Irish:

I have the Venus II and power it with the OS 1.20 AX and it is an outstanding entry level pattern plane.

Actually, there are several planes that will fill the bill for entry level pattern. I also have a Goldberg Skylark 70 which, when set up correctly, and trimmed properly (as all pattern planes require) will do everything up to and including Master class pattern. Mine was flown by the club pro and, after we played with it a bit, setting up both mechanical and electronic adjustments, flys almost as good as the Venus II does.

If you have a the RF G3.5 or better, and have Expansion Pack 2, the Venus is one of the planes in the collection. And it flys very realistically in the sim as the real one does. Unfortunately, the Skylark 70 is not included in any of the expansion packs.

By the way, my Skylark 70 is powered by an OS .75 AX and it too performs as you would expect an OS AX series to perform, and is more than enough engine for that plane.

When I was starting out in Pattern several years ago, my instructor, Ron Lockhart (his son is Dave Lockhart, by the way.. and is well known in the pattern community) told me that even my Tiger 60 would be sufficient to get me into and through the Sportsman pattern category, if it is set up properly. So, you have many choices for an entry level pattern plane, from a good second or third plane like the Tiger 60 up to and including something like the Venus II.

By the way, I also have an Excelleron 90, which is an intermediate pattern plane similar in design to the Venus II, but uses pull-pull cables for the elevators and rudder. It too is powered by the OS 1.20 AX (yeah, I like those OS's.. ). I fly both of them, but really like my Venus II. I set it up somewhat different from what the manufacturer suggests, using Sullivan Carbon rods for the elevator and rudder. I can explain my setup to you via Email and attached document if you wish, and if you decide to get one. I set up my Skylark very simillarly.

CGr.