I do think there will be a surge in electrics (no pun intended) as it does offer some unique and intriguing advantages.

But like everything else, it has it's disadvantages as well. I am happy to see Tony F and Jason and a few others pioneering the effort over here. There were a few electrics at the US Nationals this year, and I expect at least twice that many next year.

BUT (<---key word) unlike most, I don't expect electrics to take over. I do think they will eventually offer a very good option for the average pattern flyer, but I am not convinced we are quite there just yet...both in price and technology. But progress is being made, and this is a good thing.

At the same time, one thing that drives me INSANE about pattern guys is the herd mentality. CPLR does something, so I have to do it too. Bull, I'm not CPLR, and neither is anybody else (except CPLR). It just grates me how so many pattern guys think they have to do this or that because some FAI guy is doing it, and the rest of us are about to be left in the dust if we don't do it too. While some things are definitely a step in the right direction for the average guy, I simply cannot believe how many people will hang themselves out to dry with "cutting edge" technology just because they think they have to. More specifically in far too many cases, because some FAI guy told them to do it. And they're flying intermediate with a plane that won't track, and engine that won't run, a battery pack that catches fire and burns thier house down.....because they are WAY over thier head.

Not trying to hijack your thread Erik, but I know electrics are RAGING across europe and whatever happens over there always spills out over here. With the CURRENT state of electrics and the mentality of a lot of pattern flyers over here, well, it does concern me a little, I admit it. BUT when it does progress a little farther, I can't see it being anything but good, and that is really the bottom line. So how do we get there without the efforts of these top guys? We don't, so its great what they are doing. I just hope the hype doesn't get too stupid too fast and do more harm than good. SO far I don't see it getting too crazy, as the guys flying the electric stuff are very responsible, credible, informative, honest and up front about ALL of it so far.

LOL that turned into more of a rant than I intended

-Mike