On Wednesday, August 6, 2014 4:57:31 PM UTC-4, Sean Fidler wrote:
They kinda are complaining when they text me photo's of the tasks with frowny faces... I agree that pilots should voice their disgust at the pilots meeting. Perhaps the culture of the CD, task advisors, etc is too stogy for most new pilots to want to express their concern? I think most pilots assume the CD and task advisors are doing the right thing. Perhaps they are wrong.



So, in this case, it is obviously not the weather that resulted in the 3 massive 30 mile radius Turn Area task, nor is it the handicap range (LS-3 or Discus is lowest I think). So, what guidelines were being followed that resulted in this call of 3 turn areas with 60 MILE DIAMETERS??? Do we, perhaps, need to adjust those guidelines in order to return to a reasonable balance or ATs vs. TAT/MATs?



I refer back to the title of this thread.



US Tasking? Are way to many TATs/MATs being called vs. NOT ENOUGH ASSIGNED TSASKS (3% in 2013)



Is the assigned task truly dead in the USA? Why? Per Noel, "what are contest task supposed to me measuring?" Objective racing skill or pure weather luck in which massive swings in conditions are the primary factor?



Isn't calling one giant TAT for 3 classes on a good flying day a little "lazy?" Again, I am fine with a TAT if the compromise is required (weather, handicap range, etc), but aren't racing tasks preferred when the conditions are suitable for it?



Sean

Good thing you didn't go- you'd be havin' a stroke - LOL
I do think it would be better to use more circles of smaller size, but I haven't looked at the site to see how well it would work.
But- let's return to the topic.
Forcing any particular task can have unfortunate consequences.
Example- Current WGC. They have had tough weather to work with and wisely used area tasks to get the fairest tasks they could. They have strong guidance in the rules that says they must call a minimum of 1/3 of each type of task. They called AT's on Sunday, no doubt strongly influenced by the task "guidelines" and due to to some unfortunate weather, land the entire fleet out(yes a few flew home). What got measured on that day was the willingness to accept risk flying in storms, the wisdom of having an engine to come home on, and the wisdom to not bring a glider that you spent many years building. Little else got measured in my view, but the brave got strongly rewarded.
Today(Tuesday) they had the obvious AT again, and landed 1/2 the 15M class out, and about 1/4 of the opens, including a world champion.
I don't envy the task callers, especially when they are constrained as they are.
That said, following the US task guidance which encourages a variety of tasks, make good sense to me.
I suspect the folks at R9 are having a good time and wish I was there.
UH