You are missing the point... it is fun!!

From what statistics does your 'relatively few pilots' line come from? Are
we talking about contest pilots? Regular weekend flyers? I would say that
80% of the contest pilots I know love to do it. This is not to say that they
deliberatly climb higher than necessary to facilitate it, but there are
occasions when you get 10kt climbs when you already have final glide. In
this case it is worthwhile to pull up so you can come back at a faster
speed.

Nick.

"Marc Ramsey" wrote in message
. com...
Kilo Charlie wrote:
Tom Knauff has done a good job of disproving the idea that the most
dangerous part of flying is the drive to the field. I hope that this
doesn't insult you guys trying to argue the what you feel is the safety
point. Your hearts are in the right place.

==
There are relatively few pilots who believe others are impressed by a low
altitude pass. (Sort of like teenage burning rubber, thinking it impresses
others.) In fact, the pilot usually needs to gain extra altitude in the
final thermal in order to have the necessary energy, wasting precious
time. The better pilot only climbs to the altitude necessary and then
flies the correct speed-to-fly all the way home, perhaps increasing the
airspeed slightly to use up the safety margin altitude, in the final
miles.

Really good pilots don't need to show off. They demonstrate their skills
on the score sheet.
==

The above is a quote from Tom Knauff's last email newsletter, hopefully he
won't mind my posting it here. I just like to race and get home in one
piece. I want to minimize the chances of screwing up, or being subject to
someone elses screw up, after I finish. Maybe you'll understand,
someday...

regards,
Marc