ORIGINAL: Wblakeney
I have been flying for 36 years and have never competed or even tried to fly "pattern". I just like to fly pattern ships, my old Kaos 40 is still my favorite. With a 6 channel radio, a 46 engine and basic servos, I don't have a lot invested in it. But I have as much fun as the guys with $2000 to $6000 IMAC type planes. Plus there is the fact that I built the doggone thing.
Hi Wb
Like you I have been flying pattern style for over thirty years without competing.
However, last year I decided to take the plunge. Although it was a fascinating experience and I managed to win my second entry level comp it was a lot of effort for very little flying. Even starting one tier up from the bottom level and opening out my maneuvers as much as possible the schedule lasted just four minutes with three and a half hours between flights (three round comps). Coupled with the long drive to the nearest comp it left me a little disillusioned with my efforts. I still have my cups (second, first, and third) and many happy memories from my first season but will not be re-entering this year.
I guess that comp flying is not for everyone and I very much prefer to fly at my local field than stand around for hours in the middle of a disused runway waiting for my next go. Just MOHO on why more people don’t compete.