be something to add. I thought about it, but thought it was self-evident. But as you say, it should be specified.

As far at the kit built plane that is also an ARF; It shouldn't be too hard to take one picture of the thing while you're building it. At least around here, we always know you built what. I would think that just a statement that "I built it" would be enough unless someone challenged it. And that would likely only happen at really big contests where everyone didn't already all ready know everyone. Could be that that section could use different wording.

Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: EddyR on October 09, 2007, 03:07:11 PM
Randy as you have it a ARC could still get 5 points more than the guy who spends months building a model but has a poor finish. The finish is where all the points come from. I am not griping or complaining about your idea just pointing out a discrepancy that has come up before.My great flying 10 year old scratch built get 10 points and the new shinny ARC gets 15 points. It is easy to say well that won't happen but most judging gives the highest points to the clean shiny plane. Just something for you to think about.
Ed
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bob Reeves on October 09, 2007, 04:20:47 PM
Randy as you have it a ARC could still get 5 points more than the guy who spends months building a model but has a poor finish. The finish is where all the points come from. I am not griping or complaining about your idea just pointing out a discrepancy that has come up before.My great flying 10 year old scratch built get 10 points and the new shinny ARC gets 15 points. It is easy to say well that won't happen but most judging gives the highest points to the clean shiny plane. Just something for you to think about.
Ed

Could happen and probably will but as it stands with the rules in place now the ARC could very well get 10 to 12 more points than the scratch built.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Cuberly on October 09, 2007, 04:52:11 PM
Randy and Marvin,
This is a well thought out and sensible proposal.  It may not be perfect but it eliminates most of the items of contention in the current rule.  In other words it seems to me to be a perfect compromise.
There are always those who are unwilling to compromise anything, but I sincerely believe most stunt fliers will support this.
You guys have my support and sincere "Thanks" for the effort.

Randy Cuberly
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: RC Storick on October 09, 2007, 05:57:57 PM
There will still be some guys who will take a ARF nobler for example and fix the cowl and rudder, cover it and paint it and say its a green box?
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Shultzie on October 09, 2007, 06:02:12 PM
Hummm!
Just say for an example, if I could obtain a stunt model that has won a track record first place wins...or maybe, even a world cup, trimmed to perfection that includes a specially tweaked engine, etc.
Take a can of primer...then paint it battleship grey.

How many points could I then glean if I chose to enter  and fly with this model?

Would I or should I get points for my effort, especially if it is a beeeeeeeeeuuuuuteeeeeful flawless pale shade of  artisical' grey?  Uhhhh???
Just razzzin and jazzin LL~ VD~ H^^ n1
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: john e. holliday on October 09, 2007, 08:09:40 PM
I have one question,  did it get in before the deaqd line?  Last time I checked there were no CL proposals or our elustrious tech person didn't have them in the computor yet.  Have fun,  DOC Holliday
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 09, 2007, 08:32:19 PM
>>There will still be some guys who will take a ARF nobler for example and fix the cowl and rudder, cover it and paint it and say its a green box?<<

Sparky,

Well, as I noted, it certainly doesn't stop people from lying. It is hoped that folks, with a reasonable rule, will be honest. But I'm sure there will be folks that will take advantage. There always are.

To be clear, if I had my way, we would have only kit and scratch built planes and still have 40 appearance points. But as it turns out, I don't have my own way and am not likely to get it. I don't see the point of butting heads over this any longer. And it's true that guys that do something should receive some acknowledgement of their  efforts. At least with this sort of system, there is both an acknowledgement of their efforts and a path to get more points if as they improve along with not handicapping those that chose not to build as badly. As with most compromises, no one gets what they want, but everybody get something.

And Don, for you and your gray plane? No Points!!   n1
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Balsa Butcher on October 09, 2007, 10:35:23 PM
Yes, I can live with this one.  Now, I had better go out and take a picture of my kit built Smoothie before I got too far along ::)
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Clint Ormosen on October 10, 2007, 12:04:28 AM
*big sigh* Oh all right. I guess if the ARF/ARC flyers just have to get something, then I guess I can support this proposal.







I still think they should get a big fat zero. ;)
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Tom Weedon on October 10, 2007, 04:40:55 AM
Just drop the whole issue, NO BOM RULE, NO APPEARANCE POINTS, period!

R/C pattern did it many years ago and still today, pattern planes are some of the most beautiful airplanes at any flying field. Pattern flyer's still take great pride in their planes, however, today, almost 3/4 of all Pattern planes at a contest are ARF's or purchased used airplanes.

This is a new age in the hobby. Those that continue to yearn for the "Good Old Days" of balsa, tissue, and dope are going to be continually disappointed. GET OVER IT! You can't change it so don't try. You are loosing the struggle.  n1  If you keep the outdated BOM rule, you will hurt the future growth of C/L Sport and Stunt.

As for me, I like to build my airplanes (R/C and C/L), but that is my personal preference and I don't believe that I have the right to shove it down someone else's throat.  S?P

Tom Weedon

Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 10, 2007, 05:33:23 AM
I am in the process of applying for CD status and thought when I first started reading and thinking from a CD's point of view.. Man this is going to complicate the whole process..

Yes, it is.

Now you are going to have the element of proof, which is messy.  This is where the current BOM started going off the tracks.  No one wants to see half the field get protested (and it possibly stick).  That's just no fun.

Not to mention that you are saying that half of the Top 20 at the Nats are going to be willing to start the contest 5-10 point down?  There are many in that group that have not built a wing in decades.

I would rather the current BOM stay in place and everyone just try to get as many points as they can by applying paint jobs.

Also, this proposal is darn near exactly the same as Keith Trostle's from like, 4 years ago.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 10, 2007, 05:38:10 AM
Just drop the whole issue, NO BOM RULE, NO APPEARANCE POINTS, period!

R/C pattern did it many years ago and still today, pattern planes are some of the most beautiful airplanes at any flying field. Pattern flyer's still take great pride in their planes, however, today, almost 3/4 of all Pattern planes at a contest are ARF's or purchased used airplanes.

Tom, you do not realize that control line stunt flying is the exception to every rule in model flying, and that any success in other modeling areas will simply not apply to stunt flying, because it is so truly unique and special.

Tom, it won't do any good to bring up all of these types of modeling that are BOOMING sans BOM.  You know like pylon, pattern, IMAC, helicopters, etc (not to mention the entire stunt world outside the USA).  You know that control line combat died because of the loss of the BOM, not because all of the fliers retired after they got a little long in the tooth---combat is a young man's game after all.  I read it all the time on the Internet!!!  It must be true!!!

Tom, I think the truth is that most stunt fliers are completely uninformed what is going on in modeling outside of our little group (it sounds like you are not), and they have no interest whatsoever from gleaning anything from anyone else (especially the evil RC fliers).  I know, I have tried that tact several times, very few seem interested.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: SteveMoon on October 10, 2007, 07:36:20 AM
Randy: You have presented a well thought out proposal here.
But, I think it is just too complicated. While this proposal sounds
logical today, how will it be in 10 years? We need to be simplifying
things.

That is why I have already sent in a rules proposal that says: Builder
of the Model rule does not apply to Control Line Precision Aerobatics.
I really feel that this is the only way forward for this event. And, I see
this as just a first step. The ultimate goal should be for us to go to
FAI F2B scoring and rules like the rest of the world.

For me, personally, the 'spirit' of this event is going out and flying.
The only reason I have ever built a CL plane is to go out and fly it, and
try to get better at flying (or just have fun while flying). The 'spirit' of
cutting my fingers to shreds while carving a block, or breathing in 948 llbs.
of balsa dust, or burning my eyes with CyA, or gluing my fingers together,
or sanding my fingertips off, or.........etc., etc., just plain escapes me.
All that is meaningless to me.

Later, Steve
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: RC Storick on October 10, 2007, 07:51:04 AM
There are many things to consider on this topic and rule change. I for one am for the spirit of the event, which was building and flying a model aircraft. The building part came into affect when dads were building their kids airplanes. However there was still cheating going on. This rule is hard to enforce TRUE but the benefits of the rule are overwhelming to me. It teaches so many things that can be used later on in life. Most guys who build can fix their own car. Most guys who make there own controls can weld. Most guys who build can make there own Kitchen cabinets. So an on so forth.

Would it not be a shame to let these things slip by our youth? The dumbing down of America is already in affect. Just look at the tests kids take today. Most graduate with substandard knowledge.

Flame away if you must but I am for a more strict BOM..

EDIT: If there is no BOM , The guy with the most money wins!! and practice time..
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: ptg on October 10, 2007, 08:47:23 AM
Every time some one asks me what I think about BOM they are surprised with the answer.  “It’s a rule that’s past its time and prime intent”.  Let everybody who can fly, fly and be judged on the flight performance alone.

Now I will go into my Studio/shop and obsess on every little detail of the new plane.  Immediately after it is finished (2 weeks) I will carefully cut a bunch of parts for a bold venture into electric flight and carefully fit each piece.  Followed by sanding, filling, sanding, masking, painting, sanding, rubbing, polishing and then finally flying.  No plans to change how thing get done around here. 

While I truly admire good craftsmanship and those who practice it, I simply say no BOM, let’s go fly!

Incidentally, every time I take a trip to the paint store or order balsa it is difficult to understand how spending more money could buy me a better airplane!.

Cheers  D>K
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 10, 2007, 08:56:20 AM
Every time some one asks me what I think about BOM they are surprised with the answer.  “It’s a rule that’s past its time and prime intent”.  Let everybody who can fly, fly and be judged on the flight performance alone.

Now I will go into my Studio/shop and obsess on every little detail of the new plane.  Immediately after it is finished (2 weeks) I will carefully cut a bunch of parts for a bold venture into electric flight and carefully fit each piece.  Followed by sanding, filling, sanding, masking, painting, sanding, rubbing, polishing and then finally flying.  No plans to change how thing get done around here. 

As I posted here previously, this is the current state of many of the fliers competing under current FAI rules.  My friend Brian eather is great example.  He flies FAI and builds every single stick of his planes.  Not to mention props, pipes, mufflers, etc.  BOM has never had any effect on his desire to express himself through his workmanship.  The two issues simply have no correlation whatsoever.   In fact, he had a Shark, Retro, etc and SOLD it all because he thought HIS MODELS WERE BETTER!!!
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bob Zambelli on October 10, 2007, 08:57:23 AM
Robert - well said!!! Best response yet.  #^ #^

Bob Z.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 10, 2007, 08:58:38 AM

Would it not be a shame to let these things slip by our youth? The dumbing down of America is already in affect. Just look at the tests kids take today. Most graduate with substandard knowledge.


Do you believe that the entire rest of the world flying under FAI are "dumbed down"?
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Andrew Borgogna on October 10, 2007, 09:21:30 AM
"There will still be some guys who will take a ARF nobler for example and fix the cowl and rudder, cover it and paint it and say it’s a green box?"

No doubt that this statement can come true.  My opinion on cheaters is the only person who really looses when a person cheats is the cheater himself.  If someone wants to look at a trophy they won by cheating their friends so be it.  I won't loose any sleep over it.  In fact I believe we should simply ask the question "Did you build it? And just trust the person to answer honestly."  Weird, I know but this is model airplanes not world politics.  ARF/Arcs’ are here to stay, I saw it happen in R/C and it is happening in control line.  I also believe "effort" regardless of how small should be rewarded in a manner commensurate with the amount of effort.  It seems to me this compromise does exactly that.
Andy
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Keith Spriggs on October 10, 2007, 09:49:44 AM
Robert - well said!!! Best response yet.  #^ #^

Bob Z.

I agree. Even though any rules will never affect me personally I think there is a much larger picture here. Those of us who know the joy of creativity whether it be art, music, poetry or model airplanes want everyone to be exposed to to that joy. Some will embrace it some will not. That is not the important thing. BOM rule "leads the horse to water". The skillful flying of a model is something entirely separate from the creativity part. That in itself is worthy of acknowledgment. I think anyone that is able to excel in both fields of endeavor should certainly receive acknowledgment for both.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Ken Deboy on October 10, 2007, 09:55:13 AM
Just drop the whole issue, NO BOM RULE, NO APPEARANCE POINTS, period!

R/C pattern did it many years ago and still today, pattern planes are some of the most beautiful airplanes at any flying field. Pattern flyer's still take great pride in their planes, however, today, almost 3/4 of all Pattern planes at a contest are ARF's or purchased used airplanes.

This is a new age in the hobby. Those that continue to yearn for the "Good Old Days" of balsa, tissue, and dope are going to be continually disappointed. GET OVER IT! You can't change it so don't try. You are loosing the struggle.  n1  If you keep the outdated BOM rule, you will hurt the future growth of C/L Sport and Stunt.

As for me, I like to build my airplanes (R/C and C/L), but that is my personal preference and I don't believe that I have the right to shove it down someone else's throat.  S?P

Tom Weedon



Uhmm... then you mean about 1/4 of the fliers at Pattern contests take great pride in their airplanes? As far as shoving something down someone's throat, I don't see haow the proposed rule does any such thing. EVERYONE gets to fly, including the ARC/ARF fliers, and they even can qualify for appearance points. As has been pointed out earlier in the thread, it is conceivable that an ARC could even end up with more appearance points than a scratch built airplane. Could you please explain how this is "forcing" anyting on anybody?

cheers,
Ken
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 10, 2007, 10:22:04 AM
I appreciate that some don't have any problem with changing the event to something else. The example of RC pattern planes was made. I've spent considerable time talking with RC pattern pilots and it's true that 90% are ARFs or contracted airframes. The thing I think is funny is most of the guys I've talked to, while really good pilots, don't really have a clue of how the plane is built or why it works. They just know it works. That's fine, I guess.

And those that say they just want a flying event will probably get it eventually. This event was conceived as a test of the skill and ability of a person in building, finishing and flying a plane. Many argue that it should be narrowed to just a test of the flyer. Hey, if enough people feel that way, then that is what will happen.  

I often tell RC guys I know that I don't fly RC anymore because I don't particularly like video games (which to me is what RC flying is). If I want to play a video game, I'll fire up Freelancer or Flyboys and have at it. It's cheaper and easier than bothering to buy an RC plane and have to put up with weather, flying site hassles and frequency checks to get the same effect. The local RC club recently had a resurgence and for awhile had many new (and young) members. The advent of 3D flying that can be done anywhere (including a driveway for the little electric jobs)  fostered a boom in local membership. But as with a lot of stuff, the shine wears off pretty quickly and while a couple of months ago they had a big climb in membership, 90% of those folks have moved on to the next big thing. They are back down to the base membership (about 40 guys) with 2 or 3 people that stuck.

I suspect that CL will go the same route. Actually putting in effort to build and fly a plane will be replaced by a transient population of folks trying it out and moving on. That's cool, I guess. Maybe a few will stick for awhile.

Steve and Brad are right to an extent. The event is moving to a buy and fly thing. I don't much care what "the rest of the world" is doing. I'm told that the rest of the world in toto is less flyers than those flying CL in the U.S. But, whatever.

The thought here was to perhaps encourage folks that buy and fly to think about building. But that presupposes they have some interest. Maybe it works, maybe not. I'm tired of fighting over this. The folks that can't see the benefit of the event as it is probably never will. They simply have a different mindset. To those of us that learned this way, the benefit is so obvious that it's like trying to explain to someone why having oxygen in the atmosphere is a good thing.

The thing about proving you built a plane that is available as an ARF was an afterthought. As far as I'm concerned, just saying "I built it" is good enough for me. I tend to trust someone's word until it's demonstrated to me that they can't be trusted.

>>Not to mention that you are saying that half of the Top 20 at the Nats are going to be willing to start the contest 5-10 point down? <<

That's interesting. I know that Ted, Paul, Brett, Billy and Dave all build their own stuff. Completely. Hmmm....
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: RC Storick on October 10, 2007, 10:38:19 AM
Do you believe that the entire rest of the world flying under FAI are "dumbed down"?

No just the US
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Doug Moon on October 10, 2007, 10:38:37 AM

Would it not be a shame to let these things slip by our youth? The dumbing down of America is already in affect. Just look at the tests kids take today. Most graduate with substandard knowledge.


EDIT:

This drives me nuts when people say this.  You are a Harley mechanic, I am Loan Officer, other people here are engineers and so on.  How are you going to know that MOST graduate with substandard knowledge?  My wife works as a teacher at this time.  I can tell you the kids today learn higher levels of math at a younger age every year.  They are required to have more credits to graduate and 7 periods is the norm.  Kids today are just like any other kids, to the older generation they appear to not care and have horrible clothing choices.  BUT They are just as smart as they always have been.  Maybe not as wise but just as smart.  

Example, my daughter is 3 years 9 months old.  She can point and click, drag and drop, surf the net to her favorite Seasame street website, operate a DVD player from the front panel or the remote, operate a VCR from the front panel or the remote, (those are all self taught by the way) not to mention say her ABCs, Count to 20, spell her name and her younger sister's name, knows our street address, count to 10 in Spanish, and on and on.  

Bottom line is kids and people alike are either creative and take pride in making something with thier hands or they get the satisfaction elsewhere.  I have an ART degree and love being creative.  My wife has no such interest.  That doesnt make her or anyone else less, just different.  

I dont know where I am going with this but the kids are less educated now idea is just simply not true.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Doug Moon on October 10, 2007, 10:45:16 AM

An This event was conceived as a test of the skill and ability of a person in building, finishing and flying a plane. Many argue that it should be narrowed to just a test of the flyer.

Well when it was created there really werent many options.  If you wanted to fly a model plane you had to build it. 

Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: frank carlisle on October 10, 2007, 10:47:18 AM
Randy, your proposal is pretty much along the same lines I've been thinking. If a guy shows up with any plane at all he should get some points for it. Your system is fine.

It would be great if guys could all get into building.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: RC Storick on October 10, 2007, 10:50:09 AM
I dont know where I am going with this but the kids are less educated now idea is just simply not true.

This is off tract on the BOM but,

I dont know where you live but the bigger US citys graduate kids from high schoool who can't even read.

If you dont think so read here-->http://www.nifl.gov/nifl/facts/reading_facts.html
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 10, 2007, 10:52:55 AM
I don't really want to get into the benefits of BOM or any other arguments about this. This was a proposal to create a rule that is more inclusive and takes into account changes in technology, not debate whether we should have the rule.

Brief rant~~~
I always find it interesting that folks want to recreate the event in the image that makes them happy. As has been pointed out, there are many, many other modeling areas where buy and fly is the rule and only a few care about building planes. Why not do those events if you don't like or see the point of building? Why try to change this one? Those are rhetorical questions.
end of rant

Point is, this thread was posted to allow folks here to review a proposal to improve (hopefully) the BOM rule and appearance points. As I said, those that don't see the benefits of a BOM rule at this point will never see them and never agree. That's fine, they don't have to. If you have some constructive suggestions apart from get rid of the BOM, that's great. We already pretty much know what everyone's stance is on having a BOM. I would point out that most of the people that authored this rule are proponents of  80 appearance points with the original 4 categories and a much more restrictive rule. We are trying to compromise in an effort to be as inclusive as possible. Be nice if folks at the other end of the argument could do the same.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Marvin Denny on October 10, 2007, 11:17:58 AM
I have one question,  did it get in before the deaqd line?  Last time I checked there were no CL proposals or our elustrious tech person didn't have them in the computor yet.  Have fun,  DOC Holliday

  It was supposed to Doc---  Randi Gifford was the one that was going to send it in.-  Whether or not she got it in in time, I don't know.  I personally didn't want it to go in this cycle as I thought it needed some more "exposure"  like this thread is giving it  so I (we) could get a little better clarified wording.  But Randi wanted to get it in THIS cycle.  I told her to go ahead and try.  She would be the one to give the true word.

  I am pleasantly pleased that we are getting some feedback on this.  If you remember, a couple of years ago I put this very same suggestion before BOTH  Bradly walker's board AND SSW  and got absolutely NO feedback---n either PRO nor CON.  Only thing I got was your comment to "submit a proposal"  I don't do that without feeling out the community as we did here.

  Bigiron   Out of commission for an undetermined period of time.

Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 10, 2007, 11:45:54 AM
Marvin,

Looks like you need to go B your own M.   H^^
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bill Little on October 10, 2007, 11:56:16 AM
Hi Marvin,

I appreciate the efforts that y'all have put in to this proposal.  It is inclusive of basically everyone, and does in some sense maintain the pirit of the BOM.

As to what the rest of the World does, I think Randy P. hit it on the head.  IMHO, there are more stunt fliers in the US than the rest of the World combined.  We need to address what is in the best interest of building and promoting the CLPA event in the US.  There are but a hand full of pilots that are really serious about flying the the World Championships, and when you reach that level, BOM is a nonissue.

But, it IS an issue at the local level where a guy is starting out.  I am in the camp that says a Beginner will stick longer if he has to actually do some building of a model.  It goes hand in hand.  The interest generated by building, or even assembling, a model will go along with the actual flying. 

Your proposal gives everyone a chance to pick up SOME points except those that buy a RTF, and, afterall, NO ONE IS EXCLUDED BELOW THE NATS LEVEL FROM FLYING ANYTHING! (the ALL CAPS are for those who STILL cannot grasp that fact)
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Eric Viglione on October 10, 2007, 12:03:40 PM
I've said this before, I'll say it again as it could be pertinent here:

I'm all for keeping a BOM as long as it's NOT included in the flight scores. Keep the Concourse DE Elegance a separate event that requires a BOM, and use your rating system and rule that you came up with would be fine with me with a little tweaking.

To make it fair, to qualify for the Concourse Event, the plane must fly at least one round in competition with full pattern points. This means to enter the Concourse Event, that it can't just be a static display, you have to enter BOTH events to enter your plane in the Concourse Event, so it has to perform reasonably well also.

Coming to the NATs and being 5 to 7 points down every day, every round of the event because you show up with a 13 pointer just doesn't seem right either, just because it wasn't the appearance judges cup of tea. Especially when the Appearance judging is so subjective. It has been proven you can be on the 2nd or 3rd row for years, and show up with the same ship and end up front row ... Why those points should be included in every single flight is beyond me.

I think this would still encourage those that are inclined to build and attempt super duper finishes. A "Win/Win" instead of "everyone looses", right?

Hey, you asked for opinions...

EricV
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 10, 2007, 12:42:51 PM

Steve and Brad are right to an extent. The event is moving to a buy and fly thing. I don't much care what "the rest of the world" is doing. I'm told that the rest of the world in toto is less flyers than those flying CL in the U.S. But, whatever.


Really...I would be interested to know where they would get that number.  It would be interesting since there were 30 guys from BRAZIL alone that attended the Nats.  Brazil is a little country.

I think this is an assumption, and a bad one. 

The Aussie Nats was NOT SMALL and that is just ONE country.  There are HUGE number of CL stunt fliers in Japan, and a growing number in China and throughout Asia.  Not to mention all of Europe (which is pretty big), Canada, etc

The truth of the matter is that the US stunt population is SHRINKING every single day.  This is due to the fact that the CL stunt population is largely first generation Baby Boomers...

Even if we did outnumber the rest of the world at one time, this ratio will not last into the next decade.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Doug Moon on October 10, 2007, 12:47:54 PM
This is off tract on the BOM but,

I dont know where you live but the bigger US citys graduate kids from high schoool who can't even read.

If you dont think so read here-->http://www.nifl.gov/nifl/facts/reading_facts.html

Looks pretty stagnant here.  I have made it throught he whole thing yet but here are some numbers published on the site above, from 1999.

The 1999 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) long-term reading assessment found that:

Average reading scores for 9 year olds increased during the 1970s. Since 1980, there has been no further improvement in scores; however, the average score in 1999 was higher than in 1971.
Average reading scores for 13 year olds increased during the 1970s. Since 1980, scores have fluctuated; however, the average score in 1999 was higher than in 1971.
Average reading scores for 17 year olds from 1984 to 1992 were higher than in 1971. A slight increase in average scores between 1971 and 1999 was not statistically significant.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bob Reeves on October 10, 2007, 12:49:11 PM
Yes, it is.

Now you are going to have the element of proof, which is messy.  This is where the current BOM started going off the tracks.  No one wants to see half the field get protested (and it possibly stick).  That's just no fun.

Not to mention that you are saying that half of the Top 20 at the Nats are going to be willing to start the contest 5-10 point down?  There are many in that group that have not built a wing in decades.

I would rather the current BOM stay in place and everyone just try to get as many points as they can by applying paint jobs.

Also, this proposal is darn near exactly the same as Keith Trostle's from like, 4 years ago.

I would buy a "yes" to "did you build it" why fret over it.

Bottom line is the one(s) that have the power are not ready to completely give up on the BOM rule and I don't see it happening in the near future. Given the options this proposal is an excellent compromise and it just might make it through the funnel.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 10, 2007, 01:29:18 PM
Doug,

>>Average reading scores for 9 year olds increased during the 1970s. Since 1980, there has been no further improvement in scores; however, the average score in 1999 was higher than in 1971.
Average reading scores for 13 year olds increased during the 1970s. Since 1980, scores have fluctuated; however, the average score in 1999 was higher than in 1971.
Average reading scores for 17 year olds from 1984 to 1992 were higher than in 1971. A slight increase in average scores between 1971 and 1999 was not statistically significant.<<

While this IS off the point, try making those same comparisons to kids in the 1950s. It's not pretty. It gets worse if you go back to the 1930s.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Shultzie on October 10, 2007, 02:23:46 PM
Hummmmmmmmm?

Uhhhh? How do we figure in the BOM on this one. AM I GUILT RIDDED! NO WAY! ::)

Maaaaaaaaany years ago. A friend of mine had purchased a Skylark kit. He and his son started the fuselage...built part of stab and elevators...

but the wing was never built.

I had a beautiful old Bob Hunt wing that I bought from another friend that I modifed and put the skylark wing flaps  and then assembled all the pieces.

Built the rest up...but then had to move to another apartment, so I gave the model in bare balsa to my friend Parsons....who blew on a thick coat of primer and had carefully sanded it down all ready for paint.
He gave it back to me....I sanded it out and put on two coats of thinned  Aerogloss white and added the trim detail...but because I wanted to try out tha new toxic a 2 part Emeron top coat...
I had another modeler  friend who worked as a truck painter blow on the  clear coat.

It came back, OOOH SO PURTY BUT OOOOH SO HEAVEEEE'RN' HELL in a hand basket and never was a really competitive stunt model.

I then flew that lead-sled model for a while...gave it to a friend just before he left for the nats because he didn't think he would finish  his beautiful modifed Novi 4 with the V tail in time for the nats which I had carefully built and was virtually ready for covering and finishing.
Hummm?
Anyhoo....he and his Dad managed to finished the Novi in time....and he gave the lead sled to someone else? Where? Who? When??? Who cares?

I don't know if that purty old piece of crap ever recieved appearence points or ever flew in ccompettiton anywhere.
That old Skylark ended up in the hands of another modeler friend  who sadly blew his own beautiful old Nobler all over the field just before the first contest of the year at Eugene Ore.

Where or where did all those old models or modelers go...gone to balsa dust...everyone as the song says:
Bottom line:
 (When I think back...most of the folks flew these models with little qualms about who so ever built these models and most the most part....
JUST MAYBE...IN THE BOTTOM END..WHO REALLY GIVES OR GAVE A RIP ABOUT HOW THAT MODEL ENDED UP FLYING IN COMPETITON.

MOST OF THE TIME...THESE OLD HAND ME DOWNS...LOOKED HORRIFIC ANYHOO AND PERHAPS DIDN'T DESERVE MANY APPEARENCE POINTS TO BEGIN WITH...

AT LEAST THEY CONTINUED TO HELP FOLKS CONTINUE TO FLY COMPETITON.

Personally...I alway looked at competition stunt flying as a SPORT and NOT A HOBBY-HORSE BEAUTY CONTEST.
Give out the purty hardware for the purdeeeist' model...and then lets just GO FLY STUNT!
HOPEFULLY, IN THE END...
MAY THE BEST FLYER WIN THE EVENT
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Marvin Denny on October 10, 2007, 06:54:54 PM

I'm all for keeping a BOM as long as it's NOT included in the flight scores. Keep the
Hey, you asked for opinions...

EricV
[/quote]

   Thanks Eric  that is what I am looking for---  people's opinions.  Your's is appreciated just as much as the others.

  Bigiron  aka  Marvin Denny
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 10, 2007, 07:11:03 PM
I definitely agree with there being a Concours trophy.   I would like that to be separated if it came down to it.

I think the Concours should be pilots choice and not judged.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Keith Spriggs on October 10, 2007, 07:22:53 PM


Would it not be a shame to let these things slip by our youth? The dumbing down of America is already in affect. Just look at the tests kids take today. Most graduate with substandard knowledge.


I let this speak for itself. Other subjects are similar.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v421/Keithhs/Misc%20Pics/2003-intl-math-15yr-old.gif)
Source http://mwhodges.home.att.net/new_96_report.htm#pictures (http://mwhodges.home.att.net/new_96_report.htm#pictures)
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Norm Faith Jr. on October 10, 2007, 08:00:00 PM
Just drop the whole issue, NO BOM RULE, NO APPEARANCE POINTS, period!

R/C pattern did it many years ago and still today, pattern planes are some of the most beautiful airplanes at any flying field. Pattern flyer's still take great pride in their planes, however, today, almost 3/4 of all Pattern planes at a contest are ARF's or purchased used airplanes.

This is a new age in the hobby. Those that continue to yearn for the "Good Old Days" of balsa, tissue, and dope are going to be continually disappointed. GET OVER IT! You can't change it so don't try. You are loosing the struggle.  n1  If you keep the outdated BOM rule, you will hurt the future growth of C/L Sport and Stunt.

As for me, I like to build my airplanes (R/C and C/L), but that is my personal preference and I don't believe that I have the right to shove it down someone else's throat.  S?P

Tom Weedon


Tough stand you have there...As for me? I'm almost ready to boycott contests that don't have BOM. It's as simple as the nose on your face...you didn't build it; no points...no problem. Let your flying expertise put you in the winner's circle...again no problem with me. Another approach??? Start your own ARF/ARC competition. BTW I own two of them and enjoy flying them...it was expected from the date of purchase...NO APPEARENCE POINTS!!!
Norm


Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Doug Moon on October 10, 2007, 08:13:57 PM
Wow I really didnt know this about the placing of our kids education as opposed to other nations.  I knew we were always behind and we always will be to a certain extent.  Not trying to make excuses here but in TX we have a very growing problem of having to teach school in spanish and english then get the spanish speakers up to speed with the english speakers.  That can slow the whole thing down alot and it does.  I think the multi language issue is rearing its ugly head.  Also another angle is this.  If the schools show significant improvement then the govt funding goes away.  Funny how that works.  If a program sucks keep throwing money at it.  That is good thinking.

Oh well.  I guess I was wrong.  But I do know when I graduated high school the least amount of math needed was geometry.  I took it my Jr year.  Now most kids in my area have that done by 8th or 9th grade.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Dennis Adamisin on October 10, 2007, 10:00:38 PM
Marvin & Randy - great idea and THANK YOU for taking the time/effort and BRAVERY to verbalize it. 

ALL: Great discussion - seems to have hit everyones nerve!

We need to continously review and re-evaluate what we do and how we do it.  I respect - but have never bought into - the supposition that CLPA was ONLY a flying event and that static points were a nuisance.  To me that is like saying playing Quarterback is all about how far you can throw the ball.  In both cases there is a total package at work - and ground points help make the measure of why we enjoy our event.

For most of us Appearance Points = BOM, maybe there is another way, and Marv/Randy's proposal is a start.

I think rather than focussing on BOM we should focus on what will continue the rich heritage of CLPA.  There was a time when it was extremely difficult to achieve a great finish using modeling materials.  But the artists perservered and taught enough of the rest of us how to get better.  Then great new technologies in paint and equipment came along and great finishes were in the hands of a lot more people.  For those without the right sprayers, folks were more than happy to help ther buddies (witness Schultzie's rather extreme story above!)  The bottom line is that finish can now be "bought" too - it just ain't as hard as it used to be folks!  Yet we still tend to evaluate and judge so that Paint = Appearance = BOM.

I think the way we "judge and reward" will help drive the birds that we see.  The way to reward original thinkers and original builders are to directly reward those attributes.  The answer is to revive the old Originality and Realism scores as a measure of original builder content:
* The intent of Originality category was to raise the bar for aesthetics and experimentation - individuality, NOT PREFAB!
* The intent of the Realism category is to preempt the stunt "thingies" - kind of a counterbalance to the extreme experimentation for Originality.

Can you "buy" Originality and Realism? Of course you can.  However, you cannot mass produce it!  Ergo it encourages origanl builder content and contribution.

In the context of ARF/ARC/kit/Plans/Original Design, there is room for all.  However the history that we are creating for CLPA are the birds we are flying now, and our legacy WILL be based (as it always has been) on the original thinkers and builders.

How shall we continue to encourage that?
 
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Steve Helmick on October 10, 2007, 10:42:45 PM
At a recent local contest, I was judging with a high ranking PAMPA official (who shall remain nameless), and mentioned that I wished the Pattern Points would go away. The reason being, to reduce the hassles of deciding who gets/doesn't get them, for all the bizarre things that can bring up that question, esp. in the lower skill classes. He grinned and said it might be done quite soon, as there was a proposal to adopt the FAI rules. That would also delete the BOM and appearance points, OBTW. Two "problems" solved in one stroke, depending on your POV.

While I can't say I'm all that thrilled with the FAI scoring system, or the 7 minutes, or the weighing of airplanes on the field, or the non-specific line sizes....1-10 points just doesn't seem right. Ten to 100 might be better, but I really like the idea of 10-40 for some reason! We used FAI and 1-10pts. at two Canadian contests I judged at this summer, and it was kinda strange, but doable.  I think the right folks won, anyway. Weird seeing the winner with 130 points. We (Bruce Perry and myself) changed back to 10-40 for Classic, and promptly screwed up, so we were learning the 1-10 scheme fairly fast, as both were small contests. The "K factors" will be abandoned, I'm pretty sure, since the Canadians did it already, and the FAI is at least committed to trying it thataway.  H^^ Steve

Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: John Sunderland on October 11, 2007, 04:37:43 PM
I like everything I have read here......DO IT! All the discussion and points/ counterpoints certainly are valid....and I really like the idea that a guy who buys a prebuilt wings suffers the same fate as the ARC guys..... totally fair in my opinion.

Where do I sign?

Sunderland
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: peabody on October 11, 2007, 05:25:17 PM
Actually, the period to submit a rule change has passed.
There are four regarding the BOM:
One to eliminate it entirely.
One to fly FAI (which eliminates it)
and two that further convolute the event and make it impossible to score.

Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Greg Hart on October 11, 2007, 10:45:15 PM
Randy, my opinion may not go well here but I think arf's and arc's should have no place in apperance points. If one wants to get them they should learn what it takes to get them. build from scratch, or buy a kit.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 12, 2007, 07:37:17 AM
I like everything I have read here......DO IT! All the discussion and points/ counterpoints certainly are valid....and I really like the idea that a guy who buys a prebuilt wings suffers the same fate as the ARC guys..... totally fair in my opinion.

While I agree with this sentiment, I do not think that making more rules to "punish" contestants is productive.

The truth of the matter is the World is moving toward kits with MORE pre-fabrication not LESS.  That is a simple fact.  It would not surprise me if cottage industry companies are considering dropping kits altogether and going to ARC/ARF's 100%.  I know John sells ARF/ARC's 2-1 to kits.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bill Little on October 12, 2007, 08:07:01 AM
Hi Brad,

This is the only ting I never understand in the BOM rules discussions:

Quote
While I agree with this sentiment, I do not think that making more rules to "punish" contestants is productive.

Where is the punishment?  There is a rule in place.  As long as the rule has been in place, everyone has known about it.  So how does it punish a contestnt to inforce the rule? 

I know the rule has not BEEN enforcable for a long, long, time, but it's still there.  AS long as it is there, and known beforehand, then there does need to be some structure to deal with the ARC/ARF/RTF situations.


If a contestant is truly excited about the event, then they need to improve their building skills.  OR the BOM rule need to be abolished.

From strictly a RULES aspect. let me compare the argument with the PGA tour. Let's say all the guys going to "Q" School want to have a NEW RULE which allows a player to carry as many clubs as his caddy can bear.  Forget everything except an argument over rules.  Going in, everyone knows the rules.  Will the PGA allow it?  Changing the long established rules needs to have a verifiable REASON for doing so.  Simply not wanting to build your own model is not a VERIFIABLE REASON[/u] to eliminate a long standing rule anymore than allowing a golfer to carry as many clubs as he wants to.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: john e. holliday on October 12, 2007, 08:08:13 AM
I tried again last night to pull up the proposals on the AMA site to no avail.  What would this world be like if in sports the players had to make their own balls, bats and whatever else they need to compete.  In NASCAR if the drivers had to build their own cars or any form of auto racing.  Same with golf in making their own clubs, balls and shoes.  Bowling, skeet shooting and so many more.  I still say that the top competitors will build their own airplanes to compete with.  As been pointed out, I can build my plane and cover it.  Then put base coats on and then have someone else finish it for me.  No way,  I do not want appearance points for any plane I did not do all the way myself.  Enough said, now to get District IX to wake up and let me know how they want it.  DOC Holliday
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 12, 2007, 09:04:48 AM

Where is the punishment?  There is a rule in place.  As long as the rule has been in place, everyone has known about it.  So how does it punish a contestnt to inforce the rule? 


Because...

Because there was an "unwritten" BOM rule that was disseminated for more than two decades by some of the most influential fliers in stunt.  Right or wrong, people have been ALLOWED to use pre-fabricated parts for a very long time with no penalty.

Also, as I said, kitting as we know it is diminishing and being replaced by ARF/ARC kits.  That is simply the future of modeling.

We absolutely, positively, do not need any rules that penalize the modeler if they choose to compete.  We need to be as inclusionary as we possibly can.  While the Baby Boomers argue about who they "want" for their beloved hobby, they seem to be missing the fact that when they are gone, who will be left?????

I think FAI is the way to go.  Then I will never have to read another BOM thread as long as I live.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 12, 2007, 09:16:29 AM

From strictly a RULES aspect. let me compare the argument with the PGA tour. Let's say all the guys going to "Q" School want to have a NEW RULE which allows a player to carry as many clubs as his caddy can bear.  Forget everything except an argument over rules.  Going in, everyone knows the rules.  Will the PGA allow it?  Changing the long established rules needs to have a verifiable REASON for doing so. 

OK.

The original equipment rules for golf only allowed the use of hickory shafts.

Then the steel shaft came out.  Someone decided that golfers should be allowed to use steel shafts.  Many of the "hickory shaft" players of the day complained that it gave a competitive advantage BUT it was decided STEEL was the future of equipment for the sport.

The same arguments have ensued ever since for graphite shafts, steel woods, titanium woods, two piece balls, etc etc etc

Clearly the future for modeling is in the pre-fabricated kit (ARF/ARC).

Using your argument, Tiger Woods should still be playing with hickory shafts, after all it was good enough for Old Tom Morris.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 12, 2007, 10:26:21 AM
Well, we can always count on some to crab, I guess.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 12, 2007, 10:36:39 AM
Well, we can always count on some to crab, I guess.

What does that mean?

I certainly hope that is not directed at me.  I have been saying that ARF's were going to take over the CL stunt market for years.  In fact, feel free to search the SSW archives for threads saying just that.  Of course, Doug, Steve, John, and myself were all told we were wrong, that it was not economically feasible, people would never buy them, the manufacturers do not care about CL, etc etc etc

You can also search and discover who was advocating subverting the BOM as written as acceptable behavior.  It certainly was not me...

Since the damage to the BOM as written has already been done long before I ever got here, I think it time to move on.  I do not think going backwards and making the rule more restrictive is going to do anything positive.

I have  never been a fan of the "half pregnant" type BOM rules as proposed here, sorry.  I have been very consistent about that.  These types of rules are not enforceable and rely on some type of gentleman's agreement to work.  These types of rules can also lead to protests (this is why the "emergency rule" was put into place for the Nats).  I prefer my rules to be something I can see with my own two eyes.  Partial BOM rules will not improve the situation one bit, they will simply confuse the matter.

I have become a big fan of going to FAI since getting to know fliers who compete 100% under FAI rules.  They are simply not inundated with the constant politics that we get here in the US.  I also think their rules make more logical sense.

I think that you should have to build every single stick of your plane to qualify for any Concours awards.  Make people bring pictures like the rocket guys do...

PS:  If you really want to keep the BOM rule, why not just change it to read like the "unofficially BOM rule" which said "51% of construction".  This was accepted and propagated by very influential members of the competitive community.  Apparently, that was good enough for everyone for 20+ years.  Why is it not good enough now?
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 12, 2007, 11:59:39 AM
Brad,

Man, you are just no fun to poke fun at anymore.   H^^

>>I do not think going backwards and making the rule more restrictive is going to do anything positive.<<

I suppose I don't see it as more restrictive. The point was to try to include ARF guys and be clearer about ARCs and folks that use prebuilt parts. I've heard many say that the problem is, the rule is not clear. This was just an attempt to make it more clear and be inclusive. Somehow, that doesn't seem more restrictive but hey, whatever.

Look, you don't like the BOM and clearly don't agree with the proposal. Trust me, you've made it clear. That's fine. We aren't going to agree on this. We have a different world view. And that's fine. I think what bothers me about your position and others with similar attitudes is the lack of any respect for other's views. You want what you want. Great. Clearly you won't be happy with anything less that all you want. Again Great. We get it.

The point here was to let folks make comments about what they thought should be included or left out. Many have emailed me or posted here with constructive criticism on areas they were or were not happy with and that's great. You have posted here what you think. Great. I don't agree with you, but there's nothing wrong with that. I don't have to agree with you. There's nothing personal in this. We just have different viewpoints on what CLPA is and what it should be.

But ultimately, the event will be fragmented and destroyed if some compromise isn't reached. There will always be a few soreheads no matter what is done or if nothing is done. That's just human nature. The point was to try to come up with something that largest number of fliers could tolerate and put this nonsense to rest; if not once and for all, at least for awhile.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 12, 2007, 12:35:54 PM

But ultimately, the event will be fragmented and destroyed if some compromise isn't reached.

I do not see that at all.

Don't you think this is touch dramatic, Randy?  I mean seriously?
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Leo Mehl on October 12, 2007, 01:14:47 PM
I'm all for keeping a BOM as long as it's NOT included in the flight scores. Keep the
Hey, you asked for opinions...

EricV


   Thanks Eric  that is what I am looking for---  people's opinions.  Your's is appreciated just as much as the others.

  Bigiron  aka  Marvin Denny
I'll second that motion Eric. The reason being that not everyone can do a 20 point paint job but the compatition starts from scratch. I do not think that this will matter as far as the beauty and the pride of building your own plane tihs will not change. Also there is alway the fact that judges do take notice of super good aurplanes.I do think this should be two differnt event. A beauty contest an a competition contest.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Doug Moon on October 12, 2007, 01:22:42 PM
Oh the wonderful world of BOM discussions.  Do they really accomplish anything?  Sure they do.  People get wadded up and form opinions about people they have never even met.  Also another thing that happens is people get labeled.  Like me.  I get called a whiner, a wannabe, a blowhard, I get told I cant build and on and on.  You would be surprised who it comes from as well.  But hey that is the nature of the forums.  

I can see how the proposal was seen to be inculsive.  But the people who use built and bought parts now but claim BOM sure arent going to all of sudden not claim full BOM.  That isnt going happening.  

Also most of the CLPA community will go with what is there now and or what was there before, or just about anything you throw out there.  It is only a handful who really go back and forth on this thing.  

Plus the CLACB is the real people who matter in this thing.  What will happen is, after initial inquiry the phones will ring and they will vote no.  Simple as that.

Personally I think ARF or ARC or RTF is not a kit.  It is a model plane that you assemble and finish.  Either way the kit is on its way out.  Heck you can buy fully completed RTF rubber power dragonflies and butterflies that are indoor competition rubber power.  The RTF is everywhere.  People just need to get over it.

Nothing will be destroyed or ruined.  Just different at least that is how I see it.  I have flown in many non BOM contests and I can tell you all I had no less or more fun.  It was the same people as always doing the same patterns and having fun.

  

Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bob Reeves on October 12, 2007, 01:26:45 PM
Brad, Randy may have a good point, we sure saw fragmentation when John B tried to do a few things and all the arguing over BOM just makes the fuse burn faster...

In my opinion, if we keep BOM this proposal is a good compromise.. I would vote in a heartbeat to go the same route Canada did.. This would take BOM off the table and better prepair future flyers for world competition.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Ron Merrill on October 12, 2007, 01:38:25 PM
IMHO, people who cheat, are going to cheat, no matter the rule. Do away with the BOM and come into the 21'st century. y1 Ron.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Doug Moon on October 12, 2007, 01:55:15 PM
Brad, Randy may have a good point, we sure saw fragmentation when John B tried to do a few things and all the arguing over BOM just makes the fuse burn faster...

In my opinion, if we keep BOM this proposal is a good compromise.. I would vote in a heartbeat to go the same route Canada did.. This would take BOM off the table and better prepair future flyers for world competition.

Bob the fragmentation was within PAMPA.  PAMPA is not CLPA.  CLPA contests all around and the nats still had the same entry levels as usual. 
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 12, 2007, 02:17:00 PM
Bob the fragmentation was within PAMPA.  PAMPA is not CLPA.  CLPA contests all around and the nats still had the same entry levels as usual. 

...and John Brodak had NOTHING to do with the arguing over the BOM.

John made no effort whatsoever to change the BOM rule or even discuss it.

That was all propaganda.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Cuberly on October 12, 2007, 03:27:00 PM
I let this speak for itself. Other subjects are similar.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v421/Keithhs/Misc%20Pics/2003-intl-math-15yr-old.gif)
Source http://mwhodges.home.att.net/new_96_report.htm#pictures (http://mwhodges.home.att.net/new_96_report.htm#pictures)


Well, I would point out that a large number of the countries that always exceed the US in testing at HS age do not have mandatory education beyond a certain age that is much lower than in the US.

Also a lot of other countries, especially the Asian countries have "weeding out" testing at early ages and those children go into different types of education than the Math and sciences.  In other words they only test the "cream of the crop" and naturally they excell beyond those countries that test the entire population.

I believe you'll find, in terms of smart vs smart that the US and most of the countries listed are on a level plane.  In fact scientifically the US may enjoy a small edge.

Also I agree with the post above that the "immigration" and dual sanguage problem is becoming more and more serious.

I'm an Engineer and my wife is a retired HS teacher.  I taught at a community college for several years where admission requirements were not very strict but educational standards were high.  Language was nearly always a serious problem for many of the Hispanic students and most that had those problems were not able to continue.
My wife taught in a HS located in a mostly Hispanic region of Tucson and while many of the students were very bright it was obvious that there were many who had been brought into the country illegally with no english skills and they invariably did very poorly.

Look at the drop out rate for HS students.  It tells a very sad story for the US.

Randy C.

Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 12, 2007, 03:59:22 PM
Ok, once again, this was posted for comments about the content. Hopefully so it can be improved. Some have done that. Thank you for the input. As far as the rest. Live with it. For this thread, I don't think it much matters if you think the BOM should be eliminated. You have your opinion and have well expressed it. It probably will be eliminated eventually. Be happy with that. And at no time should John Brodak be drug into this. As far as I know, John didn't have anything to do with the current BOM rule or this proposal. Leave the poor guy out of it.

I know that some want to radically change the event. They may eventually get their way. But for now, this is a discussion is for how the current BOM rule can be clarified and made to serve the most people, not whether there should be one.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Doug Moon on October 12, 2007, 05:13:13 PM

...this is a discussion is for how the current BOM rule can be clarified and made to serve the most people...

Ok, here goes.

Some people may laugh but this is it.

BOM, Builder of the model.  If you completely BUILT and FINISHED your model from a plan or kit or scratch, not assembled from pre-existing or pre-built or bought sub assemblies, excluding hardware, including but not limited to, controls systems, bellcranks, control horns, landing gear, motor mounting pads, and or RC motor mounts, engines, exhaust systems, propellers, canopies then you may claim appearance points.  The appearance points will be added to your flight score.

If you used an ARF, ARC, RTF, or Bought plane or borrwed plane, or bought wings, tails, fuses, and you did not completely apply the finish you can not claim appearance points. 

You must comply with the BOM to be able to enter events Jr Sr Open.  Adv and PAMPA classes may be entered with a non BOM plane and appearance points will not be awarded and or added to the flight score.

Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: don Burke on October 12, 2007, 07:37:37 PM
As some have stated the BOM as currently stated is unenforceable, BUT this is only because of the win-at-any-cost attitude of our current society.

We aren't about to change this attitude in the near future, maybe never.  Personal integrity seems to be on the back burner these days. 

The proposal as stated is a good way to define things for the jailhouse lawyers who are always trying to find a way around things.

In the end it will still depend upon the honesty of those who claim to have fully built their airplane.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Mark Scarborough on October 12, 2007, 10:35:51 PM
 simple comment, as for " win at any cost attitude" are you aware of the movement that is going around, soccer and sports leagues that dont keep score, games played without a winner, these are the prevelant attitudes being taught our kids today in school. My dad taught, my brother teaches, I have 3 good friends that Teach. Quite frankly I think this is a bigger problem
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 13, 2007, 12:20:37 AM
>>Ok, here goes.

Some people may laugh but this is it.

BOM, Builder of the model.  If you completely BUILT and FINISHED your model from a plan or kit or scratch, not assembled from pre-existing or pre-built or bought sub assemblies, excluding hardware, including but not limited to, controls systems, bellcranks, control horns, landing gear, motor mounting pads, and or RC motor mounts, engines, exhaust systems, propellers, canopies then you may claim appearance points.  The appearance points will be added to your flight score.

If you used an ARF, ARC, RTF, or Bought plane or borrwed plane, or bought wings, tails, fuses, and you did not completely apply the finish you can not claim appearance points.

You must comply with the BOM to be able to enter events Jr Sr Open.  Adv and PAMPA classes may be entered with a non BOM plane and appearance points will not be awarded and or added to the flight score.<<

Hmm, well, so much for inclusive I guess. I suspect that we've beaten this to death (as we seem to most topics that everyone doesn't agree on).
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Greg Hart on October 13, 2007, 02:10:50 AM
Randy,
Relating to your scoring table. If I were a on coming Builder, built my first kited plane, and was awarded 10 point for at least a attempted job well done. And someone else brought a Arf and scored a 10 for want ever would give that score a 10, and we both flew a descent flight scoring between us less the 10 points, and the arf won say by 3 to 5 points in total score with the apperance points, Their would be no complaint from me for the other flier winning over me if I had the ARF plane. BUT If I had the built plane I would feel that I didn't really feel I deserved it if because of the PP scoring you proposed. That's why I feel apperance points only should be awarded to the BOM contestant. I have heard I believe it was Mike Foley? once said he wanted to build a plane because one time he lost in placing over someone that had PP of a built kit plane. What a incentive to build a kit, fly it and place with a win, and feel good about it more so then winning with a arf just within a couple points. Arfs and Arcs are great, and have there place, but to give any amount of PP for them just seems not realistic, or enthusiastic to add PP for competing in any contest event. And If a contest is between ONLY Arfs should there be apperance points for that, maybe maybe not. The two shouldn't be combind. This is just my 2 cents worth. I would be curious on a poll on this. What do you guys think? AP^
Title: BOM Poll Added
Post by: RC Storick on October 13, 2007, 06:49:50 AM
Everyone vote and lets see where we stand.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 13, 2007, 07:11:08 AM
I know that some want to radically change the event.

It seems that any REAL change to the event is considered RADICAL (and the Chicken Littles start running around screaming "the sky is falling"). 

That is why it never changes at all.

Unless of course, the CLACB just changes the rules and does not tell anyone.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: peabody on October 13, 2007, 07:28:27 AM
The PACLCB has even excluded some board members from mailings ad votes...
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: john e. holliday on October 13, 2007, 07:53:31 AM
Actually, the period to submit a rule change has passed.
There are four regarding the BOM:
One to eliminate it entirely.
One to fly FAI (which eliminates it)
and two that further convolute the event and make it impossible to score.



Peabody,  where did you get your information???  AMA has sent me a note saying none of the proposals would be on site until October 30.  This reminds of another issue in which the person never answered the same question.  Where did the info come from.  DOC Holliday
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: peabody on October 13, 2007, 08:03:47 AM
Here Doc:
http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/ruleproposals.aspx
then click "Control Line Aerobatics Proposals" http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/ruleproposals/claerobatics.aspx

How's that?

Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: john e. holliday on October 13, 2007, 08:09:41 AM
Thank you Peabody.  Now why couldn't the person at AMA tell me this.  I spent several days going thru the AMA site trying to find the info.  All I could find was on a helicoptor issue and control line scale.  Thanks again from DOC Holliday

PS: I like Doug Moons Proposal even tho it may not be there.  jeh
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: SteveMoon on October 13, 2007, 08:44:06 AM
Doc: You stated that you would like people from Dist. IX to let you know
how they feel about this issue. This makes perfect sense. At the same
time, though, you are their representative on the CB (as all the others
are as well) and you have been selected to make these tough decisions
as you see fit. Take into consideration what your members feel, what
other CB members feel, and certainly your own feelings on this matter when
you vote.

I checked out the link Peabody posted, and if I had a say on the CB I would
throw all my weight behind Warren's proposal. I feel it is high time we went
to FAI and got in line with the rest of the world. I sent my proposal in as
a steppingstone to that goal. I was unaware that Warren would be sending
in his proposal to go to FAI.

Thanks for all your hard work Doc, Steve
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: peabody on October 13, 2007, 09:41:49 AM
Yup....
I believe that Warren's proposal is what I am going to urge my CLCB guy to vote for....look at the experience that he brings to the event at the top level. When he remarks that the BOM is unenforceable, you can take it to the bank.
10 years ago I was against using FAI scoring......mostly because it confounded the tabulators.  Today, there is a program floating around somewhere that allows instant conversion of scores when entered on a PC....and laptops are cheap and available, as are "ten key" deals....
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bill Little on October 13, 2007, 10:11:55 AM
OK.

The original equipment rules for golf only allowed the use of hickory shafts.

Then the steel shaft came out.  Someone decided that golfers should be allowed to use steel shafts.  Many of the "hickory shaft" players of the day complained that it gave a competitive advantage BUT it was decided STEEL was the future of equipment for the sport.

The same arguments have ensued ever since for graphite shafts, steel woods, titanium woods, two piece balls, etc etc etc

Clearly the future for modeling is in the pre-fabricated kit (ARF/ARC).

Using your argument, Tiger Woods should still be playing with hickory shafts, after all it was good enough for Old Tom Morris.

Dear Bradley, my son.........

I strictly stated the "rules proposal" : to CARRY ALL THE CLUBS YOU WANT.   Don't change it to anything else.  Those rules are already in place. 
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: RC Storick on October 13, 2007, 12:22:03 PM
Doc: You stated that you would like people from Dist. IX to let you know
how they feel about this issue. This makes perfect sense. At the same
time, though, you are their representative on the CB (as all the others
are as well) and you have been selected to make these tough decisions
as you see fit. Take into consideration what your members feel, what
other CB members feel, and certainly your own feelings on this matter when
you vote.

I checked out the link Peabody posted, and if I had a say on the CB I would
throw all my weight behind Warren's proposal. I feel it is high time we went
to FAI and got in line with the rest of the world. I sent my proposal in as
a steppingstone to that goal. I was unaware that Warren would be sending
in his proposal to go to FAI.

Thanks for all your hard work Doc, Steve


He should have no feeling in the way he votes. The people have elected him to vote for them on their opinion (NOT HIS) and should vote as THEY see fit..
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Doug Moon on October 13, 2007, 12:40:27 PM
Robert,

Contest board member are not elected.  They are appointed by the AMA VP of the district.  Also it is not a representative democracy.  IF that were the case there would be multiple CB members per district and the districts with more members would have more reps to equally represent the population.  Then you would be correct in saying the CB member would have no input. 

Just in case anyone is wondering the PAMPA Reps are set up the exact same way.  They are not your reps but your trustees.  You vote them in and give them your trust to make decisions as they see fit.  This is why there is not a membership vote needed for just about all of the goings on inside PAMPA and AMA unless otherwise stated with in the by laws.   
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: RC Storick on October 13, 2007, 12:47:05 PM
so you think that if everyone in his district says no he should vote yes? Get real

If they dont vote for the people they wont be there long!!


The wishes of the few out way the wishes of the many?
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: peabody on October 13, 2007, 01:05:15 PM
Robert....although it's not ascertainable, I would wager that some District Reps have taken the "PAMPA" line, and NOT followed the wishes of those in their District. Several of the District Reps. do not even fly control line.....maybe they used to, but they should look forward, NOT backward....it used to be that we rode flatheads.....and used Fox 35's .... things move forward....which is what the thread is about....are we going to continue to ride flatheads?
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 13, 2007, 01:07:18 PM
Doug,

Good point. It's like the difference between your Representative and your Senator. You elect a Representative to vote in your stead. His job is to figure out what his consituants want and that's the way he votes regardless of what he thinks. He is your voice in government. Your Senator, on the other hand, it much like the Trustee you describe. A Senator votes his conscience. He doesn't poll his constituents. You elect him or her because you trust their judgment and they vote as their opinion dictates. Of course, it he votes against what you believe too many times, next time around, you elect someone else. The Senator knows that and so unless he's stupid, he tries to maintain an idea of what his constituents want.

After reading the proposals, I think is would just be easier to go with Keith's BOM proposal. I don't like that it puts a guy that buys the wing and tail from someone else on the same footing as someone that builds from scratch and I'm not sure how you determine what is 51%, but it's like a lot of things, I guess. Most guys are honest and will report what's there. Others will cheat no matter what.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: RC Storick on October 13, 2007, 01:18:54 PM
Robert....although it's not ascertainable, I would wager that some District Reps have taken the "PAMPA" line, and NOT followed the wishes of those in their District. Several of the District Reps. do not even fly control line.....maybe they used to, but they should look forward, NOT backward....it used to be that we rode flatheads.....and used Fox 35's .... things move forward....which is what the thread is about....are we going to continue to ride flatheads?


What should happen is everyone vote not just the reps that were appointed. EVERYONE thats why the pole here lets see where it goes.. I will live with majority rules. But I cant live with the rules of a few and or maybe guys who dont even fly.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 13, 2007, 01:21:36 PM
You know, Peabody, listening to you is sort of like when I go to the RC field. I usually get the "why don't you step up to RC?" question each time. It's the basic assumption that to them, flying RC is somehow superior to control line. Why is it that you feel that making CL less difficult is somehow making it better? I don't see that being like "everyone else" is in anyway better, just dumbing down and making it easier so that people don't have to spend the time learning. They can master the skill quickly. An antiquated viewpoint, I suppose.

I work with a guy that is a computer game fanatic. He plays online games practically as a way of life. He is always complaining about games that are too hard or too difficult to learn. He wants to be able to jump right in and master it very quickly. Interestingly, he jumps from one to the other constantly. He's always jacked up about the latest release then a week later I ask him about it and he says, oh, well it was OK. I asked him why he doesn't stick with a game and he notes that it gets boring after awhile. There is nothing to hold his interest. It's an interesting outlook.

edit for comment

Hey, I just had a thought. I think that guys that consistently score above 550 should have to fly with a handicap. I mean, the fact that they have worked and practiced for years to develop their skills shouldn't give them an advantage. We need to level the playing field.

OK, that's petty (of course). But in some ways I think it relates to a lot of positions I've heard here. It's not fair that some guy that has spend years learning to build and puts out fine aircraft should have an advantage in points over a guy that hasn't. Lets get rid of the BOM to level the playing field. But this of course again relates to one's vision of what this event is. If you believe that it should be changed to a flying only event because that's what "everyone else does", then it's a spurious argument. If you believe that it's a test of the builder and the flier, then it makes perfect sense.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: peabody on October 13, 2007, 01:26:24 PM
Robert.....
Them's the rules....have been or ages....if yo want to change them you'll have to address the AMA and have them do it....in the mean time. real wore within the confines of what we are given. Contact your CLCB member and tell him what you think.....

There's a flaw in you poll.....there are five proposals so far, and you ask that we vote for two.....sort of like asking if you walk to work or carry your lunch....
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 13, 2007, 01:30:24 PM
Peabody,

Man, you are a classic. Robert is referring to the proposal in this thread, obviously.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: peabody on October 13, 2007, 01:33:21 PM
Randy....
I am interested in the event surviving....
Excluding folks isn't conducive to that...
Especially at the top (National Championship) level....everyone should stride to be able to compete there....
Right now, pretty points are necessary to be the National Champion....witness the fact that fancy ARFs reign currently...
You know that the inexpensive ARFs are not competitive at the Nats....why not allow an ARF owner enter and learn that for himself.....?
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: peabody on October 13, 2007, 01:34:34 PM
Oh....certainly got sidetracked, didn't it?
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Marvin Denny on October 13, 2007, 02:41:14 PM
  Guys,  this proposal is an attempt to do several things.
  Since currently,  there is NO BOM rule that stops one from flying in ANY contest except the Nationals in /Jr, Sr, and open.  In PAMPA classes,  it only stops one from getting from 0 to 20 points for the "appearance" of their plane. 
  The awarding of such "appearance" points is solely in the eyes of the judge at any particular contest as there is NO guidelines as to how the points are to be allocated.  Thus  the "points" are a reward for one doing his  own work on his plane.  Currently one who "chooses to "lie" about how much work he does could gain as much as 20 points over more honest individuals.  The proposal here does several things
  One--  it reduces the amount to be gained by lieing   to a ten point spread.
  Two  by separating the categories into Bought/borrowed RTF (0 points).  ARF  (1 to 10 points)  ARC (5 to 15 points)  and Scratch/kit built (10 to 20 points)  Each category will receive points for the work exhibited by the entrant.
  Three--  The overlapping of the points will give incentive to those in each of the lessor classes to do a better job and also to move up into the next higher category.
    Like the current "skill" classes in the flying portion of our event, this will provide a step ladder of sorts in the skill of building.
  It will STILL  retain the "tradition" of building and perhaps even  enhance it.

  It will not be ANY MORE work than is in the present system.
  Bigiron

  Added
  Some  posting on here and some who have contacted me "off line"  seem concerned that the proposal might hurt their products that they are currently producing (or plan to produce in the future).  To the contrary, I think it will probably help their sales as those purchasing such products will get SOME points for their efforts instead of NOTHING.

  I appreciate all the input that all of you have gone to to stress your points of view.

  Thanks again

  Bigiron
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Doug Moon on October 13, 2007, 03:04:56 PM
so you think that if everyone in his district says no he should vote yes? Get real

If they dont vote for the people they wont be there long!!


The wishes of the few out way the wishes of the many?

Yes Robert if ALL the of the people in the dist called up and told him to vote a certain way that would be the right thing to do.  Just ask Doc how many people called last time we had proposals.  Do all the people call?  Get real.

As far as contest boards go he will be there just as long as he wants.  It is an appointed and I am pretty sure there is no term limit on it either.  Like it or not that is how it works.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Doug Moon on October 13, 2007, 03:30:50 PM




Hey, I just had a thought. I think that guys that consistently score above 550 should have to fly with a handicap. I mean, the fact that they have worked and practiced for years to develop their skills shouldn't give them an advantage. We need to level the playing field.


I dont understand.  When and where was it ever stated that removing the BOM was to level the playing field.  I can never recall that being on the proposal of any of the eliminate or redifine the BOM. Pleas enlighten me. 

BUT the current interpretation sure did level the playing field.  You can use anything so long as the box doesnt say ARF. 


OK, that's petty (of course). But in some ways I think it relates to a lot of positions I've heard here. It's not fair that some guy that has spend years learning to build and puts out fine aircraft should have an advantage in points over a guy that hasn't. Lets get rid of the BOM to level the playing field. But this of course again relates to one's vision of what this event is. If you believe that it should be changed to a flying only event because that's what "everyone else does", then it's a spurious argument. If you believe that it's a test of the builder and the flier, then it makes perfect sense.

I say again people moving to no BOM is not to level the playing field.  It is to remove a rule that is not enforceable.  I know you say you know who builds what in your area.  But are people going to readily disclose they buy their wings from Hunt or Planes from Morris and Berry or other parts from Little or a whole host of other builders for hire.  Yet those guys have long lists of people waiting for parts and or planes to be built.  As it stands now you can kind of rationalize that you built enough of it to qualify and no one has to know.  The way I wrote the rule you will flat out know if you are in violation.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 13, 2007, 04:30:14 PM
Yup....
I believe that Warren's proposal is what I am going to urge my CLCB guy to vote for....look at the experience that he brings to the event at the top level. When he remarks that the BOM is unenforceable, you can take it to the bank.

You guys need to read this sentence a few times.

The guy who has RUN THE FRIGGIN NATS for more than a decade is saying the BOM is unenforceable!  How much more proof do you need?

I love the idea of going all FAI rules.  No more need for AMA rules. 
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 13, 2007, 04:54:54 PM
. Several of the District Reps. do not even fly control line.....

I have spoken to fliers from other disciplines and this appears to be a common problem throughout AMA competition.  Many of the Rule Committee appointees have not competed in years and years ACROSS THE BOARD.

Since the Rules Committee appointments are lifetime appointments, many do not wish to give up their positions, even after they stop flying.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: billbyles on October 13, 2007, 05:38:56 PM
Ok, here goes.

Some people may laugh but this is it.

BOM, Builder of the model.  If you completely BUILT and FINISHED your model from a plan or kit or scratch, not assembled from pre-existing or pre-built or bought sub assemblies, excluding hardware, including but not limited to, controls systems, bellcranks, control horns, landing gear, motor mounting pads, and or RC motor mounts, engines, exhaust systems, propellers, canopies then you may claim appearance points.  The appearance points will be added to your flight score.

If you used an ARF, ARC, RTF, or Bought plane or borrwed plane, or bought wings, tails, fuses, and you did not completely apply the finish you can not claim appearance points. 

You must comply with the BOM to be able to enter events Jr Sr Open.  Adv and PAMPA classes may be entered with a non BOM plane and appearance points will not be awarded and or added to the flight score.



Doug - Yes!  This is it.  Nothing to laugh at here...you defined the BOM as it should, in my opinion, be written and applied.

Bill
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bill Little on October 13, 2007, 06:37:49 PM
Quote
(Doug Moon) I say again people moving to no BOM is not to level the playing field.  It is to remove a rule that is not enforceable.  I know you say you know who builds what in your area.  But are people going to readily disclose they buy their wings from Hunt or Planes from Morris and Berry or other parts from Little or a whole host of other builders for hire.  Yet those guys have long lists of people waiting for parts and or planes to be built.  As it stands now you can kind of rationalize that you built enough of it to qualify and no one has to know.  The way I wrote the rule you will flat out know if you are in violation.(/quote)

Hi Doug,

As we have discussed before, you know I am 100% FOR the BOM (as is Bradley if I understand what he's always said) but I am 100% for DROPPING it because of the very fact that it is UNENFORCABLE.  I know you do not argue that, nor does Warren Tiahart!!

Now for the others who always are in the *discussions* we often have on the BOM, I do not even believe it is a factor of anyone *cheating*.  The rule was relaxed YEARS AGO!   Many years ago I heard the 51% *rule* which was universally accepted where I heard it (the NATS!). 

There is *testimony* on this board as to people getting their planes painted by others *years ago*.  It was accepted.  So, just where was the line drawn?  Nowhere....... some built the plane and painted it, some did various levels, and even some *bought* their planes.  It's all irrelevant now. 

Yes, I know of people who fly bought wings (as does Bob, Doug, Dale, Tom M., Tom D., Randy S., and anyone else who has "built for hire"), and I know certain people would NEVER believe who some of these people are!  And it all reality, it doesn't matter anyway.

The BOM is no longer an enforceable rule, no matter how much we would like to *believe* it is.  It has just been so transparent for too many years.  Any rule will not bother me, since I will build my planes anyway as will MANY others.  And there will STILL be guys buying what they can afford to. 

Please guys, do not be SO NAIVE that you do not realize what has happened over the last 30+ years.

IMHO, as much as I really hate to admit it, we need to let the BOM, *R.I.P.*

Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 13, 2007, 11:38:13 PM
Bill,

Well, if everyone is a cheater and most have others build their planes anyway, then I suppose your right. Dump the BOM. I stopped expecting integrity from people a long time ago. If you get it, it's always refreshing.

Hell of a world we've created.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bill Little on October 14, 2007, 10:05:38 AM
Bill,

Well, if everyone is a cheater and most have others build their planes anyway, then I suppose your right. Dump the BOM. I stopped expecting integrity from people a long time ago. If you get it, it's always refreshing.

Hell of a world we've created.

Randy,

As you know, EVERYONE is not *cheating*.  That was one of my first statements. ;D  Things became "ok" to use and it just went overboard until there is no longer a really fine line as to what is and what isn't acceptable. 

It's no biggie....... and really, it is amazing what some have used and felt fine while doing it.  I ain't kidding.  I don't think any less of these guys because it just "happened".
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bob Reeves on October 14, 2007, 10:11:33 AM
I sure remember the 76 NATS, a bunch of Hunt wings including me and none of us thought for a second it was cheating.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Shultzie on October 14, 2007, 10:51:02 AM
Sparky!
Dumb and Dumber me....uhhhh?

Before I punch the "is the BOM Proposal acceptable has me asking?
Do I think the BOM as written over the years is acceptable?
OR
SHOULD IT BE ELIMINATED INSTEAD?  
 

I am so far really amazed that the BOM as written is still in effect after all these years...that is if we are to deem that stunt flying should be considered a HOBBY or a SPORT CONTEST!

IT STILL REMAINS AN OXEEEE'MORON' TO THINK THAT COMPETITON STUNT FLYING CAN BEGIN TO BE CALLED A SPORT....IF FLYERS CONTINUE TO WANT TO CALL IT A "HOBBY SPORT!"
Anyone who feels a HOBBY SPORT can be morfed into a SPORT.....and still in their MINDS EYE AND HEARTS...FEEL THAT THIS IS FAIR???
MAY I SAY JUST FOR THE RECORD!!!!!!!!!!! LET'S GET REAL...GET OUR HEADS OUTTA THE SAND AND SWALLOW A HUGE DOSE OF RAW REALITY...N'ALLTHATJAZZ!
IS THE BOM FAIR?
At least to this ol' grunt-----
NO WAY!!!
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Marvin Denny on October 14, 2007, 12:14:25 PM
  Might I point out that many of those opposed to the BOm rule have a monetary reason for getting it thrown out.  They either are, or are planning to, produce ARFs, ARCs, or prebuilt components such as wings and Fuselages, and they are afraid that ANY BOM restrictions might hurt their business.
  I personally think that the initial proposal here on this thread would help their sales more than hurt them.

  Bigiron
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Andrew Borgogna on October 14, 2007, 01:45:34 PM

Bigiron
Do you really believe that this all about money.  Sorry my fellow modeler but that just ain't the case.  I have nothing at stake here except to get rid of a bad rule and install a good one.  Yes, I could live with no BOM at all, but the rules change proposed here I think is a fair compromise and no I don't think it is being driven my money.  Like I said earlier, just ask the person "Did you build it?" and simply accept his/her answer.  The word of my fellow modelers is good enough for me.  I may not trust politicians, but I do trust modelers.
Andy
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 14, 2007, 02:20:20 PM
>>I don't think any less of these guys because it just "happened".<<

It's didn't just happen. Folks made a conscious decision to ignore the rule or stretch the meaning in their favor. You either follow the rule or you don't. I can't imagine that people that read the rule then used a wing (or wing and tail plane or whatever) built by someone else didn't know that this was cheating. They just convinced themselves that it was OK. Other guys are doing it, I have to do it to stay competitive. Doesn't mean that they didn't understand that it was cheating, it was just what they looked at a a minor stretch of the rules. Cheating that they could live with. It's a decision we all make every day in our lives. It's not hard to do. It's called rationalization.

There was a good point made here and perhaps that's really the crux of the differences of opinion on this: hobby vs. sport.

The comparison was made that it's like golf. It's not like golf. No one ever expected people to make their own clubs (though in the early days a hundred years ago you had to). While I think calling golf a "sport" is a stretch (I always have but that's not the point), it is considered by most a sport no different from football. You don't build your own equipment to play sports. Flying planes was looked at, since it's inception, as a hobby and the expectation was that you built and flew your own plane.

Now, I like the idea that flying planes is a test of your mind and your skills of creation as well as your reflexes, but folks here are right; it is sooner or later going to become a sport just like football or whatever and the idea that you would have to build your own plane to compete will seem silly. Hey, guys used to build their own cars to race, but that is a thing of the past, too.

I imagine that those of us that still look at this as a hobby that tests the building skills (and perhaps designing skills), finishing skills and flying skills will have to take refuge in contests like VSC where they still get it. Where it's still a hobby. A hobby in earnest, but a hobby. Perhaps those types of contests will propagate (or not). But I agree that the handwriting is on the wall. As flying planes pushes fully to a sports mentality, the idea of producing your own equipment to compete will seem ridiculous and it will go away.

I think the way things are is a much more demanding test of a person than eliminating 2/3 of the test and just buying a plane to fly. But that's me.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bill Little on October 14, 2007, 03:00:12 PM
Hi Randy,

I stated in my 1st response that this proposal is definitely one I could live with.  Heck, I could live with a lie detector test as far as if I built my own planes.  That's not my point as this discussion developed.  I know an ex World Champion who cannot keep up with building wings (last time I talked to him) in the range of money that exceeds what I spend to build a whole plane for myself!  They ain't going into "practice" planes.  That, in and of itself, is a violation of the *Original* BOM rule.

The prospect that numerous contestants would show up at the NATS with planes that were widely built from major assembled components led to a *threat* of numerous protests.  This prompted an emergency ruling for CLPA concerning the BOM to ward off the hassle of dealing with all the protests.  Plus, a precedent had ALREADY been set by a pilot winning Advanced (a recognised National Championship event at the NATS) with a plane constructed of major assemblies that were pre-built.  This was before any *extra ruling*.  Hence my statement that the BOM has been unenforceable for decades.

Nothing will change even if your proposal is passed.  I like it, but there will always be those who look the other way and *believe* it is all right.  You are correct, *rationalization* is the key word.  What a person *believes is true* IS true to that person.  I have no easy answer................

Bill <><
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Tom Weedon on October 14, 2007, 03:41:38 PM

OK, Here's one for you "purists". I bought a Veco Smoothie kit from a fellow several years ago. It was about 30+ years old and some of the wood was turning brown. I got it for $40 which I think was Ok because the kit was complete. Now, he had glued the plywood reinforcements to the fuselage sides, and he had glued some of the ribs to the spar pieces. He had made a mess of some of it so I had to "undo" most (not all) of the wing. He also had sanded the rudder and elevator pieces.

So my question is simply this, since I ended up building about 90 to 90% of the model, am I lying when I enter a contest and say that I built the model? Should I be excluded because I did not build 101% of the model????

I believe we have some "purists" on this list are plagued with a "Holier than Thou" attitude because they insist that every one build models like they do. You know, some folks just can't build, or some don't have the time, and further, some people want to sell their good, quality used models, the BOM rule makes used models totally worthless, just as in Free Flight, where old men have to give away perfectly good used models because no one wants them as they would not be able to enter a contest with them. I'm trying to get back in C/L stunt after a 30 year break, flying mostly R/C Pattern and IMAC, but this cheep bitching is TOTALLY CRAZY! I just can't see it. Maybe this old man should go back to flying pattern where fellows don't care where your plane came from, just "how well can you fly" is the only thing that matters.

Food for Thought!

Tom Weedon
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Marvin Denny on October 14, 2007, 03:48:13 PM
Bigiron
Do you really believe that this all about money.  Sorry my fellow modeler but that just ain't the case. Andy
  No Andy, I don't think that it is all about money.  I just pointed out that some DO have a vested interest that they are concerned about .  Youldn't you be concerned if you had spent considerable amounts of time, effort, and money to get a product out  and then find that someone was trying to get a rule change  that might kill all your efforts??  I would think you would be highly concerned.  That is why I put in THREE stages of points allocations so that such efforts would NOT be adversly affected.
  Thanks for your input.

  Bigiron
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: L0U CRANE on October 14, 2007, 03:50:24 PM
Bill,

Appreciate yor comments, and your efforts to keep this monster on the leash to a reasonable extent...

Personally, I'd state clearly to whoever asked how much of any of my models I "built" and how much came pretty well ready to tack together. If that affects Appearance Points, fine, so be it.

I enjoy building too much to "go with the flow" as some others suggest. Sure I've had an ARF or two. Generally, the fact that a profitable business depends on a certain level of quality is evident. If the models are sagging slugs, they'll never get a return customer for that or any other ARF/ARC they might offer... As a result, my ARFs and several others I've seen are almost always straight and light. Straighter and lighter than their likely buyers could build, at an early point in their career in our hobby/sport.

Of course, we hear of the shortfalls in "packaging" the available ARF/ARC offerings. Part of that is from others who like to build, and would NOT have done it the way the 'mass'-producer chose; part is because the pieces criticized are NOT up the the job for the long term. ...And, new guys who HAVEN'T built models will never know; they'll figure the failures were their fault. Many will quit at that point - why persist in something they can't handle?

If any AMA Dist IX people are in here, Doc isn't the only one who needs to communicate about how members in his District feel. Don't "vote?" - then don't gripe about who gets elected. PARTICIPATE!

On the other side, as I write this, 27 people have opted in the poll. The "votes" are too few to consider a valid image of how even the relatively few of us here in this forum feel. In this thread, a few people who feel strongly about their opinions have posted MANY times. The post count is less important than the number of different guys posting. Compared to several other threads, this one has a good number of different writers taking part.

And guys like Doc - I hope - also consider that the most vehement for or against anything are the ones, quite often, who dominate the issue if they can. A few shriekers may be hard on the ears, but their actual number in comparison to the "population" represented should be kept in mind. I didn't see any real shriekers in this discussion, but, yes, some strong opinions...

Rules is rules, as one of us posted. Long enduring rules can be changed, but their endurance adds some gravity to their existence. That should be kept in mind. Indirectly, it argues that many, many subject to the rule find nothing wrong with it, or nothing so dire that it must be changed. For those who kinda like the tradition - BOM in this thread, f'rinstance - things can be advanced further, faster with more likelihood of support, by using reasonable, convincing ideas. Regrettably, I hear a bit more shouting that, "It's broke! Throw it away! Right now if you're not a stupid, over-aged jerk!"

Stable rules have value. A guy coming back into CLPA, for example, after 20 or 30 years doing other things, finds a basically familiar thing still there... finds what he enjoyed last time around and wants some more of, now. Changing rules whenever anyone shouts loud enough, that we have to do it his way, isn't good for hanging onto the basics that attract the many retreads rejoining us. The shouting, alone, can put them off...

Sure, keep looking for ways to improve, enhance and make better any of our rules - but, please, let's go about it in the ways laid down to get it done. Stampedes trample more than they protect. And, if a vote occurs at the level that can change rules, and it is obviously fair, and representative of a majority the whole population involved, let's accept that. For the time being, at least. If it isn't what we wanted, we can still try to persuade others of our ideas. If they ARE winners, they'll win, eventually. Or, we can pack up our stuff and go elsewhere if we can't abide what the majority is happy with.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 14, 2007, 03:54:09 PM
  Might I point out that many of those opposed to the BOm rule have a monetary reason for getting it thrown out.  They either are, or are planning to, produce ARFs, ARCs, or prebuilt components such as wings and Fuselages, and they are afraid that ANY BOM restrictions might hurt their business.
 

I am sorry Marvin, I expect better of you.

I expected to hear this kind of spin from the stunt politicians, and I figure it will be inevitable, but that is all it will be is *spin*.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 14, 2007, 03:57:39 PM
I sure remember the 76 NATS, a bunch of Hunt wings including me and none of us thought for a second it was cheating.

1976.  The death of the BOM is not a recent phenomenon.

Punishing the current lines of ARC's, ARF, Quick Build Kits, etc and the people who want to use them, is hypocritical at best.

I think the only thing that has changed is that the BLINDERS are off now.  The state of the BOM, and the people who do, and do not follow it to the letter, has really has not changed.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Dennis Moritz on October 14, 2007, 04:21:42 PM
I like the rule idea. Five points is not much of a deficit for using ARCs and similarly produced planes. A five point plus for building from scratch or an old time legit kit, little enough of an incentive. On the positive side it provides a systematic way for incorporating ARFs and ARCs in NATs competition. Very few of us can get a 17, 18, or 19, anyway. Seeing a club member's three years of work awarded 16 points at the NATs made that clear enough to me. Many modelers thought it an impressively executed original design, got him 16 points.  How many appearance points does a typical NATs Open winner get anyway?
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Marvin Denny on October 14, 2007, 06:34:15 PM
I am sorry Marvin, I expect better of you.

I expected to hear this kind of spin from the stunt politicians, and I figure it will be inevitable, but that is all it will be is *spin*.
  Bradly,  Did I name you??  I have been contacted with the concern I mentioned so I merely brought it to the attention of everyone so that they might consider that also---  Or did I step on your toes---- somehow???
  Bigiron
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Marvin Denny on October 14, 2007, 07:29:47 PM
[quote author=Regardless of who you were talking about (which you did not state) it is still just *spin* and seems to come up in every discussion of the BOM and is usually used to take shots at John Brodak or anyone who works with Brodak Manufacturing. 

  Bradley, it is NOT spin when concerned people E-Mail me on the subject.!!!  I put it on this thread so that interested parties could CONSIDER THAT POSSIBILITY AND USE IT TO HELP THEM IN THEIR EVALUATION OF THE SUBJECT PROPOSAL.  I think that it could be an aid in EITHER direction the individuals wish to go.  It is just another factor for them to consider.
  I am not going to argue with you anymore on the evaluation of this item as you are starting to get personal and I want good pros and cons,  not drivel and nit picking.

  Bigiron
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Randy Powell on October 14, 2007, 10:41:12 PM
Brad,

Do you have to go immediately to ad hominin arguments? You don't agree with the proposal. Great. I don't have any problems with that. You've stated some  valid points, it seems. I can tell you that getting rid of the BOM isn't going to make much difference in who becomes national champion. And the truth is, it wouldn't make much different in placing at our local contests. And I even agree that a lot of people cheat, even when they have convinced themselves that they aren't cheating. But I still make the same assertion. It's more productive to try to get people to adhere to a rule and make the rule paletable than to just give it up as a bad job.

The speed limit on the road I drive to work on is 60 MPH. I can tell you that maybe 50% of the people go the speed limit. Maybe. Cops come out in droves to give tickets but it doesn't seem to change folks behavior. They still speed on that road. Should we just drop the speed limit on that road because half the people don't obey it? The fact that they are putting everyone's lives in danger by drive 75+ on the road obviously doesn't enter into their heads. There are, on average, 12 fatalities on that road every year; usually by people that were speeding and yet they continue to speed. The cops usually increase patrols after a fatal crash for awhile, but soon, they thin out and folks go back to speeding on it.

Doesn't seem the solution is to just get rid of the speed limit because a lot of people don't abide by it.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Dennis Moritz on October 15, 2007, 12:53:57 AM
ad hominem: (Latin: "argument to the person", "argument against the man") consists of replying to an argument or factual claim by attacking or appealing to a characteristic or belief of the person making the argument or claim, rather than by addressing the substance of the argument or producing evidence against the claim.

Just looked this up (ad hominim- is the incorrect spelling, no big deal, slowed me down a little.) These days a prevalent technique of illogical discussion, don't you think. Attacking the person instead of the argument or logical case being presented.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Bradley Walker on October 15, 2007, 05:47:10 AM
My post was deleted, great...

I was not attacking Marvin or anyone else.  Quite the contrary.  I was pointing out that this "follow the money" tact has been used before to slander people's motives, and especially how it relates to the BOM, and I even gave an example.  I was also pointing out that guys like Marvin should know better by now, instead of propagating these ideas.

I think bringing it up is "ad hominum" and in very bad form and has been used before (apparently it is still being used).

I was just pointing that out.  You guys seem to have missed it.
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: john e. holliday on October 15, 2007, 08:25:41 AM
Marvin,  I for one did not vote for your proposal as originally posted.  It has some merit, as it comes from someone that has been at this a very long time.  Do you feel any older now.  One of the proposals that is on the AMA site is worth considering.  But, your proposal needs to be tried out to see if it works.  At least I would be gauranteed at least 15 points for my attempts at building.  Have fun,  DOC Holliday
Title: Re: BOM Proposal
Post by: Marvin Denny on October 15, 2007, 10:36:22 AM
  Yes Doc we did try it one year here in Wichita.  It made only one change in position from the standard method of awarding points for appearance.  I don't think that there would have been ANY change if the one instance in which the change occurred hav not have been mainly due to a missed needle setting by the one who came out on the short end of the stick on that case. 4 points difference.

  Doc I ran off the Rules proposals and we  (the Wichita stunters and Jim Kraft are going to get together and hash them out as we did last cycle and get the results to you  in the same form (who voted how on each proposal).
  Marvin