Maybe we can get groups of our local pilots/clubs to fly contest tasks and
post on OLC. All it takes is for someone to declare the task for the day
and the pilots to decide to take the challenge. This might even spark a few
pilots to try a contest...

My observation at Moriarty during the summer is that most of the private
owners will show up at the launch point around the same time and could
easily fly an "assigned task". Practically speaking, however, most would
just prefer to go out and have a good time and go to a sanctioned contest
once or twice a year.


"Papa3" wrote in message
news:25083709.1909.1330471920481.JavaMail.geo-discussion-forums@ynlt17...
On Tuesday, February 28, 2012 9:28:19 AM UTC-5, Sean Fidler wrote:
T8 has run off to create a new thread he aptly labels "On Racing."
Probably another subtle effort to discount OLC as not "real racing" or
competition per my last post. Talk about running and hiding.

I continue to strongly disagree with this "vision" of OLC not being real
competition. I think free distance is outstanding personally! I think of
OLC as a great asset to soaring in the United States. OLC's simplicity
and popularity can teach the contest community a great deal about what is
really important in glider competition, PARTICIPATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Sean,

OLC isn't "racing". Nor is badge and record flying. They are all
different flavors of the same activity, but they each have their unique
aspects. IMO, none of them is "better" than the other, but they do
emphasize different skills. There are a few pilots out there who pursue
all three aspects of our sport with great success. There are others who do
well in one or two but not all three. So be it.

As a dedicated racing pilot who also actively pursues records and
participates in the OLC, I fervently hope that the OLC can help feed the
ranks of competition pilots. However, I am under no delusion that the
numbers will ever be even close to equal. The OLC, as a decentralized, DIY
contest makes it very easy to participate - no long drives, no vacation, no
need to learn rules or practice the unique elements (start strategy, TAT vs.
MAT vs. AAT, etc.). The best we can hope for is that a few OLC pilots
become interested enough in serious XC to investigate record flying and
racing.

Sincerely,
Erik Mann (P3)