Dear Mr. Hunt,
I'm writing to thank you and agree with you on your discussion of the ETOC, 3D, and the younger generation. But before I really get into that, I would be disingenuous if I didn't explain who I am. My name is Gordon Barcomb, AKA Gordo, and I am the one who headed up the opposition to the changes in Rule 9 that was recently overturned (with much help from sandy Frank and others). To set the stage for how I see things, let me say that I believe your article was well timed to counter Dave Browns "Presidents Perspective" in the same issue. Dave's last sentence was a call to arms for all those opposed to 3D, as surely as you point out that 3D is the future and the draw for a new generation.
We have been seeing a continued advance of opposition in the "older" ranks (based on time in sport, not age), even as we see an EXPLOSION of interest in 3D by the average pilot. As proof, I simply refer all interested pilots to the pages of MA where every single plane manufacturer has a new 3D offering, most in the .40 size where almost every modeler is at least starting, if not staying. Many of the newest additions over the last 3 years to the Safety Code were aimed at 3D modelers. First it was "Touching the aircraft..." (only a 3Der could do that!) then it was the 25 foot separation (we've been landing closer than that for ever) and finally the Rule 9 change that attempted to stop tail and wing tip touching to the ground. As you know we drew a line in the sand at that last rule and got it overturned. I'm all about safety and did not oppose the first 2 listed. But we all saw where we were headed!!! (again, read Dave's last sentence)
Having said all that, I hope you are still reading. Your perspective in this issue on MA was a huge surprise to me!!! I hope I can count you as a friend of 3D, and perhaps we can work together to assure the acceptance and growth of what I believe as you do is the future of our sport. I have seen countless young people who I have trained to solo unbelievably fast, get bored and leave because the "extreme" nature of the sport was missing. While on the other hand this weekend at a 3D meet I saw a young man (of 19 I believe) get his hands on one of these 3D electrics and within the first few flights was doing advanced 3D maneuvers. (he had trainer experience, and 10 flights on a Funtana)
So why am I writing? I'll be VERY blunt. I don't read MA. I read Dave's article, yours sometimes, check for local events, and look at the cool pics. Why? The same reason you see the extreme electrics getting young people into the hobby. There is no place in your mag for us. Where would you send one of these young people in your mag to learn, experience, and understand what they saw that weekend in Toledo? Where would you reference the reviews by serious 3D pilots of the fastest growing area of the sport? I'm sure you have limited space, so lets get serious: FF Scale? Come on, you can't meet the needs of ALL the AMA. CL Scale? If you had to statistically list the most popular areas in RC would either of these top 3D?
Well, thanks for your time if you got this far!! LOL I hope I have been able to get my points across without being too aggressive, this is a very important subject with me. I have hunkered down to keep the AMA 3D friendly rather than leave altogether as I believe there really is no alternative. I hope you can help!!!
Gordo
Gordon Barcomb
AMA 737298
