Post by League Commissioner on Mar 20, 2013 21:58:41 GMT -5
There has been considerable discussion revolving around how to implement a fair aircraft policy. In the absence of a league committee to make such decisions, I would like to ask all potential racers to submit a vote on their preferred policy, choosing from one of the following three options.
Option 1: "Open Forum". Anyone can fly any plane they want within the confines of the league restrictions (single engine, piston, non-turbo). Race outcome is purely time-based (fastest wins).
Pros: Simple. Easy to understand. Pilots can chose whatever they like (favorite plane, works best on PC, etc.)
Cons: Most people will probably flock to the "known fastest" aircraft. This aircraft may not work for everyone (payware, framerates, only built for one sim version, etc.)
Option 2: "Class Restricted Courses". Each race course is designated as a "Class" (fast plane, slow plane, bi-plane, etc.), and pilots are restricted to aircraft within that class. Race outcome is purely time-based (fastest wins)
Pros: Slightly more fair - all competitors will be in similar-speed aircraft. Different classes will force pilots to try out different aircraft (might be seen as a con?).
Cons: Most people will probably flock to the "known fastest" aircraft in that class, which again may not be available to all. Less aircraft to choose from may make some inelligible to compete on that course.
Option 3: "Aircraft Handicaps". Each aircraft is a assigned a handicap to adjust final race time. Pilots can chose any plane they want within the confines of the league restrictions (single engine, piston, non-turbo). Race Outcome is "score based", depending on how fast you flew compared to a known benchmark.
Pros: Most fair. Aircraft speed is not a factor in the outcome. Racers compete based on their piloting skills of aircraft management and navigation. Pilots can chose any aircraft they like and still be competitive - the J-3 Cub competes equally against the Cessna 195.
Cons: most complex, hardest to understand. Pilots may have to wait until their times are adjusted to know the outcome (unless they understand the handicap formula)
Note: Option 3 technical details can be read here as a pdf download. Pilots are NOT required to understand the formula.
Option 1: "Open Forum". Anyone can fly any plane they want within the confines of the league restrictions (single engine, piston, non-turbo). Race outcome is purely time-based (fastest wins).
Pros: Simple. Easy to understand. Pilots can chose whatever they like (favorite plane, works best on PC, etc.)
Cons: Most people will probably flock to the "known fastest" aircraft. This aircraft may not work for everyone (payware, framerates, only built for one sim version, etc.)
Option 2: "Class Restricted Courses". Each race course is designated as a "Class" (fast plane, slow plane, bi-plane, etc.), and pilots are restricted to aircraft within that class. Race outcome is purely time-based (fastest wins)
Pros: Slightly more fair - all competitors will be in similar-speed aircraft. Different classes will force pilots to try out different aircraft (might be seen as a con?).
Cons: Most people will probably flock to the "known fastest" aircraft in that class, which again may not be available to all. Less aircraft to choose from may make some inelligible to compete on that course.
Option 3: "Aircraft Handicaps". Each aircraft is a assigned a handicap to adjust final race time. Pilots can chose any plane they want within the confines of the league restrictions (single engine, piston, non-turbo). Race Outcome is "score based", depending on how fast you flew compared to a known benchmark.
Pros: Most fair. Aircraft speed is not a factor in the outcome. Racers compete based on their piloting skills of aircraft management and navigation. Pilots can chose any aircraft they like and still be competitive - the J-3 Cub competes equally against the Cessna 195.
Cons: most complex, hardest to understand. Pilots may have to wait until their times are adjusted to know the outcome (unless they understand the handicap formula)
Note: Option 3 technical details can be read here as a pdf download. Pilots are NOT required to understand the formula.