New Comps

[RichardV]

There have been a couple of new competitions announced recently.

Rotor Masters
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rotor-Masters/630189897081727?fref=ts
No further details on this, just a page saying "Rotor Masters is a new international competition, Set Manoeuvres, Free Style and Flight to music, Its what you asked for!". A couple of UK pilots have commented on it, so I assume it's originating from the UK.

3D Trials
Pacific Northwest 3D Trials
This came up on RCHN on Monday. Pacific North West only for now, aimed at everyone, not just the top pilots. It only has a set manoeuvres round, but the moves go from basic to master. The interesting bit is you don't select a class. It sounds like you just enter and fly, and the judges decide where you end up.

[myxiplx]

Yeah, the 3D Trials sound interesting, and I like the idea of something low key that's combined with a fun fly. I get the impression that they'll pick your class based on the overall difficulty level of the manoeuvres you submit for your routine, which seems fair enough. :-)

[waveydavey]

Im assuming it's English because the Union jack is in the advert. I can't see past the main page though, who is it then and when

[waveydavey]

Talking about new comps, would there be any interest in a 2 day Grass Roots/Clubman competition for 2016. It's something I've got coming up in the next committee meeting. Not saying it's going to go ahead but theres a widening gulf between GR and Inters stages of flying and we need to at least try and close it. I think we can do this by having another level to the comp.

[philipjdall]

Yes I definitely think there is a growing concern GR is becoming full of sandbaggers.. I think a two day comp would only be a good thing.

[dszabo]

Talking about new comps, would there be any interest in a 2 day Grass Roots/Clubman competition for 2016. It's something I've got coming up in the next committee meeting. Not saying it's going to go ahead but theres a widening gulf between GR and Inters stages of flying and we need to at least try and close it. I think we can do this by having another level to the comp.

Most definitely Dave.

[waveydavey]

Yes I definitely think there is a growing concern GR is becoming full of sandbaggers.. I think a two day comp would only be a good thing.

What makes you say that Phil. We've been running the comp since 2009 and I've taken part and haven't seen evidence of this sort of behaviour. What would be the point, a glass trophy and the knowledge from the rest of the scene that you're a sandbagger, I don't think so somehow. I can't imagine anyone would put themselves up for ridicule in that way.

It's also unfair on the judges to say that, they give up their time for nothing more than a burger and free tea. Take Jason Platts for instance, he travels from oop North year after year because he believes in the GR comp and is a respected judge. Are you saying that he would let a sandbagger as you call it win the comp knowing that the pilot had held back, you don't know Jason that well if you do They know when someone is above the level and they should be respected and trusted to judge fairly.

What I will say is that you will be pulled from the comp if the judges think you're above GR level, some don't even get the chance to fly and are asked to withdraw. Happened to Andy Kirby in the first comp.

Over the last few years there has been a rise in the ability, not sure if it's down to the helis, fbl units, sims but some go from hovering to full blown acceptable 3D in months not years. We can't stop that, and don't want to either it's good for the sport.

My idea is borne from my own frustrations I suppose in being (my opinion ) too good for GR but not even close to inters so something that might encourage a bridge in this can't be a bad thing. The club might not like the idea I just thought I'd ask.

Richard apologies for going off topic and mods please by all means remove my post and I would suggest Phils and relocate to the GR thread.

[philipjdall]

Hey Dave, I think when I was there last year I just remember feeling there was quite a gap between the top few pilots and the rest.

My comment was only affirming that I think there are effectively two comps there. Inverted piro circuits (as displayed in victory flight) aren't really GR level IMO!

Dont worry, I can't do them so I'm fine!

*apologies to mods/rich please remove/move as you wish

[Tim Procter]

Inverted piro circuits (as displayed in victory flight) aren't really GR level IMO!

Far from Grass Roots I totally agree.

I have witnessed intermediate pilots who cannot execute decent inverted piro circuits so Philip you are correct in your statement.

When grass roots class was started 6 / 7 years ago it was made up of loops, barrel rolls, flips and tic tocs.

Doing the reading it sounds like the standards has taken a new level.

[dszabo]

What seems to be missing is a set of guidelines on what is considered to be "grassroots level", I know the grassroots set maneuvers is published so this is cut and dry, but I am unable to find anything to say what is expected within the freestyle flight.

Is the flight made up of the set maneuvers only? this is certainly not what I witnessed nor performed myself last year, indeed i thought the standard of flying was very high. Some clarity is required for all.

[dszabo]

So GR needs a new max level or another this extra class maybe.

If someone has already entered and they can do single piro flips and inverted piro circuits, should they just exit the competition now?

Very good question Richard,

I have worked very hard during the winter to improve my flying and can now manage reasonable piroflips 1 and sometimes 2 in a row their not always perfect and half an inverted piro circuit, should I now withdraw? I'm no sandbagger and would attempt these in the freestyle round, you've seen my flying what do you think???

By the way, I couldn't care less about winning I'm in it for the experience, the fun element and meeting new people!

[philipjdall]

Well, if last year is anything to go by then you should be fine, the level is high. By the sounds of it I am at a similar level to you, but having done a couple of these comps it is one thing pulling off a piroflip in the comfort of your own club, but doing it off the peg at a comp of any nature is a completely different thing altogether.

Last year I had a whole freestyle planned but it all went to pot when I took off

It is clear that well executed, simpler moves scored better than badly executed complex moves. So my advice would be to keep it simple. Just IMO of course.

[Rachel]

In my opinion , no , you should not withdraw, your about right for the top end of grass roots..............
The judges asses the whole performance, not just the single move, and yes I know "start & complete" should be the cut of for judging set moves , but judges come equipped with a mind , yea bad news I know, and they will view the entry and exits to sets too.
What I am trying to say , is if your smooth , and controlled the whole time, first please tell me how !!!!!!!!!!!! , secondly, you will do well ;-) even over a stick banger who can smack it at the deck ....

However if you can chaos or piro hurricane, or piro loop , that's defo inters !!!!

Times change and the standards are higher, I can only just piroflip and I got banned two years ago , Now with my flying I would be pushing for a win !
Just remember in front of a crowd......and having to do it right here , right NOW! you will be lucky to show 50% of your true ability anyway.
Hope this helps and enjoy, see you there !

[Rachel]

oh Richard V , your way to good hahahahahahah

[Rachel]

as for the question of is inters too high a jump ?????
Simply YES the top 3 at Helifest last year were definite inters pilots , which does spoil it a little for the amateurs, ie not heavily sponsored club pilots who want to have fun.....

Just put those people in inters and then things will be about right