I remember when I first joined my club and went out to fly with some of the other pilots. I flew only electrics at the time and didn't apprciate the importance of the club, the fellowship, the knowledge, the ama or the LSF. I had no idea what the LSF was until I spoke to the LV at my club and even after learning a bit about it I still wasn't that interested. Fast forward to today. I know get it. And I see the importance of having something such as the LSF. I respect the LV MUCH more for having completed those tasks, and I appreciate the experience that he has when he gives me advice. That said I don't think I have seen the LV fly more than a few times.. He is always helping and answering questions and to be frank I don't think I have stumped him yet.
That said there is no need to change the program. The first tasks are so simple that I am thinking I can get them with my dlg. I am reasonably sure I can get the LII tasks with a two meter. At that time I can decide if its worth it to go on to III IV or V. And there is still honor in the lower to mid level tasks. I say if someone wants a new category start, and support it.
Lastly, I compare the LSF to IT certifications. There is the big daddy CCIE (comparable to LV) once you have it you are pretty much respected as an expert no questions asked because everyone knows how rigorous the tasks are. Comparitively speaking the other IT Cert MCSE used to be considered a high level certification, but once the integrity of the testing process was compromised through course, stealling questions, etc... its value quickly dropped. Its still seen as important but there is always the question of is this person worthy. The difference is that the CCIE upheld its standards whereas the MCSE has faultered. I don't think the LSF should be comprimised in the same manner.
Jay
On 9/7/06, Jeff Steifel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
A little comment about cost.
Relative to what it cost at the program inception... RC Soaring/ RC in
general and Travel are cheaper today .
Gas has not gone up as much as other products. The rate of increase is
only recently starting to keep up.
RC products in general have come down. Radios are cheaper and more
capable . Analog servos are still a bargain. Digis are a little more
expensive and may not fit the argument.
About contestants.
Yep the numbers are dwindling, making it harder in some cases to hold a
Level V contest. But in some areas of the country that would never have
been possible without travel to begin with. The populations were never
there.
Also there are some major contests that do meet these requirements. To
water down the program will hurt those that have already done it. Also
remember this program is international. Do you realize that in Germany
they have an A and B league.
Also there are some people who have always tried to get around the
program. One poster here tried holding a contest where current Level 5's
were not allowed, so that he could get his level 5.And also recently
tried creating a new class system in the ESL so that the top experts
would be moved into a Masters class and the remaining experts could duke
it out. Not everyone will get a level 5.. that's the idea of the
program. You have to achieve it. I applaud those that have. Programs
like this should not be designed so everyone succeeds. What's the point?
A level V is not prestigious if everyone achieves it.
Do you know why we are dying? Well many clubs don't want to hold
contests. Many don't want to be seen. I have heard from club members
that adding more members means they won't be able to fly when they want.
Funny thing is they don't show up that often in the first place.. but
they do vote and get others to believe that nonsense. Some clubs don't
want to be seen... Think about it.. Very selfish reasons.
Yes there are other reasons... competing with computers, video games...
we are not viewed as a cool hobby.
As a society I think we are just lazy. We want more for less. Less work
more gratification. Many are hooking up with Electrics because they
don't have to shag chutes or bring out the equip. For some it is age
and they can't hoof the equip. But for others its just convenience.
--
Jeff Steifel
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