Not to stir the pot, but I really think the whole event needs a major overhaul.
To that end, I’m even thinking of declaring myself Chairman of the “Committee for the Study, Research, Development, Publication, Implementation and Enforcement of Hurl Rules”. Someone more familiar with the history, traditions and culture of the competition needs to step up quickly ...
First, I really take issue with the choice of engine. For cripes sake, a muffler for the old Fox 15X just sold for more than $33 on eBay! Without any thought to the long-term effects of your current choice, you have created an artificial market for the engine which simply cannot be sustained while allowing sport flyers with smaller wallets to use the engine to fly in circles!
Should I choose to proceed with my above-referenced self-appointment, I would immediately change the engine choice to the Fox 35 Stunt. Now, I can’t make any promises - having neither done the market research or spoken with Randy Linsalato - but surely we can assume MECOA would immediately resume production of that venerable engine, thereby serving to reduce the acquisition cost of BOTH the 15X AND the Stunt 35! What greater good can be accomplished with just one simple rule change?!?
I will address the well-known caveat: the burp. (Heaven knows, to speak of “burp” and “hurl” in the same discussion leads me to feel - in the words of a well-known public figure and obvious politician - “mildly nauseous”. But it must be addressed.)
The obvious solution is to require that ALL engines used in The Hurl be stuffed.
And another facet that’s been completely missed to this point: a kinda BOM requirement! I would require that all contestants submit a signed affidavit stating they, and only they, STUFFED THE ENGINE. In other words, a SOTE (Stuffer Of The Engine) rule. For crying out loud, what has been to this point in time to insure the purity of the event!?!
I believe anyone who considers these changes logically will agree they’re both needed and overdue.
So let’s get those Fox 35s stuffed!
Dennis