Very much agree.....
Having flown both.., the judging system and the judging criteria (as stated) are way different, but similar. Having come from the IMAC world myself before pattern there is an adjustment in flying styles that are different from one to the other. The point deduction systems are different, pattern still flies a box and IMAC did away with it years ago (they should still use a center line). The schedule of maneuvers are even different. They compliment each other well enough, but the nuances between the two are not yet compatible enough to blend them.
I think having a 50cc-100cc pattern/IMAC Hybrid type air frame would give you the best of both worlds. I had even wanted to scratch build a 38% Black Magic VF3 variation (I couldn't secure plans for it) and put a 85cc or 100cc in it. That could provide the fascination of flying Pattern/IMAC blended schedules with characteristics of a pattern plane and the IMAC size to boot.
Food for thought.......Hummm.. A 50-60cc size Epic would be VERY KOOL!
The most controversial judging comes from snaps and spins and the die hard snap/spin NAZI's have there own judging criteria, different from the majority. I feel you're pain...LOL.
Regard's
Bill
Originally Posted by
speedracerntrixie
The issue with combining the two is IMO there just is not enough day light in the day. I have been to IMAC contests where we had 50 pilots and that was really about the limit of what can be done in a single day. So if there was a combination contest that had both, getting through 2 rounds per day would be quite a task. I think the 2 formats would be really difficult on the CD as well. Judging would be a possible issue as in some cases the same maneuver is not judged the same between the two.There is the Halo effect. If anyone thinks they are going to show up as an unfamiliar face and win, the odds are against you. The familiar face gets the brownie point. Then there is the need for qualified judges. I wont say where and when but I once flew a pattern contest in advanced class. There were two snap rolls in the sequence. One round I was given an 8.5 and 9 from one judge and 2 and 2 from the other judge. At the end of the round I politely asked the judge what my deductions were. Several comments really stuck with me during that conversation " you did not stall the airplane during the snap ", " The snap was too slow" and the best one " When I saw you fly the morning round I thought to myself you should have been zeroed for your snaps ". That was my first pattern contest after flying IMAC for 12 years so obviously I was not a familiar face. To get more participation we need to demonstrate to perspective pilots that they will be scored fairly. The only way to do that is hold judging seminars in each region at the beginning of the season. Judges need to not only be on the same page but need to be judging according to the written criteria and have enough ethics to not be bias. As much as I hated to do it I have given several of my buddies zeroes when it was the right thing to do but if your not willing to put all things aside and judge fairly then don't get in the chair.