I videotaped the Pattern event at Goshen which included a [link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWjNMx7N5HY&feature=channel_page]first time pattern flyer[/link], [link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nAY1zaAQek] several of [/link] [link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kSmhqarEgo] Joe's [/link] [link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIDupIvy2o0] flights, [/link], and Dave's [link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-pREmry-SE]demonstration[/link]. Joe drove 5 hours to compete, and I drove 5 just to watch the pattern event and admire the flying. I don't know why some people say pattern flying is like watching paint dry. It was just the opposite to me, very exciting to watch the precision and maneuvers. The Knife Edge loop for example is a thing of beauty and awe inspiring when executed to the degree of precision I observed. Shoot, just the perfect circles, and even the perfect straight and level flight impressed me more than watching someone hot dog their airplane into a bouncy looking hover for example. Although, I do ALSO like to watch 3d flying, unlike some purist pattern flyers I know

The fact that I turned Dave's Astral into a Prestige was also awe inspiring if you ask me Just kidding, a mistake at throwing the tape together. I taped another fella taking off and flying a bit before Dave's flight, which I missed the takeoff on. Ended up being a pretty cool effect though if you ask me

Anyway, I have to say Joe has progressed quickly and will no doubt achieve his goal at first place in Sportsman and advance to the next class. I aspire to just get into pattern myself and will eventually enter my first competition this year hopefully. I'm sure I'll make plenty of mistakes and doubt very much if I'll place anything but last, but just the thought of trying is exciting, I'm also sure it will make me a better rc pilot and help me to enjoy the sport even more than I already do.

Congratulations to Joe and can't wait to see him get first place - and soon I expect!