[RCSE] Mano y Mano

[RegDave]

<<In a message dated 10/28/2004 11:47:26 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Or maybe ask the guys at the Rose Bowl soaring Festival few years ago who > got their heads handed to them by JW flying a 2-channel foamy 2-meter > beater > how they feel about this issue.>>   Yup, I was there and saw the whole show. Were you?. An awesome display of raw talent and skill. Joe, Daryl and several others could beat most of us anyday with anything. Dale Nutter invited Joe to join us out in Tulsa a few years ago and he's a great competitor and a terrific sportsman.   And actually, I've been flying the same plane (and airfoil - 7035) for almost 7 years. I agree. Once you get into a certain performance range with the current crop of ships - and I don't think there's really that much difference among whatever is the latest hot molded plane these days - the subtleties of airfoil selection are lost on most of us.   That said, when you choose airfoils that are inappropriate to the task, there will be a performance penalty. Outstanding pilot skill will usually triumph anyway but for most of us in the intermediate skill level, a good choice of section and planform is important. And outstanding pilots WILL be able to tell the difference among these airfoils.   So I guess the corollary may also be true - if you can't tell the difference then........   Paul Hornung once revealed the three secrets of his success as an athlete - Practice, Practice, Practice. I believe the question at that time had to do with his success at dating beautiful women! But it applies to flying equally well.   And no, I'm not crazy enough to go heads up against DP in any event. The mano y mano challenge is specifically to Gordy with DLG. I'm 10 years older, have a herniated disk, busted rotator cuff and a bum ticker but the challenge is still offered. Anyone can fly a Pike and look good. You gotta have some skill to fly discus.   - Dave R