Hello,

Interesting discussion. I am a complete neophyte who hopes to enter a contest or two this season flying in the Sportman's class. I currently fly a couple of small .50 sized pattern planes which have served me well so far, but which I feel are too small to really compete with. Based on the photos I have seen of previous contests, it seems that many are flying 2M planes even in the lower classes. On the smaller side of the scale you might see someone flying a Focus Sport or a Venus II, but nothing smaller than that. That in itself can be intimidating.

For this season, I will be flying a Sebart Angel .50 which is a little smaller than a Venus II, but not by much. Since I only fly electric planes, things can get expensive in a hurry when you add the cost of the batteries, motor, controller, etc. Cost is important to me. Also, since I am still learning, there is always the possibility of losing the plane, so I do not want to put too much money at risk.

Right now, my dream plane would be an Integral, which can be bought for about $1040, unpainted, or about $1500, painted. I think that the target should be set closer to the $1000 mark, since there is already a plane available in that price range. Some might consider it a little dated, but in the lower classes it is more than adequate. I would certainly be more than happy to own one. Also, keep in mind that once the plane is outfitted with everything it needs, the price tag will probably be closer to $2000.

Realistically, for me, my next plane will probably be a Sebart Wind 110. Pretty affordable at a little less than $600, but I will keep dreaming of the Integral.

Teo

As an aside, I would have loved to build a CA Epsilon .90, but the kit no longer seems to be available in the US.