Having participated several times in US Nationals and Regionals, as well as in Polish Nationals, and the recent WGC, I thought it may be helpful to add my observations.

I don't think that the lack of FAI rules in the U.S. is the root cause of the problem. I don't see any data that confirms this claim. There were many pilots from other countries at the WGC that did not win but they fly by FAI rules at home. Certainly, I didn't feel significant differences competing in the U.S. and in Poland.

I believe that the decline in participation in Nationals is the real problem. Simply, the Nationals are becoming less and less competitive, and without major changes it will only get worse. What can be done? The only choice is to start using handicaps. Most other countries do. If there were no handicaps in Polish Nationals, most of the pilots would not even come, because they can't afford to buy the best gliders. Consider this, in the latest 18m Polish Nationals, a pilot on a Diana 2 won, ASG-29 was second, LS8-18 was third, and LS8a fourth. There were 15 ASG-29s and Ventuses 2 in that contest.. The point is that pilots that come to the contest want to feel they have a chance to win. And I don't think that a flat 2% handicap will solve the problem. There are some drawbacks of the handicaps, but they do allow to compete.

Another observation is about the use of a radio. It may be my personal opinion, but it seems that flying at a contest where radio contact is allowed is more fun. Pilots tend to form informal teams, even if they are not on the top of the scoresheet. Also, it's a great learning opportunity being able to listen how more experienced pilots make tactical decisions (if you are able to scan their frequency).

Wiktor Kozlik