I flew the pattern wars in the S.E. for about 16 years every year. IMo there is no more thrill than standing between the judges and nailing a maneuver dead center perfect. I went from star novice to expert turnorund and always had the shakes the first flight of a contest. I still fly the pattern stuff because it looks like a real airplane and doing a smooth 4 point at about eye level give me a chub. I never really tried 3D and now fly helicopters as well as 1/4 Caps and Extras. This is one of the best threads I have seen lately.