Why on earth would anyone be satisfied to be an LSF Sportsman Level V when
you could be a 'real' LSF Level V with just a little more dedication and
perseverance?
I found this segment of the hobby about eight years ago. I joined my local
club and I learned that they enjoyed distant contests and was thrilled when
I was invited along. I saw the fun had at these events and bought myself an
older camping trailer so I could immerse myself in the activities afforded
at these gatherings. I signed up with the LSF and began that journey. Being
around the 'big boys' forces you to learn all the aspects of soaring that
make you a better pilot. When the goal and return tasks became part of the
path, an old BMW convertible was purchased. Many of my flying buddies have
had the pleasure of strapping into the back seat while I speed down the
course. These purchases to allow me to enjoy this hobby cost less than many
guys spend on a couple of planes.
The discussion at the field today concerned the threads here and at RC
Groups. The consensus is that if you want to achieve LSF Level V you'd
better be willing to do what it takes. No one wants to get the 'lite' Level
V voucher. One analogy was that if you want to be a champion bass fisherman,
you'd better have a boat, preferably a fast one.
Dan
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Deck" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "RCSE" <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2006 1:06 PM
Subject: [RCSE] LSF discussion - some thoughts
OK, I've read nearly all the comments on this topic in both forums and I'm
ready to toss my two cents worth in the pot.
If I were king, here's what I'd do to get my "royal advisors" started
right after I explained the "KISS" principle.
- Anyone wanting to become an LSF "Sportsman" MUST successfully
complete the current requirements for Level I & II(Contest reqm't
included). Why? First, these two levels do a lot toward producing a
competent sailplane pilot. The competition requirement of Level II isn't
that stiff and at least exposes the participant to competition. Second,
by making Level II mandatory, a pool of Sportsman pilots becomes available
who at least understand what the LSF program is all about and can
appropriately serve as witnesses for those in pursuit of higher levels.
- After completing Level II, the requirements for further Sportsman Levels
should include the current non-competitive tasks in Levels II - V. To
keep things simple (a former LSF Secretary speaks here), perhaps repeats
of these tasks might be required of the Sportsman. My personal opinion is
the XC task of Level III should also be required as it currently stands as
it, too, gives the pilot good introductory exposure to XC.
- For Sportsman Levels IV & V, perhaps a substitute for the XC tasks might
be available but, for Sportsman Level V, both the 2 hour thermal and
traditional 8 hour slope flight should remain. (Note that for some of the
current Level V's - that's the only slope flying they've done.) Also,
Sportsman Level V's should keep the 2 Level II witnesses requirement as
well as that requirement helps promote the hobby's growth by its "if you
can't find 'em, grow 'em" strategy.
Respectfully submitted for your consideration,
Jim Deck
An "afterward" - for the LSF Leadership, this discussion couldn't have
come at a worse time. The LSF sponsored Masters and the AMA Planning
Meeting for the 2007 NATS re on the very near horizon. Remember that they
are unpaid volunteers and cut them lots of slack while patiently waiting
for their response.
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