I think I know what prompted this question.....Heh...

To do any of them well, the answer is "all". Each has it's own challenges and goals.

What I do find humorous is this line: "you're just jealous cuz you can't do it". HAHAHAHA!!!!

Well, let me address this one up front. I can do it, all of the above. I'm better at some things than others to be sure. But to say it takes more skill to hover than to fly a perfectly round 100' wind corrected loop is a crock. Perfect execution of both lies at the bottom of a large stack of fuel.

I also like the skateboarders invading the golf club analogy....that was quite funny. And very telling as well.

IMAC is basically pattern with scale planes. I like the unknown portion a lot. It's not really any more challenging, just different. Same with 3D.

3D has just apparently attracted a "fight the power" attitude from some. Not sure what that's all about, probably the same thing I get sometimes from the sport flying population. You aren't flying the way the want (which is a racetrack pattern turning left) so they start talking smack.

The 3D fliers will say it's the hardest, the pattern fliers will say that is harder, and the IMAC fliers will claim it's the hardest. Well, none of thosie answers are correct. The correct answer is "all of the above". And from there we all simply input our preferential slant.

I prefer pattern as I find it the most challenging for me. I found 3D to be easy in comparison. I haven't tried IMAC yet but will one day.

I do however appreciate the skill to do 3D CORRECTLY. Translated, that means I don't feel my life is in danger while standing there watching. You have to admit, some guys need to practice 3D ALONE for a while before they kill someone. These are the guys that can barely land without crashing into the pits, but have decided that hovering IN the pilot's box is a good idea. There's nothing more fun than practicing pattern with a Top Cap hovering 6 inches from your nose and closing fast. Don't laugh, it happens to me at least twice a week. Of course if you say anything, you're a jerk and you are just jealous because you can't do it....LOL. Well the problem is niether can THEY!!!

Enough rambling.

-Mike