I was flying a Phoenix Dolphin with a .46AX. It LITERALLY started on the first flip EVERY time (you only have 3 mins. to get running and ready to fly). There's not much pattern in this area either. I drove 3 hours for this one, will be driving 4 and 5 hours for the next two. But this is the most fun I've ever had (RC flying) and I've cut back on driving to other things so I can still enjoy my life. Happiness is pretty darn important, so I've made getting to RC events a priority.

LLD, while my plane IS crooked and does like to pull out of loops, it is consistent and therefore correctable, so I have to say at least 90% of it is me. I have to learn how to do these moves in a cross wind and get back on line, or not let the wind blow me off my line. It became really apparent at the meet as there was a steady cross wind, and I was constantly drifting out. If it was the plane, I would have drifted out on one side and in on the other side. I'm learning how to correct myself when inverted, and next I have to learn to make corrections when vertical from both aspects (looking at canopy and gear). OH I switched to a 12"prop in the middle of the competition and it TOTALLY helped with EVERYTHING. More pull means more accurate loops I guess, but I'm now hooked on a bigger prop and flying much better (I went straight from the meet in NH to my field in VT!!!

"My name is Joe, and I'm a pattern pilot." "Hi, Joe!"

There was a really great guy there who showed me the ropes. I asked him about the plane, and he said to fly it until those corrections become second nature. It will make me a better pilot, and when that happens I'll get my first pattern ship.

Thanks guys.