ORIGINAL: CLRD2LAND
I fly a Passport with 4900's and the NEU-F3A motor. The plane is right at 10 lbs 14ozs. In the Advanced sequence, I'm using about 3000-3200 mAh for the sequence. It's really all about learning throttle control. You don't have to fly maneuver to maneuver at full throttle. Slow down baby....it gives you more time to plan out what's next. I see so many Sportsman and Intermediate pilots only pulling their throttle back on the down lines of maneuvers. Try coming out of one maneuver and flying at 1/2 throttle to the next.
There are a few times where every pattern pilot has had to ''go-around'' because the other line was landing at a contest or taking off. Usually you may need to make one 360 coming upwind and turning mid-field and at the most two. Other than that, you won't really have to ''hold''.
Throttle management is the key in electric pattern. If you don't have that, it's hard to make it through any of the sequences, especially on a lower capacity battery.
This is what I was thinking (though I welcome all suggestions for motor/battery options); If you're using around 3,200 for your sequences, it makes sense then that my Venus II has little reserve as I am using a 3,300 mAh battery. I can fly the Intermediate sequence okay, but I do have to keep it slightly tighter than I would prefer. Yes, reserving full-throttle only for uplines is the way to go I do know. I know from flying IMAC (I'm not a pro, just Sportsman in IMAC) you want to fly deliberately and with patience - not "jet" through the whole thing. Plus, if you fly fast you're back on the ground before you know it and it's all over.
Well, I'll keep checking back for more replies.
Thanks guys.