Stunt 2004 Worlds

How is the team funded?
A break down would be nice.

Scott(how to Donate? )Riese

Hi Scott,

I think I read not long ago the team members get $500.00 each & the Jr. member gets nothing. I would guess the adults get about 33% of what it cost them.

>I think I read not long ago the team members get $500.00
>each & the Jr. member gets nothing. I would guess the adults
>get about 33% of what it cost them.

This is similar to the deal of having 10 people sit in a circle and having person one tell a story to person 2. Then 2 to 3, etc., etc. until it ends up back with #1.

Having gone to 8 already and # 9 is coming up in Muncie, I have some experience at this. As is everything else, we continue to shoot at a moving target here. AMA is constantly "adjusting" their methods of support for the Team members. This may account for the ever changing "story" of how the AMA supports us.

AMA provides for $1000 towards transportation to the competition site. If it costs more, the Team member covers it. If less, then they supply less. For the CL World Champs in Muncie next year, this is not a big deal. They also cover the cost of lodging during the "official" competition days. If you go early, it's on you. AMA also pays the entry fees for the competition, which includes "food" during the official competition. The quality of "food" has varied significantly over the years at different W.C's.

What's left for the contestant to cover: Fuel shipping. To Muncie, no problem (especially since Powermaster is supplying it for us this time...Thanks Powermaster!). Also the contestant covers model shipping to the site. This didn't used to be a problem, but things are changing. For trips out of the US, the Team members have to cover the cost of a rental car for the entire time we are there. Again, to muncie...I'm driving so it's no problem. The contestant will also cover anything else not specifically covered in the paragraph above.

Where does the difference come from? #1. The surplus from the Team Trials. Some may have wondered why the entry fee was $100, and the reason was to support the Team selected. The amount available is dependent on entry level, contest expenses, etc. #2. Donations from PAMPA.

For the trip to Muncie, I don't expect to incurr any expences that would not be covered by the Team Trials money, if that is even needed! The only problem is where does that leave the junior member? I believe that AMA should pay his entry fee. I would suggest that the Team Trials money be used to cover his expences during the W.C's, if the AMA doesn't cover it. If more is needed, solicit PAMPA donations in his name.

In the past, for the trips to Europe, between the money from AMA, the Team Trials, and PAMPA, I have had to spend only a few hundred dollars of my own on each trip. I can't, and won't complain at all. Thanks to all who have contributed in that effort.

One thing not specifically mention here (off subject a bit) is the pressure being on the Team puts on you. As long as everything goes perfectly, no problem. But the second something goes astray, the constant pressure of representing your country and living up to your supporters expectations comes to bear on your shoulders quickly. Time goes by sooooooo slowly when things are perfect and you can't wait to get there. When things are wrong, time goes by exponentiatlly. The pressure builds at the field, at home and at work. One begins to wonder why one wanted to do this in the first place. Normally when this happens, I just blow it off as a hobby, and I'll get back to it when I feel like it. Being on a "Team", I can't use this line to resolve these issues. It's now a little more than a hobby. It all seems worth it when one stands on the podium, no matter the position, and hears your national anthem being played.

OK....off my soap box for now.

Thanks for the interest.

THANKS PAUL. I hope that someday I'll be able to see the Worlds or even the NATS.

Scott(lets start a drive)Riese

That's very interesting. I'm pleasantly surprised. I'll never be good enough to think about flying in one of these, but I have wondered how anyone can afford to even think about flying in these events. It's nice to know there is organizational support. It's hard enough to take enough time off work for things scheduled in advance. Not to mention financial pressure.
I haven't had an actual week-long vacation coincide with planned dates in seven years. Medical emergencies for other coworkers or something important beyond my control always seems to happen then. I tried taking two weeks off between my last job and this one and I got called in for an "emergency" at the new job on the first Monday of the "vacation."

I'd like to visit Muncie or another big event someday.

Hi Paul,

I'm glad the small amount I heard was not right. Team members expenses to the worlds should be paid for.
Good luck at the worlds.

>How is the team funded?
>A break down would be nice.
>
>Scott(how to Donate? )Riese

Keith Trostle is the man for these sorts of things. He can tell you anything you want to know about FAI.

Thanks alot Paul for weighing in with that one. I sorta assumed Keith Trostle was the "resident" FAI expert. The fact that you have gone to a bunch of them and have actually won one and I believe, place 2nd in another; my guess is that you may know something about it. How do you feel going up against the venerable Han Zing Ping? I have studied his flying extensively on video and I feel that he is simply stunning.