On 3/14/04 6:54 AM, in article ,
"Robertmudd1u" wrote:

Too many people in this sport think you need ALL the bells and whistles and a
$100,000+ glider to be a "real" glider pilot. That attitude is hurting us.

Right on! And exactly why we get so many arrogant and ultimately ignorant
remarks concerning the so-called inadequacies of the PW-5. Clearly, too many
people don't understand the concept of competition. It is not about what you
show up with on the trailer, but about what you can do with it in the air.
Neither the choice of the PW-5 nor the parameters established for the WC
Glider selection process are the source of the problem.

The "Mine is bigger than yours," syndrome will ruin the World Class just as
it has ruined other forms of vehicle-based competition. Classes which were
originally established to facilitate development of skill and commitment to
a sport at reasonable cost are falling prey to the "too much money and not
enough character" syndrome on every side. The bitter and unreasoning
criticisms of the PW-5 on this forum are clear evidence of the kind of
distorted personalities which are behind this unfortunate phenomenon.

People who are real competitors are competitive on skateboards, lawnmowers,
1-26s, or jet fighters, and using the excuse that the equipment is not up to
your exalted standards is, on its face, little more than a childish excuse
for personal inadequacy.


Jack