Originally posted by Diablo
Free lunch no, but the rules force everyone to eat caviar (glow fuel). Pattern doesn't have to equate to IMAC, the difference would still be scale aerobats for IMAC, and anyone's design for pattern. ZDZ now makes a 40cc gas engine (with pumped carb) and reed valves for $340. About 4+ HP. We wouldn't need a $500-700 motor that burns $20/gallon heli fuel. Gas/petrol costs about $1.40/gallon on this side of the pond. The current weight limit and size limit results in nearly everyone using glow fueled YS or OS 1.40 motors. Raise the weight limit to 13 lbs, allow about 83x83", and pattern would be MUCH more affordable.
I can fit my pattern model into my Neon just as it is, raise the size limits and I need to buy a new vehicle, that makes pattern much less affordable.
Every time the weight and size limits get bumped up to try to make it cheaper (which it wont) and more accesible (which it wont) its only a short hop to bump it up to the next level. In a short period of time we will fly 100" 25 lbs limit GS models.
Like I said if you want larger planes join IMAC.
Want to make pattern more affordable and accesible, reduce size and weight limits not increase them. A 60 size model is a hell of a lot cheaper than a 40 CC gasser, or a 2 meter pattern plane.