This past weekend I went to a pattern (precision aerobatics) meet in Goshen NY. One of the best pilots in the country competes in my district (D1- north east) and was there, and a friend managed to get his routine on video.

This is the international level "FAI" and this is the harder of their two routines. It starts (after a couple of trim passes and a cuban 8 to get into position) with a rolling loop with 2 rolls, in reversed directions. It ends with two snaps on a down line in opposite directions and I'm amazed at how pretty he makes them and how he ends up perfectly on his line. *Please note: the takeoff procedure is a different pilot with a different plane(glow), but the rolling loops on is the right pilot (electric).

Pattern flying is fun and challenging and adds a nice new dimension to flying - we always have something to practice and it really helps overall flying skills. Many of the best 3D pilots actually started out flying pattern, and many of them still compete. Competition is really friendly and it's really about improving your own skills. I have met some really great people in the pattern scene and am really thankful for learning about the whole thing on this site.

Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-pREmry-SE

(Here's my sorry but competing in the beginner's class for anyone interested...)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIDupIvy2o0