I agree that that is what happened. However, I always flew closer in and down low, with the judges' permission, of course. That seemed to win me a few points by making the other fellows look like sissies for flying so high and "safe". <G>

This strategy didn't always work. You had to spy a bit and find out about the judges in advance, which is not always fool proof.

Yep, the heavy reed and early proportional systems were huge with huge batteries. This high weight demanded a large airplane to pull it all around.

Pattern changed from backyard mechanics/aerodynamicsts/builders (mostly blue/gray collar in my area) to being similar to modern all-out car racing, with a similar increase in cost. I enjoyed the former era immensely because I could still create/invent and accomplish things with my effort, whereas the later, more professional style of pattern flying places more emphasis on the depth of one's pockets. Both styles needed similar piloting dedication and diligence, but the ability to express oneself creatively was more closely related to the previous style of pattern that we now call classic pattern. I quit flying when it became a buy'n'fly game. Just like I quit drag racing when it was possible to buy a faster car than I could ever build in my back yard. The fun had been taken away, as far as I was concerned.


Ed Cregger


Ed Cregger