Going to probably get burned here but....


In the US, I believe that a pilot can fly any design from the last 5 years and win. I do not care what plane you fly, wrong rudder with hurt you more than an older design.

There are many options out there and if you dont mind building from plans or laser kits, the cost can be kept to a minimum.

I competed in intermediate at NATS and got 3rd... my plane did not hurt me and it was totally scratch built and the only contest grade balsa used was on the wings.

I then competed at NATS and got 3rd in advanced. This time i used a laser kit and built my plane. Yes, this takes time but you have to decide, time or money. For me the answer is rather simple....

I can wait to purchase a used airframe with a season or two under its belt from a respected pilot who is known to take care of his equipment ( ie Glen Watson, Earl Haury etc and others in D6)

I am currently building a Pentathlon Evo... I just got a Harmony (prototype version) flying and still trimming, and I am also throwing together a practice plane with an OS 140 so I can just burn fuel economically and get stick time.

Chuck Hochhalter