RE: Plane suggestions
Nathan,
Having lived in Houston for the last 20 years or so I truly understand what you mean about that corridor of 59. That's the worst part of my trip when I drive from Houston to Muncie, IN when I go to the AMA Nationals.
In regards to your current airplane size I am the event coordinator for a pattern event held at my RC club [link=http://www.spacecityrc.com/]Space City[/link] in west Houston. We indeed waive the weight and size rule for Sportsman class and welcome any size aircraft to be flown. Generally this is the rule at most pattern events in D6. Contact me off line if you have questions on this.
You wanna build, may I recommend a D6 local design by [link=http://insightrc.com/]Insight RC[/link] called the Pentathlon a laser cut wood and foam kit that will accommodate an OS 160. Contact Mark Hunt the designer/owner he's always ready and willing to answer questions about his designs.