I'm new to this, just three pattern contests under my belt, but my favorite thing is the atmosphere. I've flown in lots of contests in different forms of model aviation, but the friendly, helpful atmosphere of a pattern contest can't be beat.
I've never flown in a contest where most of the contestants go out to dinner together after Friday practice or Satrday's flying.

Maybe it's because pattern flying is hard and we're all struggling with the same problems. It builds a sense of brotherhood.

Scott