MHESTER hit the mark solid - I have yet to compete, but in my area there's a small contingent of dedicated IMAC guys. Just talking with them, spotting for them, etc is a blast. Granted, sitting in the pits watching them run their patterns isn't the most fun, other than watching to see if one guy nails the move he was having problems with or if he missed it again. They're encouraging as well - asking me if I'm going to be in the next contest, etc. Even though I don't have an IMAC plane, I can still compete in Basic. I've gone to a couple of the local events and it's great to see and talk to the pilots, cheer them on and etc; I know when I start competing they'll do the same for me. RC Flying is a community and competition helps people to feel a part of that IMHO.

J