On Sep 24, 8:07*pm, Sam Giltner wrote:
Please check out my most recent topic"Increase competition participation
by increasing the fun". Your comments are appreciated.www.5Ugly.blogspot.com

I guess Sam and I fly in different kinds of contests.
In 3 out of the 4 contests I have flown this year, scores were
available before dinner. Maybe not so much
fun when my score ruins my appetite. The 4th , with a lees active
scorer , had scores shortly after dinner.
Maybe I can contribute to this discussion Sam has inroduced with an
alternate view of things that seem to me to contribute to "fun" in
competition flying.
1) Great social events that keep the group together. This tends to
increase attendance by wives in particular and reduce "solo pilot
stress". It also seems to increase participation by local contest
workers and supporters. Perry, Mifflin, New Castle, and CCSC are ones
I have flown at that show this trend strongly.
2) A nurturing atmosphere for new pilots coming in and trying our our
sport at this level. Rookie schools, individual mentoring, and
recognition of the best flight each day by a newbie are all easy ways
to do this.
3) An accomodating atmosphere for our senior group so they have some
place to have fun and keep participating. This may mean somewhat
shorter tasking than might otherwise be the case. This is appropriate
for regionals but not consistent with the philosphy of nationals.
4) Conservative tasking with intent to get pretty much everybody home.
Appropriate for regionals, but less so for nationals where the
objectives are a bit more toward the world level. I personally note
that for me regionals are much more fun- less is at stake.
5) As always, great organizers, lots of tugs, and good weather help.

Anybody else got some ideas on this?
UH