HI Guys,

Excellent thoughts posted. This year I've been flying IMAC and pattern in south FLorida - which is to say that due to the schedules and some family stuff, have attended 4 IMAC contests and only 1 Pattern. Regarding participation in Pattern, I don't know what the real answer is going to be in terms of regrowing out numbers. We usually discuss things in terms of, "how do we these guys to come over to us." An interesting thing is slowing brewing here though: Another friend and I who have largely flown pattern, are now flying IMAC. While I'm enjoying getting to know the guys thoroughly, a few of them have expressed interest in flying pattern and practicing with us! In my opinion what may be happening is that while we (pattern types) typically need to learn the snapping maneuver - all the other fundamental stuff is in place. When we practice with the pure IMAC flyer, we are coaching on overall presentation as well as individual maneuvers, as well as WIND-CORRECTION. After a while, some of the strict IMAC guys are saying things like, "hey, lets practice together some more." "Lets take advantage of these pattern guys while their at the field." "Hey, whats a pattern contest like, I'm thinking of going to one." Or, "hey, whats a pattern contest like - I want to get my son involved in pattern to help his IMAC flying."

In the end, there may be just as many IMAC types that want to fly pattern once you expose them to it - even if it means flying scale aerobatics. If you love to fly model aerobatics, break down and go to the nearest events (IMAC or Pattern). These days, there are some VERY good 35% planes on the market which are a tad more expensive to get going than a pattern plane. As you learn to fly the IMAC sequences, I believe you will appreciate the plane for the sequences it was meant to fly, and re-appreciate your pattern plane its associated sequences. Both are a lot of fun! Once you see your aerobatic skill improving as you learn, it starts to matter less and less whether you are flying an IMAC or Pattern plane - the challenge is still there and that is what us pattern types love - right (besides endless discussion on round loops

Jim W.