How does a pattern plane fly bad? In the lower classes stop allowing mixes. Why? Because not everyone can get help perfecting that part of the setup. These planes are so easy to fly; a bad one still flies great. Everyone in the class has the same disadvantage; none should matter from the judge chair. The perfect flying plane is a great thing, but it really can be a have and have not for someone who has to do it all on his own. When you know you are short, why show up at a contest? In a lower class, so what if your plane pulls a little or does not fly as well inverted; you are splitting hairs. Masters is a whole different game. Keep the pattern plane of the year away from the bottom classes. Late 1990s early 2000's style planes should be just as viable in the bottom classes; lots of these out there flying around as hacks. Would not be bad to encourage 90 size planes too. .