On Jan 26, 8:56*am, John Cochrane
wrote:

Is there any way to hijack this thread back to Rick's post?

Perhaps.

Even though it's sometimes tempting to accuse IGC of various
transgressions against common sense, it's more constructive and
helpful to realize that WE ARE IGC.

Every year at this time, all the glider pilots in the world get a
chance to influence the decisions made at the highest level of our
sport, by communicating with their delegates. At the meeting in
March, the delegates will vote on the items on the agenda. And they
will discuss the hot topics that may show up on a future agenda.

This year, the following will be decided by vote:

Whether to require FLARM at international competitions (it's a yes or
no question)
How to distribute the 7 WGC classes throughout the multi-year calendar
The site of the 2014 WGC in the flapped classes (three bids)
The sites of other contests that USA tends to ignore.
Should ballast be allowed in the 13.5 meter class?
Should international competitions use handicaps in the 20 meter 2 seat
class?
Should we stop adjusting handicaps for individual glider weights in
the Club class?
Should altitude records use GPS altitude instead of pressure altitude?
Should the wrong Pilot ID or glider ID in the flight log invalidate a
badge or record claim?
Should medallions be issued for teams at international competitions?
Should we allow GPS (not pressure) altitude for Silver and Gold
climbs?

The hot topics that will be discussed will probably include:

What is the status of the Sailplane Grand Prix, and where are we
headed with that?
What to do about our atrocious safety record last year?
What to do about zero bids for the 2014 unflapped WGC?
Let's get rid of my least favorite class.
Should electrics and jets be subject to different rules from other
motorgliders?
Should participation on practice days be mandatory?
Should there be a minimum protest fee?

If you're interested in any of the above, then read the agenda:
http://www.fai.org/gliding/igc_plenary11 and tell your delegate how to
vote.

If you're not interested, or if you want to continue to feel
persecuted by IGC, I have no advice for you.

Rick Sheppe