Motorgliders (long)

"Eric Greenwell" wrote...
Region 11 must have at least 40 motorgliders, but only 10% entered the 4
contests held in Region 11.

Region 11 has well in excess of 100 motorgliders...

Is Region 11 pleased with this level of participation?

Obviously, we'd like more gliders to participate, whether they have motors or
not...

Are the pilots in Region 11 pleased with the choices available to them
at their contests?

We takes what we gets...

Perhaps Region 11 should consider changing what they offer. Since most
of the motorgliders are a good fit in the 18 Meter class, I suggest
Region 11 add the 18 Meter class to the contest. Request a waiver to
allow self-launching in this class only, using the restrictions we've
discussed here. Promote this class, along with others, but emphasize it
will allow self-launch with appropriate restrictions. Mention that self-
launchers won't pay tow fees unless they take a tow.

I'd rather fly my LAK in 18M class, and signed up for the offered 18M class at
Minden. I believe exactly one other person (with a motorglider) signed up for
18M. So, we both ended up in 15M. There just isn't a whole lot of interest in
the 18M class...

If this idea is successful, the 18 meter class will have 10+ entrants
(mostly motorgliders, but perhaps some unpowered gliders with their 18
meter extensions), while "stealing" only a few from the rest of the
classes, for a net gain of 5+ entrants.

Most of the motorglider pilots in the area, quite simply, do not appear to be
interested in flying in contests...

Now, that's what I call a "win-win" situation.

Only if the motorglider guys want to play...

Marc

Good idea, Eric.
But, I doubt it will work down here in region 11. We only had 12 in our 2003
Regionals, 6 in 15 meter and 6 in Standard, No Open or Sports. Good luck in
getting an 18 meter regionals. The minden Soaring Club had bid the 2005, 18
meter nationals, though. Come on down, I volunteered to CD it :)
Region 11 has well in excess of 100 motorgliders...

Is Region 11 pleased with this level of participation?

Obviously, we'd like more gliders to participate, whether they have motors or
not...

Are the pilots in Region 11 pleased with the choices available to them
at their contests?

We takes what we gets...

Perhaps Region 11 should consider changing what they offer. Since most
of the motorgliders are a good fit in the 18 Meter class, I suggest
Region 11 add the 18 Meter class to the contest. Request a waiver to
allow self-launching in this class only, using the restrictions we've
discussed here. Promote this class, along with others, but emphasize it
will allow self-launch with appropriate restrictions. Mention that self-
launchers won't pay tow fees unless they take a tow.

I'd rather fly my LAK in 18M class, and signed up for the offered 18M class
at
Minden. I believe exactly one other person (with a motorglider) signed up
for
18M. So, we both ended up in 15M. There just isn't a whole lot of interest
in
the 18M class...

If this idea is successful, the 18 meter class will have 10+ entrants
(mostly motorgliders, but perhaps some unpowered gliders with their 18
meter extensions), while "stealing" only a few from the rest of the
classes, for a net gain of 5+ entrants.

Most of the motorglider pilots in the area, quite simply, do not appear to be
interested in flying in contests...

Now, that's what I call a "win-win" situation.

Only if the motorglider guys want to play...

Marc


JJ Sinclair