ianmdrennan

I agree. I also agree that it's most likely due to the fact that this is the first year and most of the regional organizers have never done anything like this. Hopefully they'll learn from the inevitable mistakes they'll make this year and do even better next year. My guess is that the organizer (Jim Slaton) wants pilots to gain as much experience in a competition environment with their local buddies (lets face it, we all know most of our regional swoopers) in a more relaxed fashion before sending them off to Colorado where the competition environment is going to be much more stressfull and tougher. Not to mention the additional factors of DZ elevation and pilots being in an unfamiliar environment. Not saying it's perfect (I'm expecting formatting changes after this year as things become more refined) but for now it's what we have. In fact, I'm sure Jim will welcome suggestions from current and future competitors if they'll make the events more accessible, safer and more fun. Not sure I agree with you here. I do think there should be a filtering system for the finals. Not only are there logistical issues (# of attendees and catering to them all) but the finals should be the toughest competition out there, with the 'best' from each region representing. In reality there's not a lot of swoopers in each region (seeming to average about 5) so most people will make it to the finals this year anyway. What I expect to change in the future is the # of competitors in the region and the skill level should continue to rise, making for an exciting nail biting final. Hope you can make the competition circuit next year. I look forward to flying with you. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

You can compete at any meet, EXCEPT the finals. Just because you have not made the minimum attendance and ranking for the final meet does NOT mean you cannot compete at any given regional meet. Oh please . Before the CPC I (and others) drove to Florida for the FLCPA regularly to compete. Others in the PRO category (like Chuck) travel all over the country at a LOT more of a net loss than $1000. If you're serious about it, you'll make it happen. If the rest of us can, then so can you. Sounds like a whole lotta whining from where I'm standing. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

Yeah, I can't see the drill sergeant (or whatever they're called) being too understanding about that

Those icelandic people will turn on you at the drop of a hat I tell you!! Someone give her chocolate quickly!! Performance Designs Factory Team

HA! No more chocolate for you!!!! and I'm going to tell Ian Bobo what you said about him Performance Designs Factory Team

I know they tested it with Firefox and Safari on a mac and it worked, which is weird cause you'd think it'd be the same all around. Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

HAHAHAHAHA. We've all done it (and probably will again). You lucky buggers are going to have quite a swoop pond soon. I think there'll be A LOT of photo op's for you very, very soon

Yeah, I just replied to someone about that in this thread. I emailed PD about not being able to use firefox but for now I've been using IE. I'm sure they'll kick their webmaster in the nuts for it - LOL Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

Maybe you can ask them to put that Rantoul swoop pic up there Performance Designs Factory Team

Yeah I noticed that too. I emailed PD about it. Performance Designs Factory Team

You're such an angry man.....I LIKE IT! It's going to take them months to recouperate from that kind of bad advertising! Performance Designs Factory Team

Heh - well....ummm....I still think the site is cool - even without my pic

I bring out the best in you, admit it Performance Designs Factory Team

So far I love it here. Especially moving out of the MA area and the suck ass snow that comes with it. For the most part the weathers pretty damn good over here. Hell, even for a relatively crappy season so far the weathers a bizillion times better than MA ever was. Blues, Ian

Yep - looks like no matter the plane, it's all about timing. Just like comedy Performance Designs Factory Team

Nice!! Check it out, they just put it up today including the new PD Zone. All sorts of goodies (including JT's super swoop from the world cup). Looks like PD revamped the whole website and did a pretty cool job of it too! Blues, Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

HAHAHAHAHAHA. Awesome post

I find I have the best results sitting on the 'crapper' at the back of the king air. If you wait to unleash your hell hound the second they open the door, the unsuspecting victims are viciously blasted throughout the entire cabin Blues, Ian

Today is the proudest day of my life *sniff* *sniff*....I'd like to thank my parents, god and give a shout out to my RW homies who, even through their full face helmets, cannot escape my ass gas See you this weekend Jonathan! Should be plenty of time for me to stock up on Taco Bell Love you to bro

You should move to Siberia. The dogs will like it there Performance Designs Factory Team

It depends why you're moving and what you want to get from the move? Performance Designs Factory Team

Yes it was

Nope, the Kombat pants are the one's they use for swoop pants as well. Blues! Ian Performance Designs Factory Team

Yes, yes you did Next time if you actually TURN UP for the meet you might stand a better chance of scoring. Performance Designs Factory Team

I'm so proud of her. She's really coming into her own as a freeflier and it's awesome to watch.