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ACRO E-mail Archive Thread: To box, or not to box

Thread: To box, or not to box

Message: To box, or not to box

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From: Don Peterson <autotech at flash.net>

Date: Sat, 12 Apr 1997 02:16:03 UTC

Message:

  One generally makes rules in order to encourage a certain result or style.

The strict use of a box and three sections is consistent with our American desire for strict geometry and 
flying as a "science".

The non-use of a box is consistent with the European approach to acro as an art form, or dance, with little 
value placed on strict geometry and placement of figures.

Which style of flying do we want to embrace?

All of the debate aside, both methods work fine as evidenced by their safe use throughout the world.  Arguments 
which use safety, horsepower, etc. simply do not bear up either way, given the substantial evidence that both 
approaches work fine.

Do we want to look at our aerobatic future in the U.S. as one which embraces primarily geometry and science, or 
do we want to bring the romance back and learn to dance again?

Actually, I am happy either way, although the voices in my head say that aspiring to the art is a higher goal 
than becoming merely a perfect mechanic in the sky.

Don Peterson
Dallas, Tx.