John, As a LSf Aspirant I will share a bit of my story with you. After 30 years of flying power I caught the soaring bug about 2 years ago. I bought an ARF Bird of Time because I have tried a couple of times to build a sailplane with marginal success. I began flying the thing and was bitten by the bug hard. I attended the Nats last year with the intention of flying RES. When I arrived and began watching the F3J competition I realized I simply was in no way prepared for competition. When I returned home I decided to Join LSF and develop my skills. Through the application process I met Jim Deck. Jim has severed as a mentor the past several months not only with teaching flying skills but with the correct way to build a sailplane. Jim's help has been invaluable. The ship is framed up and is now ready for covering. I hope to be able to attend Wood Crafters this year to observe and learn . I will continue to build with wood because it's what I know, and I enjoy the building process but there are those that just want to fly and will spend the money, whether they have it to spend or not, to have a properly built ship. What's my point? LSF/AMA needs to make clear what Jim Deck has taught me. That is: the ship is only the equipment, how successful the operator is depends on his skills, and it takes practice to develop those skills not money or technology. BTW Jim's first piece of advice for me was: "Learn to land without spoilers, it's good for you." Rich
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