Flight Judging advice

[Michael K.]

I am going to have my car at an NCRS show for the first time and have it entered for flight judging. Any advice on what to bring with me or on the process itself? Thanks, Mike

[Mark P.]

Re: Flight Judging advice

Mike - I saw a guy go through flight judging the first time and he didn't bring things like the owners manual, POP (owners protection plan), radio instructions, engine break-in intsructions, fire extinguisher, NCRS sticker, battery cut-off. These were points he missed out on.

Mark

[Michael A.]

Re: Flight Judging advice

Bring a chair, relaxed attitude, and sit back and enjoy the experience. Don't get stressed during the judges review listen to what they have to say and then go do your research. Use what you learned for your next judging experience. Remember judges are human too and sometimes make mistakes. Have fun!!!

[Ron L.]

Re: Flight Judging advice

I am going to have my car at an NCRS show for the first time and have it entered for flight judging. Any advice on what to bring with me or on the process itself? Thanks, Mike

A case of Rolaids, 2 valium, an attitude that is open to not taking things personally when you get dinged on points, and use the time to learn and understand how you can improve your car.

I will also add, unless your judging manual is totally dog ear'd from pouring over it to make sure your "A" game is being brought to the field, your gonna probably see some red ink you hadn't planned on seeing.

The reference manal stresses "have fun" (which you should try to do) but if its your first time, youre just gonna have to get the butterflys and anxiety like the rest of us who did it. You aint gonna be the only out there whos gut is churning. Its human nature.

Everyone who judged my car when I did it was totally fair and explained things calmly with diplomacy. It still didnt make the anxiety level drop much though.

[Mike M.]

Re: Flight Judging advice

Hi Michael
If you have not done so already, I would suggest backing up to the opening page, print out the Judging Sheets, including the Ops sheet and run through your car.
Operations are critical and often overlooked or taken for granted, 25 points per line item.
Go through the list as often as needed and again after you arrive at the meet. Gremlins seem to surface a the last mninute.
Good Luck and have fun.

[Don G.]

Re: Flight Judging advice

Others have given you good advice. I would just add the following that will help you in the judging process:

• If you don't have the judging manual for your car, get one.
• Print out the judging sheets from the NCRS website.
• Read the Operations Section item by item, check that item on your car and enter your evaluation on the Operations judging sheet ( just like the judges will do). The items that don't work properly becomes your fix it list. This will also make you knowledgeable about your car and the judges will be impressed! With proper preparation, a perfect score in the Operations Section is attainable.
• Proceed through the other four sections of the manual in the same way. This will identify the things you can fix easily,those that will take some time and those you may not be willing to spend the time and money to fix. Perfect scores in these ares are highly unlikely.

Don't feel that you have to have a perfect car. No one does, but following this preparation process will allow you to have confidence in yourself and your car. Good Luck!

[Roy V.]

Re: Flight Judging advice

this question speaks to matters of etiquette, is it ok to be walking around with the judges as they go thru your car, or should you remain in the background ready to respond to any questions the judges may have?, also, what type of questions might be asked of you (the car owner)? Thanks

[Jim C.]

Re: Flight Judging advice

Mike,

Your gonna be a little nervous. I went through it two years ago, and prior to going, I went page by page through the manual, and tried to judge my car with a critical eye. I really tried to be objective and never took the benefit of the doubt. When I finished the "self judging," I figured my car would be a solid Second Flight. As it turned out, I was over critical, and my car made Top Flight with some room to spare. But I went with realistic expectations, and had an idea where I would lose some points. Like some of the other guys have already stated, there's almost no excuse for giving away operations points at 25 per deduction, and get the extra ten for the NCRS window sticker, battery shut-off, and fire extinguisher. All easy stuff. Although I didn't need them, you can also earn "driving points" just for driving to the event. I drove 180 miles for an additional 1.8%. The best advice is to go with an open mind and a good attitude. The guys who judged my car were fair, very helpful, and very patient with a "first timer." I'm sure you'll get the same treatment no matter where you go for the judging. Take your camera, take some pictures for your scrape book, and have fun. Good luck.

Jim C.

[Mike M.]

Re: Flight Judging advice

Jim, well done!
I remember hearing the definition of "Good Luck"...
Preparation meeting opportunity.
HaND

[Pete B.]

Re: Flight Judging advice

this question speaks to matters of etiquette, is it ok to be walking around with the judges as they go thru your car, or should you remain in the background ready to respond to any questions the judges may have?, also, what type of questions might be asked of you (the car owner)? Thanks

Regarding this question, I belive it is best that you stay in the background. The judges have a lot to do, and if your there you could slow the process down. A lot of times there is talk between the judges that is just that, and if you hear all this it may cause you undo stress. The judges will tell you at the end of their section things that they saw anyway, so having to do it twice is redundant. Like some of the other responders said there will be some stress but remember this is a hobby, a work in progress, talk to the other owners ask them how they did this or that. It wont be superbowl fun but try to keep things in perspective, its your car at the end of the day.

[Reba W.]

Re: Flight Judging advice

Welcome to the wonderful world of judging, Michael. Having been on all sides of this, I agree with Peter's advice. Do not interrupt the judges during the process unless they ask you a question. Stand back and relax. They will explain everything before leaving your car.

Yours is a full class of eight cars so judges will be busy. Some of them will come back and talk with you later or the next day if you ask them.

I will go over all this with you in the owners' meeting at the regional. We look forward to seeing you in Charlotte.

[Jim C.]

Re: Flight Judging advice

Thanks Mike. It was a good experience, and I REALLY learned a lot about my car before, during, and after the judging was over. That's what I really got out of the experience. I would recommend having a car judged to anyone who has a Corvette, and is just interested in finding out more about it. Lots of interesting facts. It was a great way to educate myself about my car.

Jim C.

[Joe C.]

Re: Flight Judging advice

this question speaks to matters of etiquette, is it ok to be walking around with the judges as they go thru your car, or should you remain in the background ready to respond to any questions the judges may have?, also, what type of questions might be asked of you (the car owner)? Thanks

Hi Roy,

If you follow them closely enough, and keep up an incessant, droning and arcane chatter, you might be able to distract them from spotting "anomalies". This is especially important during periods where they are looking at stuff that you know to be "dummied-up".
This works best while wearing a set of fake Groucho Marx glasses/nose/moustache.


Joe

[John H.]

Re: Flight Judging advice

Michael -

In addition to the Judging Guide for your car, you also need the "Corvette Judging Reference Manual", available at the on-line store here; it explains the judging and scoring process in detail, and the "Owner's Advisory" section starting on page 3 covers what you need to know and what you need to do to prepare for judging.

Pre-judge the entire Operations section yourself ahead of time - those points are easy to gain, and very tough to lose, as most are 25 points, pass/fail.

Relax, have fun, and learn more about your car!

[Raymond D.]

Re: Flight Judging advice

Great Info. One more question should I leave the hardtop on?