Joe, If you have access to other pattern flyers in your area, you need to 'go to school'. While lots of stick time is very important, I can't stress how important it is to find a coach early in your learning efforts. Without an observer/coach, you will begin to 'see' maneuvers in a way that may not be right. For example, wings level at various distances and altitudes relative to the pilot. Geometry, positioning and all that goes with a pattern flight are hard to observe and fly at the same time. A coach can guide you through the early stages of learning to fly pattern and help establish a good foundation. Straight, round and level are the basics. If you can't do those everywhere in the box, you will be 'learning' some bad habits. Then you practice those bad habits over and over until you run into someone that explains what is wrong. Then you have to break those habits and learn new ones.

Even if you have to drive some distance to fly with a coach, I would say it is well worth it in the early stages of learning pattern. Fortunately for me, I had 3 long time pattern pilots to help me when I first started. I thought I was doing pretty good until I was taken 'under their wings' so to speak. They not only helped me learn to fly pattern, they taught me how to set up a plane and why it was important. I practice alone quite a bit but seek input from experienced pattern flyers whenever possible. I still catch myself doing things wrong consistently because of the way I 'see' it. A critical coach is a huge benefit. A critical coach that can also fly pattern well is a blessing.

Woodie
Team ACME LG