ORIGINAL: overbored77

Mbilar
Pattern Flying is precision aerobatics. The pilot flies a sequence of predetermined manuevers (determined by the sanctiioning body)
The plane is confined to a box 60 degrees from center to the left and right of the pilot and 60 degrees from ground to ceiling. All maneuvers must be performed inside the box. The farther away you fly the larger the box is. The judging in pattern competition
is done by judging each maneuver seperately with a possible score from 1-10 for each maneuver, takeoff and landing are also judged.
The flight in pattern is always in a straight line with loops rolls and more advanced maneuvers, but never deviates to the left or right.

PLANES
Any plane weighing up to 11lbs fuel or electric. Max wingspan is is 2meters, max fuse length is 2 meters. I don't believe there is an engine limit.

Classes
Sportsman: entry level class judged mostly on plane control and subtle mistakes are expected. almost any plane including a
trainer can complete the sportsman pattern.
Intermediate: Step up from sportsman a few harder maneuvers plane will need more vertical climb, pilot will need aerobatic
type plane.
Advanced: Getting trickier, maeuvers are getting harder and the sequence is longer. now the pilot will most likely want a
pattern plane with unlimited vertical climb.
Masters: Difficulty is increased by 200 above sporstman. almost entirely flown inverted.
FAI: world championship class. The best flying I have seen IMO. incredible control and awesome maneuvers.

For more info on pattern flying please visit this website. http://www.nsrca.org/
included is a picture of a typical pattern plane