The "spirit" of Flite Test and this event I would think is to get people designing more Flite Test style airplanes that look like period racers, and perform like Flite Test airplanes with easy flying characteristics using inexpensive components. I think speed is irrelevant. As stated in another post I think seven or eight closely matched airplanes flying at scale-ish speeds (around 50 mph for 1/6th) sounds allot more appealing than speed rockets in the 100+ MPH range. Factor in the possibly of questionable components, less experienced pilots, and in an environment with potential for many airplanes in the air and RX issues in a spectator dense environment and there are concerns.
Joshua you have commented about a build that will not employ typical FT methods, and insane levels of power. I ask, is that "in the spirit" of what these guys are trying to accomplish at Flite Fest? I know we both come from hardcore competition backgrounds. We have both represented the U.S. on world Champs teams. I see Flite Fest as a gathering of like minded souls looking to have fun, not a competition. Who benefits from a design that is this far out of the intent of the event?
It is really up to Dan, Stephen and Wilsonman to decide. Perhaps I am speaking out of turn. I love this idea. I would love to see a bunch of golden age air racers flying around in loose formation together at scale speeds "playing with each other" doing some pretend races at safe (meaning typical FT design type) speeds. If the designs become so advanced that the event is so far away from the spectators for safety that it is never seen, what is the point? Does there really even need to be a "race" I think just flying some cool looking airplanes with some cool guys would be its own reward.
I think that once the rules for power setups are figured out, the majority of planes within the rules will all be in the "Spirit of Flite Test" and should be quite safe. If we have limits on power (mAh), it will be really hard to make a 40" foam plane dangerous, and I think the competition will still be there, everything will just be toned down to fun levels rather than crazy.
I'm planning on at least two designs. One which will fall under all the rules, and another which will be a lot bigger and more complex. I think that we can accommodate everybody by having an exhibition class race, or just a demonstration flight for builds that don't fit within the standard rules.
For example, I plan on building a P-26 Peashooter, probably giant scale like I did with the PBY this year. It's outside the rules by being a military plane, and for being larger, with larger electronics. Wilsonman will have the Bugatti, and it sounds like others plan to have some designs outside the standard rules.
Exhibitions were a really big part of the real air races in the 1930's. The military usually always had something on display, and there were lots of other wacky things out there like mock dogfights, or experimental auto gyros. Anything you guys want to race, or just showcase that doesn't fit can join me in some exhibition laps etc...