Rant XFC Nightfly Complete Embarrasment

[MCART]

I wasn't hoping for anything dangerous. I was hoping for something like this real airplane did at a show I attended put on by Hartzell Propeller.

[bjpaul]

Originally Posted by jdracing3

Does anyone have any info on Mr. Chi? My wife and I were sitting next to him when the heli part hit him and I gave him my shirt to cover his injury.

I called the AMA Monday and was directed to a voice mail with no return phone call. I hope his injuries are not serious.

John

Who was flying the heli? I noticed the name Mr. Chi, and I remember that a 4 year old Justin Chi hit a spectator last year at XFC, any connection?

[AndrewsJr]

Originally Posted by bjpaul

Who was flying the heli? I noticed the name Mr. Chi, and I remember that a 4 year old Justin Chi hit a spectator last year at XFC, any connection?

My recollection was the the Justin Chi incident happened at NEAT '07 not XFC.

Jon.

[*MoNSteR*]

Originally Posted by jbourke

On the music, it is good to know that there is some sensitivity out there, but attendees need to expect that contemporary songs like "My Hump" will be played. The XFC is not a concerto - it is a gathering of mostly young competitors who fly routines set to the music they like. This means edgy flying and edgy music. It's important for individuals to know this in advance so they can make a fully-informed decision to attend.

Jim

Actually, Jim, attendees need to know that they can safely bring their children to special *PUBLIC* events without exposing them to this sort of thing.

Its one thing for the youngsters who compete who havent developed a sense of respect yet to play these tunes for their flight, but for a mature adult such as yourself to consider it OK for the other mature adults who are the ones presenting and running the event to loudly broadcast....

What u gon’ do with all that ass? 
All that ass inside them jeans? 
I’m a make, make, make, make you scream 
Make u scream, make you scream.

...then you arent doing your job in the position you are in, and neither are they, and in no way should anybody expect this and stay home as you suggested.

Way to promote the hobby Bourke, tell everyone to stay home if they dont like the way things are ran. NOT very professional.

Not only was it inappropriate for the kids, it offended a lot of adults as well who did not have kids with them, including myself, and everyone with me. We all looked at each other and said "WTH are they thinking" . They obviously were not.

I personally feel 99% of all hip-hop is inappropriate for a public event. Most of it is all about mature situations and parents attending with children dont have the option to change the station as they do in their SUV.

This was my first XFC, and must say I was disappointed in all of it. From the way competitors were judged, to the planning of the night fly, which was a MAJOR let down.

I personally like the way the events are going, a little more loosened up and not as up tight as they have always been, BUT, there is a line to be drawn with a public event and should be handled in a much more professional manner.

Although, I WILL NOT be attending another XFC, for reasons that are better left to another discussion, but its quite sickening how the competition is ran, not fair at all, and I refuse to support it, and the supporting "groups" and parties. Especially if they feel the same way about things as you do J.Bourke.

"To Hell with the attendees!! Lets Party!!!! errr.....Fly!!!"

[WreckRman2]

Originally Posted by xfc3dcd

Sure the night fly with pyro stumbled out of the gate but just wait til next year!

Wendell Adkins
XFC Contest Director

HAHA, that's a bold yet funny comment. With all of the hype for this years show followed by a HUGE let down I for one won't be back next year.

I had a great time last year and made sure to bring my family and friends this year. I was in shock and awe about how pathetic it was this year. We didn't even bother sticking around for the fireworks because that's NOT why I came to the night fly.

Here's an idea! Don't limit the night fly competition to only those flying in the XFC... OR, make it mandatory that every contestant must participate in the night fly.

[*MoNSteR*]

Originally Posted by WreckRman2

HAHA, that's a bold yet funny comment. With all of the hype for this years show followed by a HUGE let down I for one won't be back next year.

I had a great time last year and made sure to bring my family and friends this year. I was in shock and awe about how pathetic it was this year. We didn't even bother sticking around for the fireworks because that's NOT why I came to the night fly.

Here's an idea! Don't limit the night fly competition to only those flying in the XFC... OR, make it mandatory that every contestant must participate in the night fly.

Ya, and you dont live but a few minutes away. Imagine the folks who drove hours!!

I imagine that there are many many folks disappointed that just dont come here to state their opinion and never will. Im sure there are many many more that feel the same.

[mony]

"How about some country music? Never any bad words." This is not true... Have you ever listened to David Allen Coe??? His songs can be very rude, crude, and funny (if you don't take it seriously).

[joseosanchez]

Hi All,

I am new to this forum, but I just wanted to give my nickels worth comments.

This was my first time to the XFC championship and I loved it. It is true I was expecting more of the night fly. After a whole sunny day, my wife and myself were exhausted and decided to stay because of the big hype of the night fly. Didn't happen, but still the balance is tipped completely to the "I had a great time" than to the "I will never come back again". I think the XFC organizers know that was a miss and I bet they already have taken steps to have a way much better event next year.

About the music, not much to comment, we don't have kids and we really don't pay much attention to what is played on the background. But as explained by the organizers they will take care of that next year too.

Just some suggestions,

- I think the different stages on the event should be clarified by the PA, even though a calendar was posted, people like to hear it too. Additonally, when things happen like pilots didn't show up for whatever reason, the public should be communicated of the change of plans.
- Also I think during the dead time, were there are no flights a quick 3D explanation of maneuvers by some pilots will be nice, for those spectators that don't know much about it. Example, this a blender (and do a blender in the air), etc.

Just some thoughts.

Anyway, thank you for the event, I loved it and I will back next year.

[cjcyclesrc]

Originally Posted by mony

"How about some country music? Never any bad words." This is not true... Have you ever listened to David Allen Coe??? His songs can be very rude, crude, and funny (if you don't take it seriously).

Yep. He is a jerk for sure. I worked security for one of his concerts and I was very dissapointed in the way he acted. No respect for other people's property.

[jbourke]

Way to promote the hobby Bourke, tell everyone to stay home if they dont like the way things are ran. NOT very professional.

There is simply nothing about my posts in this thread that expresses that sort of sentiment. I clearly welcomed all comments, including yours.

Jim

[AndreasHeger]

Sorry to all that the Night Fly didn't turn out as well as it did last year...
Unfortunately I couldn't make it this year but the last year's Night Fly was spectacular.
I am positive that the XFC organizers will make sure to have another great one next year.
-A

[*MoNSteR*]

Originally Posted by jbourke

There is simply nothing about my posts in this thread that expresses that sort of sentiment. I clearly welcomed all comments, including yours.

Jim

but attendees need to expect that contemporary songs like "My Hump" will be played.

then reducing one's exposure can be accomplished by avoiding the risk entirely.

These two statements by you essentially translate into, "If you dont like it stay at home"

[Bohica35]

For those of you that haven't read or followed this entire thread (as I have) I would like to provide some cliffs notes. Mainly because I see the same topics being rehashed even though they have been addressed. The great thing about message boards like this is the everyone can discuss and share their input and recommendations. The advantage that THIS message board has over other forums I belong to, is that everyone here is on the same "team". Everyone wants to see advancements in the hobby, and I don't think anyone here is "anti-XFC". We all seem to think it's a great event want to see it get better.

So in an effort to be productive, this is what I have taken from the thread.


Suggestions/concerns

- The nightfly didn't quite live up to the expectations due to pilots having unforeseen last minute problems.

- It was suggested that these ^ types of problems are communicated to the crowd in the future. (good idea)

- In order to improve next year's nightfly, the XFC has announced a $1,000.00 purse to the winner that will surely make that portion of the event even better.

- Someone suggested that the nightfly be opened to the public (or maybe attracting pilots that specialize in this type of thing). I don't know the rules about this, but I wouldn't think the XFC would be opposed to this, They already have exhibition pilots that are not competing... I don't know. I'm sure they would want it organized ahead of time, as opposed to a "run whatcha brung" type of situation.

- It was suggested that an itinerary is more clearly communicated, explaining what is next, what is after that, etc. (another good suggestion IMO)

- The gentleman coordinating the music made an honest effort assemble new and popular music that falls in line with promoting the sport to the youth. He selected songs off of the top 100 list and didn't listen to every song and review all lyrics. As a result, there was one verse that some found offensive. **personal comment** I think we can all appreciate that this was an honest mistake and not meant as a way to promote breasts or asses to the crowd. One offiensive line of one song in 8 years of competition seems to be an overwhelming ratio of good/bad music.

- JR and Horizon were both participants in this event and both had banners displayed. It was also explained that the level of exposure is directly related to the level of sponsorship. And it sounds like JR is feeling the crunch of the economy (as many of us are) so I think it's understandable that they participated in a lesser capacity.

- Aside from one person in this thread, everyone is in agreement that the main competition was great.

- Someone suggested an informational demonstration, explaining what certain moves are. I personally think this is a good idea. Especially if they would be able to fit it into the transition periods between airplane and helis.

- Someone mentioned having lights in and/or around the porto-potties


Just as important as it is to mention areas of improvement (as above), it's equally as important to mention what is already good. This way they know where the value is, and what to build on. Below are the areas that seems everyone is very happy with

- Quality of pilots. The level of talent was absolutely top notch, no if's, and's, or but's. The best pilots known to mankind were in attendance. As I mentioned before, at the XFC there are no "losers". Even the lowest placing pilots would be the stars of most competitions. This is probably the biggest attraction to me personally. The XFC is the equivilent of a HW title fight. Even the worst pro boxer would make the average neighborhood toughguy look like a girl scout. The XFC is no different. These pilots come to compete in a serious, serious way. When these guys are all competing against each other, they are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. I talked to several serious enthusiasts of the hobby at the XFC that mentioned they were seeing maneauvers that not only had they not seen before, but they didn't think they were even possible.

Similar to witnessing Travis Pastrana's first ever double backflip, Tony Hawk's 900, Wilt Chamberlin's 100 point game, Michael Phelps' 8 gold medals, or Michael Jordan's first dunk from the foul line.....watching the XFC I get a sense that I am witnessing history in the making. It's pretty exciting stuff.

-The combo competition with airplanes and helicopters. You get a real feeling that this event is a true display of the best the hobby has to offer as a whole as opposed to just planes or just helicopters. It's a good way to present the hobby to newcomers (as I am)

- The nightfly. Even though this year's nightfly was a cause for some criticism, apparently there is a large demand for it, and the choice to add the nightfly to the XFC seems to be a good decision. With it being an actual competition next year, I think it's going to be a huge hit. I personally see it as a fun, novelty sort of thing, so my suggestion would be to make it a "crowd favorite" type of judging as opposed to being judged on technical merits by the typical judges.

- It seems to be the concensus that the live band was a good idea. Most people have commented that it was a good addition.

- The BBQ dinner seemed to be a big hit also. I know we participated and it was a welcome alternative to the hot dogs, burgers, and pizza that were available all day from the vendors.

- The value. I think I am the only one that has mentioned this, but I will mention it again. $7 is INCREDIBLE value. I usually spend more than that on parking when I go to most concerts, full scale air shows, sporting events, etc. The XFC is a great way to have entertainment for the whole family for a reasonable price. You'd be hard pressed to find a better value. I'm not sure if there is an extra charge for it or not, but there is plenty of room, and seemed to be a fun atmosphere for camping. I wish I hand an RV.

- Open "pits" and access to the pilots. There aren't many international competitions where you can literally walk up and talk to the competitors like this. Not only that, but the pilots were all extremely friendly. I got a true feeling that these guys love what they do, and felt honored to be able to perform for such a large crowd. It's a very personal event.

- The ability for spectators to fly. Futaba had a bunch of planes there on buddy boxes, and were allowing people the opportunity to fly. There were a lot of people over there that had no involvement with the hobby and attended solely from the advertisements. Having these planes available opened the door to a lot of people that would have not had this opportunity. Kudos to Futaba. I hope they do that again next year.

- The fireworks. Having a professional fireworks display is definitely cool. It's great for the family. Sometimes it's hard for wives and children to stay engaged with watching RC all day, but things like the band, the nightfly, and the fireworks definitely have a broad appeal that they find entertaining.

- The silent auctions and raffles. This is a good way for people to get into the hobby for a reasonable price. I didn't get anything, but I saw $350 heli kits going for $140, $80 nightfly kits for like $30.... It's a good opportunity.

- The freebies. They gave out glow necklaces, t-shirts, some sort of messenger bags (or something), can coozies, etc. People like free stuff, and it seemed like it was keeping the crowd involved. The crowd participation seemed pretty good.






As an overview. The XFC is a great event. There were a few minor snags this year, but the good thing is that all of them are very fixable, and for most of them, it sounds like they have already been addressed. I thought this year was great, and with the plans for improvement next year, it will likely be even better. I can't wait


I apologize that my "cliffs notes" turned into a novel. I tend to get long-winded.

[jbourke]

That's a good summary.

My perspective is that the event gets better every year. The XFC organizers have proven that they listen to the feedback.

Jim

[joseosanchez]

Great summary.