I have a 2M designed pattern ship called a NOVA with a YS 140L and an APC 15.5 x 12. It is a thin fuselage design from Canada and was popular in the late 90s. Yesterday, I was in the air at the same time as a EUA1 with an OS 61 RF-P. Both of us were flying the current sportsman pattern. Most observers think I fly the pattern a little too slowly, but I was flying at almost the very same speed as the EUA1. The 2M ships will go fast, I think they look slower because of their size. I never fire wall the YS in level flight, because the speed is astonishing.

I believe a 60 size pattern plane with a 60 size 2 stroke should be the norm for the lower classes. Most of the current top pilots started on just such planes and speak of them fondly. I am currently refurbishing a 60 size Jekyll, and would like to see retracts allowed in Sportsman. It is just too traumatic a financial event to plant a 2M plane, and the more time a spend practicing, the better the odds. Just my 2 cents.