ORIGINAL: budgetdude
I think we were just talking about getting to a place where there is good guys to get started in sequence flying. At this level competition I don't see a real difference in getting a plane in the air and flying in a straight line with the wings level.
Well said.
When I began the hobby in 1986, I briefly looked into Pattern. I found a general prima-donna attitude and big-time NIH Syndrome; hence the brief exposure. I told myself then that I'd avoid organized competition like the plague, in order to keep this a HOBBY.
IMAC intrigues me because it will undoubtedly make me a better pilot. I'm sure Pattern would too, but the Pattern style airplanes leave me cold. IMAC planes make good knock-around sporters in addition to competition mounts.
I'm preparing myself to compete against MYSELF; I have no illusions of being a contender. Also, I well remember the thrill when I was shooting in organized competition; participating in a couple of IMAC contests will give me a taste of that.
ABOVE ALL, most all IMAC guys I've communicated with seem to be like most heli guys; genuinely interested in helping a newbie succeed, and they're not worried about what brand name gear you have; or don't have.
NJRCFLYER2, you speak of arbitration in IMAC judging. Well, duh... ANY judged format is going to be open to the interpretation of each judge. I too am singularly UNqualified to understand most of what you wrote; but I am no virgin to high-level competition, having been a nationally-ranked PPC shooter. So I understand the difference between subjective and objective scoring.
Anyone who submits himself to the whims of a panel of judges, whatever the endeavor, should understand that he might get an unfair score; perceived or otherwise. Welcome to life. Do I detect a whiff of sour grapes?
And to us rookies, IMAC and Pattern ARE basically the same thing, using different airplanes.
