Hey Mike. Ed Deaver here. Don't know if you remember me. Temple is next weekend.

The main differences between IMAC and Pattern are these;

1) Box enforcement and downgrades for going out of the box are greater in Pattern and the box is smaller in all aspects. This increases the challenge to fly against the wind, either blowing in or out.

2) Pattern really is more precise. When I was active in IMAC many didn't like my judging because I was very critical, wings level, symetry, straight flight between manuevers. Also Smoothness and Gracefullness are judging factors also.

3) Pattern shouldn't be influenced by who shows up with the newest 40% plane as there is a size limit which is in place to theoretically level the playing field(Not to mention $2K for a world class plane in Pattern vs $8K for a 40% plane and a trailer)

4) Pattern has a score for landing and takeoff, although the AMA just voted to make it either a 0 or 10 starting next year.

5) You only go through the sequence once, with 6 flights the goal for each contest vs IMAC with 2 sequences each flight and an unknown(except Basic)

6) Everything is centered in all lines and with a center pole with large downgrades for not being on center, as well as total wind correction.

7) Sound rules are typically only enforced at the Nats, but quiet is appreciated.

8) The sequences do not change every year. The rationale is as a pilot improves, they will move up when appropriate(hopefully) and then have a new schedule to fly.

Yes, Sportsman in Pattern is pretty basic, but it is designed to be a building block for pilots. If a pilot can't get 9's on straight and level flight they will only do poorly in the next class. Snaps and Spins are in the upper classes but the focus is to build the control of the plane and develop proper symetry skills. Snaps and spins really don't have anything to do with performing perfectly round loops(just an example) While I was flying IMAC a lot, many pilots couldn't fly a straight line, and it is very difficult to wind correct using scale planes because it simply looks sooooo ugly, even when the line is straight.

I find trying to perfect the Pattern sequence is much more challenging for me, even though I like to do a roller every once in a while. Both are fun and enjoyable. Hope to see you one of these days.

Ed