Part of the problem is you guys are all on the inside wondering
why no one wants to come in. Let me give you a bit of perspective
from the outside as a non pattern flyer.

My flight instructor was a pattern guy (who flies nothing but helis now)
that instilled an interest in pattern in me as I learned to fly.
Once I became proficient at general sport flying I wanted
to try pattern. So I built a Bridi Super Kaos.

I know its an old outdated design but it was a pattern plane
that I could afford and I had no delusions of actually winning anything.
I just wanted to give it a try and I figured there would be a lot
of similar planes in the novice/sportsman class.

So I practiced a lot with my Kaos and while I was doing pretty
good there was a lot of room for improvement. Going to an
actual contest and talking to and seeing otherr flyers should help
move me along.

So I went to a semi local contest here in Illinois.
To my dismay I discovered that everyone there
had mega$ 2M fiberglass ships even in the novice
class. So it would be me and my 40 size Kaos against
mega$ 2m ships. I never got my plane out of the car.
I stayed around for a while and watched a few others
fly. I finally got bored and went home. End of my pattern
career.

The initial start up cost is a big factor. Just too costly
for the average person. I understand the need and desire
for the best of the best for the top classes but isnt that
a bit much for the novice/sportsman class? Isnt the novice
class supposed to be entry level and flown with simple
inexpensive planes? That was my understanding but
the reality was much different.

Mike Hammer