bjw4072, I suppose it depends on who is flying that "small model in a pattern contest"! As I recall, Tony F was giving lessons in Masters with a "properly powered" Sequence at one of the California contests last year. I'm sure no one looks on him as "a beginner". Unfortunately downsizing our pattern planes will not reduce the overall costs of competing. Anyway, I'm sorry to hear pattern participation has deminished in popularity there in the good state of Alaska. Wish all of you well and hope pattern makes a future comeback in your area. Regards, Everette