Who are we? Us stunt guys, who are we? Well here are my thoughts. I was recently reading the thread on Windwalker vs Airbender and I thought “Really, aren’t stunt guys better than this?” I’ve since spent lots of time reminiscing about the various experiences I’ve had with stunt guys from all over the world. There is a commonality among the group. I will try and describe what I’ve seen.
Joe Stunt, is likely on the north side of 40, perhaps more than that. He has several interests but stunt is the main one. He is meticulous in many things in life. Likely has a neat home with other cool items in it. He has strong family bonds and has had a good upbringing, meaning he is polite and respectful. Joe, understands the meaning of life’s big words, honesty, integrity, responsibility. Joe will give to you willingly to ensure your enjoyment of the hobby. He is a mentor, a friend, a competitor. Joe is humble, you can say you like his airplane and he will likely respond with “It’s okay, coulda been better”. Joe gets that this is a lifelong quest that he will be constantly learning new things and better ways to build, fly and finish.
You can measure yourself and your experiences to the tip of the iceberg I’ve laid out above. You will see that everyone you know is represented in the person above. Sure there are some that you don’t have the warm fuzzy feeling about, but somebody in the event does! And it’s not all about you. So where are we now?
Joe Stunt is a gentleman, he is you! This event is unique in that the very best equipment doesn’t ensure success. You have to wiggle the handle too. And if you consider the Nat’s, the best handle wiggler has been beat by appearance points. Here, to do well you must be good at all aspects of the hobby. Joe, is masterful at all of them. Joe’s gentlemanly conduct is well described in one of Ted’s articles where he says once the wheels stop rolling you have done all you can do for today. Don’t whine and complain about judging, flight order, halo’s, etc, etc. Be a gentleman and conduct yourself as such. We are currently blessed with rules that require us to be masterful at several aspects. This ensures the dedication of the participants to the event. The event weeds itself. If it’s hard the whimsical don’t stick around and frankly that’s fine with me! If it’s too easy there is no satisfaction of achievement.
So would Joe change the name of his new design from “Windwalker” to “Airbender?” The answer is quite clearly evident, YES! It’s a matter of respecting those that have gone before us. To do so is to consider the feelings of others and the efforts that they put into their airplane and their stunt program. There is no legal obligation, however we are not bound by just the laws. We are “Joe Stunt” and it’s the right thing to do.
So, consider Joe when you conduct yourself. Make sure the event is benefitting from your involvement, that you are doing things that you will be proud of to be your legacy.
It’s not all about you, but you are the event to many. Let’s keep it at the highest possible level we can.
These are just my thoughts, agree or not, I stand by them I hope you can too.
Bruce
Topic: Joe Stunt - who are we really (Read 1279 times)