Hi,

I do not know all the terms for varios periods but a good way to understand the development of pattern planes, equipmentand type of flying used is to just study the F3A results including the manuvers lists from World championships from 1960 (first) to middle of 1990th where the classic pattern era ends as far as I know. At least that is how I try to keep track of the whole "classic pattern" era.
I started flying pattern in middle 1970th(first Mach 1 and some year later Curare) so I was to experience some of the "hay days" is pattern flying since it was very popular at that time, most people wanted something that at least looked like a "pattern plane".
I do not recall I have seen anyone used the term "classical pattern" beforethat You mention. Balllistic pattern is a term I'm familiar with since I was most active at that period - fast planes with pipe and retracts that was fast as a bullet (ballistic), something that probably contributed to it's end (tomuch space required for the menuvers andnoise problems for the environment around flying fields).

/Bo