ORIGINAL: TimBle
ORIGINAL: drac1
ORIGINAL: TimBle
i think i proved a point at my local comp yesterday. winning the Sportsman class with a GW Edge 540 with Mintor 33cc engine. It was about as noisy as a glow engine on pipe, flew better than a few dedicated pattern planes and had more than enough power to have the judges asking ''why aren't more people bringing their 25% IMAC planes and doing the same?''<div> </div><div>The discipline of pattern has certainly got away from most modelers with the cost of an entry level 2x2 set up costing between USD2000- and USD2500.</div><div>That's a couple of IMAC planes so the choice is easy for many to fly IMAC because its cheaper, more exciting and they look like real airplanes to the public identifies with them too.</div><div> </div><div>I've dedicated myself to flying pattern with petrol because its cost effective and exciting to innovate. its also an area where the SIG needs to be educated and convinced that its a viable option since many have bought into the dogma of expensive batteries and electric set ups</div>
That's the what sportsman class is there for. To allow pilots to fly there every day sports model or what they have to start flying pattern. But you will find as you progress to the higher classes, a pattern ship will be easier to fly smoother and more accurate with.
My quest to use petrol for pattern is bust the dogma you are perpetuating. Sure an IMAC model may be less suitable the tougher the schedule becomes but a thoroughbred pattern plane is not needed to compete and thats the idea that pattern event organisers need to get into their heads.
I see it all the time. Try to attract new people to pattern and the enthusiastic arrive all bright eyed and bushy tailed only to be told now you're flying pattern you need to spend USD2000 on a proper plane.
Pattern people should get over themselves and realise that in order to grow pattern you shold not be steering people toward equipment but rather toward flying competence and skill. That can be earned on any airframe. Once the newbie reaches the skill level where the IMAC plane or the Ugly Stik is too limiting they may then decide to get a dedicated plane.
Instead, pattern people need others to conform to their 2x2 electric dogma and thus chase pilots away at the very beginning.
Developing more affordable alternatives to 2x2 electric is what will keep pattern alive
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Excuse me, that is exactly what I said!