Not at all. But do you really think it is a valid comparison considering the vast difference in numbers of competitors in the two countries?


I responded to 1bwana and Joe M, neither of whom addressed a “3rd” option. The "3rd" option is your idea, and I've previously noted in this thread why I do not think it will be a longterm solution.


Ever since the weight limit actually became a limiting factor in pattern, there have been proponents of increasing the weight limit. And no matter who the proponents were, none have answered some simple questions (not to suggest the answers are simple), many of which I’ve noted previously in this thread.

Many local contests have removed weight and size restrictions to draw in the potential competitors with the 11.5, 12, or 15 lb planes with 80 or 84" spans. Rarely does it result in a single new entrant, let alone one that follows up by sourcing a pattern plane and attending additional contests. I share your concern that pattern does not have the numbers it once did. Unlike you, I do not think pattern is broken and needs to be fixed. Times have simply changed, and pattern will never be what it once was. Arch is also making this point. Growth in RC is in giant scale (some cheaper, but most more expensive than pattern), turbines (very expensive), and 3D "Huckfests", and other large fly in events that do not have competition elements - and certainly these large events represent huge amounts of time and $$$$....look how many people show up for 4 days of flying with trailers full of planes.

Several years ago, I flew a pattern demo at a local club picnic. And then I flew twice more later in the day. Each time I came back to the pit area, 1 particular guy was watching closely, and after the 3rd flight, he had this to say -
"I was very impressed with your first flight - awesome maneuvers and incredible performing plane. I was bored with your 2nd flight because it was exactly the same as the first. After your third flight, which was exactly the same as the first two, I realized just how challenging it is to fly that precisely and consistently. I want to fly pattern." And he did for several years, and then got involved in full scale aviation. He could care less about 11 lbs or 12 lbs, 2M or 2.1M, 96db or 94db, flying unknowns, or large flashy loud planes. He wanted to fly precision aerobatics and recognized it was best done with dedication and committment. His observation is one that is rarely made, but he is exactly the type of guy that will fly pattern once exposed to it. I push to do pattern demos at all events I attend, and at all club funflys/picnics/festivals I attend. I know 95+% watching would rather see 15 full throttle low inverted passes, but that won't get any of that 95% into pattern, nor will it entice the 5% that might once they are exposed to it. The appearance of an impending crash is what appeals to the masses the most....be it flying model planes, NASCAR, or a snowboarder going for a backside 1080 with a double grab.

Pattern does not get the publicity it once did, and on the surface it does not have glamour and excitement of other events. It will never appeal to the masses (it never has), and I think the way to make it grow is with very grassroots interaction by guys in pattern. I can't think of a single rules change that has measurably increased participation in pattern.

Regards,

Dave