Well, what an interesting ride this has been! I simply put the friendly question out about allowing multiple models to be flown in a contest. Here's what I've observed:
1. Nearly anything on RCSE can get nasty and personal far too quickly. This thread started with some reasoned debate and just got sadly weird. 2. Some competitors whose names I know and respect would be very happy to see multiple models flown. 3. Some competitors whose names I know and respect would not like to see multiple models flown. 4. Some folks who rarely, if ever, fly contests insist on inserting strongly felt opinions about changing things that don't effect them in the least. 5. I'm surprised that no mention has been made of multiple model use in F3J. Seems to me like it has not caused the downfall of soaring in most of the rest of the world or the denigration of soaring as a fun thing to do. 6. We need to collectively take a deep breath and remember this is for fun. Last time I checked the stakes were pretty low (as long as you don't factor in egos which seem quite large enough). Here's what I've decided. I will dutifully send in a sanction request with a rule deviation noted about rule #5 for the Cincinnati Soaring Society's Memorial Contest May 18 and 19. The deviation will note that: The competitor may use two model aircraft in the competition at their discretion in variance with rules 5a, b, and c. Gee whilikers won't this shake up the whole soaring world!! It will be interesting to see if the sanction is granted. See page one of the ama rule book under contest directors responsibilities and the technical directors response. To make things even more fun, day one flights will be matrixed man on man as in F3J, day two seeded man on man. Reasonable soul that I am, if my email in-box is flooded with "please don't do that" by the regular CSS Memorial attendees, I am amenable to reconsideration with the noted caveat that some privileges come with stepping up to CD a contest. I'm considering making these changes to increase the fun factor. I'm living proof that a middle o' the pack flyer will be just that with an expensive model as well. Most guys I know go to contests to see friends, look at cool new toys and to challenge themselves and push their skills. Many would like to play with more than one of their toys during this time. While some obsess on winning, most don't. To play with two toys instead of just one seems to me to be not a big deal, but from all the hub-bub perhaps a crucifixion is order eh? Soaring is fun, arguing is not. Barry Andersen RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED]