I got into pattern some years ago knowing full well I would not be flying the latest of equipment. I'm sure some realize this and perhaps just don't pursue pattern. I'm stubborn, so I designed my own plane and flew it. I learned to fly better and design better and continued enjoying pattern on a budget. Pattern is whatever you want it to be based on the amount of time, money, and effort you have available to enjoy it to some degree. Some of my own designs are available for free, including some short-kit laser files. However, some others are not, due to the greater degree of sweat involved in designing, refining, and in some cases it is simply difficult to make detailed plans with very high parts counts (think of all the full size templates for a laser kit...

I know Jeff's Lightning for one is one heck of a great flying and great looking airplane, and so are some other plan-based F3A planes.

Everyone would like a Lexus in their driveway, but once in a while you see an old rebuilt (in their own garage) rx-7 racer that cleans everyones clock at the weekend autocross and personally, that makes me smile.

Best Regards,
Mark

-Join the NSRCA, it's good for you and pattern