Hey great question. I first started in pattern after seeing a pattern contest locally and falling in love with what I describe as "aerial ballet". The flights were smooth effortless and the geometry of the maneuvers was near perfect, regardless of the wind direction and intensity. I am still only in second level pattern and also took up IMAC. I won my first couple of IMAC (basic) contests and had guys come over to me during the IMAC and saying quietly to me.... "you've flown pattern haven't you". I am still at second level IMAC and pattern but pattern especially has vastly improved my flying. It is more rigorous and you are being judged throughout the entire sequence not just the maneuvers. I love it even though it is now much less popular than IMAC here.

Later on at another pattern contest an IMAC pilot came up, watched for a couple of minutes and said "obviously these planes aren't affected by cross-winds" which is totally untrue. All planes fly in the wind and are equally affected by crosswinds. I turned to him and said, "No, it is just that these pilots are flying to make the crosswind invisible".

I have found that in all ways my flying has become more precise, controlled and repeatable. Pattern even helps me in IMAC due to the fact that the judging at most pattern contests is more consistant and in some ways tougher.

I love the quiet strength of a beautiful strong pattern ship pulling through the air making drafting board accurate maneuvers regardless of a howling crosswind. I guess that is pretty well the opposite of 3D "just stir the sticks" type flying. However, if you look at the top aerobatic pilots world wide, about 80% or more have flown competitive pattern - Precision Aerobatics. Even if they are now competing in IMAC type events.

Think of Pattern as aerobatic boot camp and advanced training. Useful everywhere.

Neil