Re: A6 to become new AMA event ?

From: ki0mz <ssmith9831_at_aol.com>
Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:32:54 -0000

Don't get me started on calling A-6 a beginners event. The rules are internally inconsistent if the aim is for a beginner to easily obtain the required materials and produce a finished model built with reasonable care that closely meets the optimum class specifications.

What kind of beginner are these rules aimed at, especially when one looks at the SciOly rules which encourages the use of film? If paper is to be the required covering material then the 1.2 g weight limit is much too stringent.

The model should be able to be produced by a beginner using materials easily obtainable in a local hobby shop: Jap tissue (not condenser paper), 7 to 10 #`balsa (not 4 to 6#) and music wire.

Too much of the current discussion has revolved around protecting current models and keeping current records intact and not serving the interests of sanctioning a truly entry level event.

My suggestions:

Raise the minimum weight limit up to 1.5 grams. Current models can be ballasted up to meet this weight. This will make the finished models more robust and make balsa selection less critical for the beginner. If you want to build a 1.2 gram model the go build and fly F1L.

Allow wing and stab posts to be fully rounded. If you can round the ends to fit in a tube then it is not rocket science to round the remaining ½ inch or so. It also will eliminate a possible point of contention in rules interpretation and enforcement.

Steve Smith
Castle Rock, CO
Received on Sun Jan 31 2010 - 08:36:59 CET