Contest Class Development for Future Success - The Case fordeveloping the Handicapped Classes

I enjoy contests as well as OLC flying, even though I am not typically competitive. The challenge of flying a fixed course with other sailplanes is fun and quite different from free flying.

However, there are a few things I don't like.

1) Like many pilots today, I am usually without a crew, so it is a challenge to get ready and grid every day and land outs are more of a hassle, even with lots of colleagues to help. This doesn't get any easier as we get older! All of this effort can be a chore when soaring conditions are not so good.

2) The delays in launching a grid and hanging around for a start often mean a sizeable chunk of the soaring day has passed before the start of a race.

3) The rules are getting ever more complex and include some really baffling ones as well as those with unintended consequences.

I suspect these and similar reasons are why existing pilots are competing less. Also, with the economy down, it is only us richer guys (probably top 5% of the income earners) who can afford both the expense and time to attend.

Mike