I meant to put this on this forum but it ended up on the classic pattern forum.
I just read Tony Frackowiak's article in the December K-Factor. I totally agree that a quick way to get more folks active in Pattern is some rules changes. It has been obvious that other categories of RC have blossomed while Pattern has wilted. I say do anything to make the plane fly better. One is to allow gyros and number two is get rid of the box. I watch Mark Thomas practice IMAC with a 40% airplane and he is within 200 yards almost all the time. Guess what? Everyone can see it better. The pilot first, so he can fly it better, and the judges next so they can judge it better.
Jim O
Both flying without gyros and staying in the box are skills that need to be learned. Period. Now, flying a 40% plane is nice and easy to see, indeed. They do nothing to bring the cost of flying down, especially to a new pilot in Sportsman. The only rule change I would entertain is banning 2 meter planes in Sportsman. That does put pressure on new pilots who may be on a budget, and not even sure if they will want to compete.