RE: U.S. Hobby Shops/Dist. for Pattern Aircraft?
F3AUnlimited is the place to start. Almost everything there is geared toward sensible pattern equipment. Chris carries the stuff that we are all actually using, or the stuff we wish we were using, without too much fluff.
You can find some of the new BJ Craft planes for a good price, different sizes too, as well as everything you need to get started at one place.