RE: Which Futaba TX for pattern flying?
Sabreflyer,
The 8FG and the 12FG are probably the two best for the cost. Both are actually 14 channel radios now and have more flexibility than the 10C. The 10C is an excellent radio, but it uses the older way of programming whereas the 8FG and the 12 both allow you to assign functions and such. The 10C is also not software upgradeable like the 8 and 12 series radios. The 12FG uses flight conditions which is really nice, but you can trick the 8FG into essentially doing the same thing. Personally for the money I would get the 12FG as it has almost identical flexibility to the 14MZ for pattern, but significantly cheaper. The 8FG will also work, but it doesn't quite have all of the features of the 12. I would definitely stay with the 8 or the 12 though as there will most likely be updates coming in the next year or two that you will want.
Arch