Motorgliders (long)

Soaring in the US is shrinking. We can take the path espoused by some, "keep
'em separate", or we can we can take the more logical approach, embrace
change and do what's needed to stay as one. The old concept "In unity
there's strength" still applies. Fighting amongst ourselves is really dumb.

Interesting that you have viewed these discussionas on RAS as fighting
amongst ourselves. I'm sure some of us have viewed it as a means of
trying to assure that those pilots voting in the SRA poll can have the
benefit of knowing both sides of the story. The motor glider pilots
wish to give the impression that the rule changes they would like are
quite reasonable and fair. On the other hand, some of the more
knowledgeable non-motorized pilots believe that granting further
concessions to motor gliders, through new rule changes, would unjustifiably
give the motor gliders an even bigger advantage in competiton.

Soarin

Interesting that you have viewed these discussionas on RAS as fighting
amongst ourselves. I'm sure some of us have viewed it as a means of
trying to assure that those pilots voting in the SRA poll can have the
benefit of knowing both sides of the story. The motor glider pilots
wish to give the impression that the rule changes they would like are
quite reasonable and fair. On the other hand, some of the more
knowledgeable non-motorized pilots believe that granting further
concessions to motor gliders, through new rule changes, would unjustifiably
give the motor gliders an even bigger advantage in competiton.

It is crucial to recognize that there is a primal struggle going on
here. If the anti-MGs prevail we will leave (I certainly will). I
believe we have more than adequately answered the critics to any
impartially fair minded competitor. Now, there will be those that
totally reject the concept of allowing MGs in ANY contest. So be it.
If that group succeeds there will be a growing exodus of MG pilots
from competition soaring and, ultimately, from the SSA. This isn't a
threat; it is just natural for someone who is told that they are
unwelcome to leave and go where they are welcome. The key issue is
what does the majority of the SSA feel; not just a vocal minority on
RAS. Personally, I think the majority is inclusive, but I really don't
know.

Tom

It is crucial to recognize that there is a primal struggle going on
here. If the anti-MGs prevail we will leave (I certainly will). I
believe we have more than adequately answered the critics to any
impartially fair minded competitor. Now, there will be those that
totally reject the concept of allowing MGs in ANY contest. So be it.
If that group succeeds there will be a growing exodus of MG pilots
from competition soaring and, ultimately, from the SSA. This isn't a
threat; it is just natural for someone who is told that they are
unwelcome to leave and go where they are welcome. The key issue is
what does the majority of the SSA feel; not just a vocal minority on
RAS. Personally, I think the majority is inclusive, but I really don't
know.
Tom

Come on Tom stick with the facts. The overwhelming ammount of anti
motor glider postings have NOT been pushing to prohibit motor gliders
from being allowed in contests. What they have a problem with is the
concept that motor gliders not only want to fly in the same classes
with non motor gliders. But that the motor glider pilots also want
the rules to be changed to suite themselves.

Telling us that unless you get your way you will quit flying contestss
and eventually the SSA. Is alot like saying unless we let you play by
your rules you will take your bat and go home.

Soarin

(Soarin) wrote in message
Interesting that you have viewed these discussionas on RAS as fighting
amongst ourselves. I'm sure some of us have viewed it as a means of
trying to assure that those pilots voting in the SRA poll can have the
benefit of knowing both sides of the story. The motor glider pilots
wish to give the impression that the rule changes they would like are
quite reasonable and fair. On the other hand, some of the more
knowledgeable non-motorized pilots believe that granting further
concessions to motor gliders, through new rule changes, would unjustifiably
give the motor gliders an even bigger advantage in competiton.

"Motorglider pilots are selfish and deceptive. Non-motorglider pilots
are knowledgeable, and they know that motorglider pilots are selfish
and deceptive."

If this is "knowing both sides of the story", then "fighting amongst
ourselves" ought to be really entertaining.

- Rich Carr