NSRCA OFFICERS
Hear from Your NSRCA Officers President
Charlie Barrera 2627 Silver Shadow | Conroe, TX. 77304 936.404.0063 charliebarrera@consolidated.net Hello again, everyone. It has been a long and “dry” season for most of us here for pattern flying. I’ve just been informed that another contest has been canceled in District 6 due to Covid-19. This contest was scheduled for early September. Certainly, a disappointment, but understandable. Texas spiked in the number of Covid cases last month, and the governor reinstated restrictions. The curve is once again flattened, and the right decision was made for this. I’m hoping and praying that a solution, a vaccine, can be developed soon, allowing us to return to our normal lives. This pandemic is having profound effects on all of us.
competitor, whose been in pattern since the early 70’s, has submitted his ideas. He submitted them in the form of a rule change. Mikes idea was to limit the size of models to the 1.75 meters and limit power to .60 2 stroke, and .90 4 stroke, in the Club Class, Sportsman, and Intermediate. Those that were currently flying 2-meter planes in those classes would be grandfathered. Unfortunately, it was rejected by the contest board. However, I’ve been talking to both Mike and Don, and others in this area, about how we could improve participation, particularly among the young. Here are our thoughts. We know that the young are just starting with careers, new family, and a very limited budget. Of course, the sons and daughters of some are still at home and their family may not have the “big” bucks to invest in a 2-meter pattern plane for them. We’re thinking that if we create a new class of pattern, where a smaller plane is used, it might encourage the investment. We know that those interested in pattern will enter their first contest in Sportsman, or possibly Club Class, if it is offered.There is no size limit to fly this category. They usually fly what they have in their hanger.
If they want to move on to Intermediate, they perceive that to be competitive, they must invest in a large 2-meter plane. The purchase of used planes usually run about $1000 and upwards, with no motor, servos, ESC, etc.This is a deterrent. But what if we were to offer a smaller airplane to fly in Intermediate? It would certainly keep the cost down. There are a number of airplanes in the smaller range that are suited for competition. The airplane that comes to mind is the AJ Acuity, the smaller version of the 2-meter airplane. Airplane, motor, and ESC would run about $700 initial cost. This airplane flies with a 5S or 6S battery. It’s small enough to fit in the trunk or back seat of a car. All that would be needed is a radio, batteries, and charger. There are other airplanes that would make suitable pattern aircraft. Here is a list of those airplanes and their associated cost (see screen shot below). This size airplane has some disadvantages compared to the 2-meter plane. For one thing, its effected more by wind. How can we even the playing field?
The Board of Directors is investigating ways of increasing interest in pattern. Several ideas have been discussed. One idea that has been presented is “Grow Pattern”. It seems like we’re not attracting the young. We’ve become a national organization dominated by mostly old fellas like me. I practice with Don Ramsey regularly, and we were having a conversation concerning how we could encourage more participation in pattern. In addition, Mike Harrison, another prominent pattern
September 2020 K-Factor | 3
