ORIGINAL: rcblimppro
When I talk to people interested in IMAC I tell them that in basic I would start with a good 80" to 85" airplane, set it up well with good reliable equipment. I suggest a gas engine because of the amout of time practicing the cost savings is there. That airplane should last them their first two seasons. One season in basic and their first season in sportsman. By then they can decideif they enjoy the sport enough to invest in a 35% airplane that would last them up to the advanced class.
Sounds like a plan to me!!
I competed heavily in pattern from '91 to '96, and then took a few years off from flying, for various reasons. I just dusted off my old pattern plane (Finesse w/ YS 1.20) and have flown it a few times, hope to fly it competitively next year. However, there are a few guys in my club that fly the big stuff, and I've always liked the idea of flying scale airplanes.
Against the recommendations of everyone in '91, I flew a Cap 21 in pattern for two years. I knew a pattern plane would fly better, I just liked seeing a real looking airplane doing the maneuvers. But, I had to practice A LOT to do well. I burned over 40 gallons of fuel one year, in that one plane. When I decided I liked pattern, I ended up with a Runaround (a Dick Hanson design, BTW
) That is when all the practice really paid off.
So, the suggestion of a smaller plane to get started in IMAC, to 'test the waters' is a good suggestion. I had already decided that I would either dust off my old Cap 21, or get a 50cc gas burner. The gas burner I figure will set me back about $1500 by the time I get all the stuff I need. I'll probably go the 50cc route, I like the idea of lower fuel costs! Besides, the Cap is the only plane I have never crashed and I would like to keep it that way!
No matter what kind of competition there is, it will always evolve into something that costs money. If anything gives an advantage (either real or perceived) it will become mandatory in peoples minds. Then, people start to come up with ideas for how to fix the problem. It has happened in pattern. Interestingly enough, I think it is as inexpensive as ever to get into pattern, with some of the low-cost ARFs that are available along with the end of the engine displacement rule. A weight and size limit are the main restrictions on the model now. Interestingly, there has been some discussion about relaxing the weight/size limits to get more people to fly pattern. Hmmmm.
I believe people with a competitive spirit will find an avenue to participate, be it pattern, IMAC, pylon, whatever. And some of those will figure out it is not necessarily how much money you spend, it is how much you practice and prepare. Yes, there are some things that will give them an advantage. The serious ones will get all the equipment they feel will give them an advantage. The smart ones will figure out what they really need.
Bob R.