Hi all, i have been following this debate with interest, and some valid arguments have been made, but also some unfair comments. I dont want to get involved with the SSA rules debate, neither the internal politics, so I will just make some observations, as seen from the outside.
The US pilots can compete with the best of the world on any given day, as they have proven on some days. To finish in the top third of any class, is no small feat, as the winning margins are extremely small. Its not about winning every day, its about minimizing mistakes or less than perfect decisions during the whole contest. Winning by not losing, as George Moffat said. This is where the weak point of flying alone comes in. Even if we as pilots compete as individuals, it still helps to discuss situations and decisions with a team mate. Nine times out of ten the thought processes will be the same, but the tenth time your own decision might be flawed as seen through a team mates eyes, and discussing the decision in the air makes this obvious, thereby minimizing weaker decisions. What follows is an overall better decision making process through the contest, giving better overall results.
There is no home ground advantage when flying over flat terrain. The worlds top competing piolots fly extremely well in all conditions. Some homeground advantage can be had over mountainous terrain.
To be one of the best, you need to fly the most competitive equipment. But you dont need to own it. Gliders can be rented or loaned. There are many pilots that want to see youngsters do well, and will make their gliders avialable. But these pilots want to see commitment, and sometimes that lacks in our younger generation
Oscar Goudriaan
SA