Julie Spiegler <<julie>>
writes:

I went through the various surveys (both the general one and all
the individual event surveys) and found some interesting information I thought
I’d share with you. These are issues and suggestions that came up consistently
across events, although not necessarily for all events. Specific examples of
what was mentioned by pilots are included. Just some food for thought!

Launch fairness and launch process improvements. — Make sure everyone is briefed
the same way, so that each competitor’s experience is comparable (tug pilots,
launch monitors, fluffers) — “More” launch options (more tugs, more dollies;
make sure all launchable areas are staffed) — Of course, some people also wanted
lower tug fees (even while asking for more tugs :-)

Lower tug fees will be found at the Green Swamp Sport Klassic and
the Quest Air Open National Championships because tugs will not have to be
trailered to Texas or Arizona. We try to make it 10 pilots per tug, but this
requires a lot of logistics to make sure everyone signs up early enough. We have
continued to change our practices to make this happen.

Support for newer pilots. — Mentoring — Help specifically with
setting up instruments before the first flying day — Opportunities to talk with
top pilots, like a BBQ or other social event during the week.

We will be working on these issues for our upcoming meets. This
requires additional expenditures as well as planning for events.

Scoring optimization and clarity. — Information about downloading
waypoints well before the start of the comp (preferably before arriving) — Clear
instructions on how to upload tracks and when they are due.

All this has been and continues to be on our web sites and in the
local rules. Pilots need to read these documents.

Communication improvements. — Make sure all information is
available in written form (for non-native English speakers and those with
disabilities) — Clarity - written information should be legible and posted in
obvious central locations (and make sure the whiteboard markers work :-)

It's all written down during and before our competitions.

Timeliness - provide information as far in advance as possible
(especially waypoints, maps, SPOT configuration and Twitter setup)

All this is setup far in advance for our competitions

Methods - Twitter was mentioned as a great addition to the
communication channels, allowing organizers to easily broadcast messages to all
competitors, and competitors had multiple ways to retrieve the messages
(although cell or wifi coverage is required)

We use Twitter to send messages to pilots and contact all their
drivers and have them use a check in number.

Retrieve communication process should be super explicit and clear
- specifically who to contact, when and how (e.g., Twitter vs. radio vs. SPOT
vs. cell phone vs. text message)

Pilots need to work this out with their drivers.

Safety issues raised. — Make sure procedures are clear — Seat
belts for riders in vehicles — Pre-scouted goal Lzs — Immediate
feedback/discussion/adjustment if conditions not as expected (such as
significant weather issues or accidents/incidents)

Cost containment. — Benefits specifically mentioned as greatly appreciated (all
post-flight): water, ice cream, beer

Water and ice cream are provided free both before and after
flying. Beer is on the pilots.

Lodging - avoid holidays, organize/communicate pre-arranged
low-cost options

We provide information on low. medium and high cost lodging far in
advance.

Help with retrieve organization for new and non-local competitors

We provide local driver contact information in advance.

Specific comps in 2014 were highlighted as examples of how to do
these things ‘right’ - I think there is something to emulate in each of them.
Obviously the mentoring focused comps (Rat Race Sprint and Flytec Competition
Camp) have a lot of great examples of how to incorporate mentoring into your
comp, which many pilots indicated they would like to see. If there is a
particular item you would like to improve or explore for your comp, feel free to
let me know and I can put you in touch with a comp organizer who might be able
to give you specific ideas.

The Flytec Competition Camp was specifically designed for new
pilots to get them into competition. We are hoping to make the Green Swamp Sport
Klassic very much along these lines.

Specific information about the results of the pilot surveys for the 2014 Big
Spring Nationals can be found here:

http://ozreport.com/18.220#1

http://ozreport.com/18.221#0

http://ozreport.com/18.222#0

http://ozreport.com/18.223#0