I competed in my first pattern contest this weekend and I thought I'd write a few impressions. I suppose most of the guys here have lots of experience, but maybe I can encourage a few guys who have been interested in pattern and read this forum to come out and give it a try.

The pilots and officials at my contest, the Danny Herider Memorial held in Quincy, Ohio, were friendly and helpful. Nobody acted like any of my questions were stupid, nobody made me feel like a rookie, none of the criticisims were mean-spirited. Contest procedures were explained to me well. The judges were helpful, reminding me before my first flight to "call the box". Scores were pretty consistedn from judge to judge and I can't complain about any marks I got. Several guys went out of their way to make me feel welcome and to find something nice to say about my flying. I appreciated that because I was pretty much in awe of some of the skills I saw.
The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. There was lots of good natured teasing going on among the guys who knew each other and it was fun seeing the wide variety of personalities who enjoy the sport.
I've flown in SAM (Society of Antique Modelers) contests with some success for a number of years and pattern contests are much more relaxed....no worrying about when the lift is coming through, no wondering if you can get your frequency when you want to fly, you just get ready, fly when it's your turn and enjoy yourself.
I'll be back, and I'll be better!

Scott

Oh....if they could just do something about the seven foot tall corn right up against the edge of the runway, lol.