I can't think of a better way to spend Labor Day ... but I hear ya Mike. Do whatever you need to do keep peace.

It'll definitely be a great contest to attend so I recommend everyone do what they can to make it. The last one was a blast and it had a lot to do with the other pilots attending and the mega-round format... JLo, I understand what you're saying and yes there is no way to make it work for everyone...

Charlie

It hurts my emotional heart to think that there are people who may not be able to come to the TS, due to the fact that the date is set for a holiday weekend. I was very active in polling a number of pilots about the idea of "what is best" before our committee met. Labor Day is not the "biggie" like Christmas/Thanksgiving/Memorial/Independence, etc. We did discuss regular weekends, and talked about vacations, children-schools, families, careers, on-and-on. There were lots of comments from around the country in my phone calls and emails. Some for, some against, some sideways, but it came down to the things like John Lovins mentioned in a post before this one.

We were energetic in our contest committee discussion on this specific topic before I constructed the bid document. We took a vote, and everyone (10 members I think) put in their 2 cents. It was not a slam dunk decision, but as you know, we finally agreed on the Labor Day weekend. I don't know what else to say to soothe the situation, other than we tried really hard to come up with a date that would be best to attract as many qualified pilots as we could.

I sincerely hope that every qualified pilot who desires to attend can find a way to work it out.

I would like to thank you for working to put together the TS contest. As I found out this year with the South West Classic you are not going to make everybody happy. All you can do is set the date and hope to have a good turnout, at the end of the day it's going to be a great contest. The Denver crew has the experience and knowledge to put on a great contest. I am excited to come back and fly on the sod farm which I think is the best field in the states. Way to go and keep up the great work.

I hope that each person that has qualified finds a way to make the contest, you deserve to attend!

Donnie

This Is a small commitment compared to the expense, time off, and holidays missed for the wc. Mike, youre a great pilot and you have earned your spot, and the contest will be better with you there.I hope you can make it.

The ts is not just a weekend contest. Somewhere, in the back of your mind, you should know that if you are going, you may find yourself in the top three, and you should know you're likely going to be taking 2 weeks off of ....everything.

I just spoke with Colleen at AMA, and have an update regarding registration.

In the next few days, Colleen will begin sending out registration forms to those who have joined the F3K Team Select Program, and who have earned the necessary points. As we continue through the remainder of the season, registration forms will be mailed to newly-qualified pilots. Registration forms, and the registration fee will be $100 are due at the AMA by July 27. I'll be getting periodic updates from Colleen, and will make the list of registered pilots available on the F3K TS web site.

If anybody has any questions or input on the process, please let me know.

Dave Jensen
CD

What is the correct F3K TS web site? The one at f3k.us is from 2 years ago.

I am guessing it is http://indigo.zapto.org/ts12/Welcome.html

or, f3kts.zapto.org

Sounds great Dave J

I was just reading through the packet sent to me for the TS contest. One item jumped out at me, so I wanted to ask the question.

In the package it says that model check-in verification measurement will NOT be done at the contest. It states that any winning pilot's models may be checked AFTER the contest and if found to be illegal, the pilot will be DQed.

So the question is this. Will the official measurement tools be available for use by the pilots PRIOR to the start of the contest? If so, will the pilots be able to request PRE certification of their fleet?

I have not gotten my packet yet, but I am curious as to not checking the planes before the event. Logistically, I can tell you from first hand experience it is not something that takes up a lot of time.

Do not want to second guess the folks that won the bid, however:

Pulled the following off the 2010 website listing of the F3K rules. At first TS due to limit on the number of planes allowed, we stickered EVERY part of all planes submitted to be used. Without doing that how do you maintain control?

5.7.2.3. Change of model glider

Each competitor is allowed to use five model gliders in the contest. It is permissible to change parts between these five model gliders. The competitor may change his model gliders at any time as long as they conform to the specifications and are operated on the assigned frequency. The organiser has to mark the five model gliders and all interchangeable parts of each of the five model gliders........

Dick

...

Guys it's not hard... use your tape measure and make sure you're legal before you go. Don't push it. Go a couple of mm under to be safe. Don't push the nose radius rule.

Other sports do this (post inspection) and it works fine. If you cheat or you're too stupid to follow simple instructions, you shouldn't be on team USA. Don't be the guy who gets DQ'd for his backup plane being a pinch under on nose radius.

Dick brings up an excellent point on post inspection and model limits though. Wonder how that one will be enforced...

One of Bruces famous quotes ... "File a protest" ...
(couldn't resist)

Got my packet today in the mail. Included was the same entry form I completed last year at the Cal Challenge. Do I need to complete this again, I already paid the $20.00. Where can I find confirmation that I am paid?
Donnie