I've pointed out three successful regional competition: King Mountain, the Chelan Cross Country Classic, and the Tennessee Tree Toppers' team Challenge. None of these meets have used NTSS points to be successful. The USHPA has sanctioned the CXCC a few times, but it doesn't affect anything. Lisa Tate, the organizer of the King Mountain meet, as always rejected sanctioning, as have the vast majority of pilots who have flown there. There has never been any consideration of sanctioning the Team Challenge. None the less these meets have proven to be successful over a very long period.

Why are we considering making them USHPA sanctioned meets? Why do we see giving them NTSS points as a way to make them successful? What is the real reason for their success and why don't we figure that out in order to encourage more meets like them?

I think that the Competition Workgroup is sincere in trying to encourage more pilots in competition and more competitions. I agree wholeheartedly with these goals (as I have demonstrated, I believe here in the pages on the Oz Report and in my actions as former Competition Committee Chairman). I just don't think that they are taking that steps that will actually realize their goals.

It is obviously the case the NTSS points are not what makes these competitions successful regional competitions, so why would we think that it would help other regional competitions? I suggest let's look at what makes them successful.

Well, the first thing that stands out is a committed club and/or individual who puts the time, effort and money into organizing a competition. That it is a local resource, a local champion that does the work and makes the program successful. Why don't we build our program around supporting such individuals and clubs? Why don't we build from the bottom up?

It seems to me that the USHPA should be contacting the strong clubs and motivated individuals (one contacted me the other day and asked for mentoring, and I said, you bet). Building on the basis of such clubs and individuals to create new regional competitions. Base them on one of the three models that we already have.

Sure you can give NTSS points for these meets, but what is it going to do for you? How is it going to make them successful? It provides nothing for CXCC pilots.