The words in red, are for me, the biggest hold up. IMO it is for many also. I was out of the hobby for a number of years. I used to race Quarter Midget back in the day. It was a relatively inexpensive sport at the time. When I returned racing was not something I wanted to do. I "discovered" DLG (discus launch glider). I thought this is for me. Bought a used $200 entry level plane. It taught me a lot. Come to find out a really competitive DLG is right around $1000. That's a lot of cash for a 9 ounce airplane. That is out of my league. Then I discovered IMAC. Never bought a plane but the costs for a competitive air frame is high. I flew pattern briefly way back in the day. And decided I was going to get back in. Guess what.... HIGH priced air frames and engines. So I'm trying hard to give pattern a go on half a shoestring budget. We'll see how that works out.

With the above said...and I may be speaking out of turn here....What I would like to see in pattern is more contests even if they are smaller that are less than a four hour drive. ( I know this is not an issue in some parts of the country) Single day events to eliminate the overnight stay. Air frame size limitations in the lower classes (Sportsman only???) to make it more affordable for beginners. Maybe even a spec air frame/engine???? Not unlike NASCAR ( I hate NASCAR because of that) but we are only talking one or possibly two classes here. Maybe a class for those that like competition but have no desire to "move up" in the ranks. They just want somebody to judge their flying skills.

As mentioned above, you have to draw in the new blood if you want anything to survive. It has to be fun and not "work" or you will loose the new person. Those already in the sport need to hold out a welcoming hand (usually not an issue) and help all those that need it. With new blood in the sport I think much of the above will shake itself out.

Ken