Pattern Flying
 

This past weekend I went to a pattern (precision aerobatics) meet in Goshen NY. One of the best pilots in the country competes in my district (D1- north east) and was there, and a friend managed to get his routine on video.

This is the international level "FAI" and this is the harder of their two routines. It starts (after a couple of trim passes and a cuban 8 to get into position) with a rolling loop with 2 rolls, in reversed directions. It ends with two snaps on a down line in opposite directions and I'm amazed at how pretty he makes them and how he ends up perfectly on his line. *Please note: the takeoff procedure is a different pilot with a different plane(glow), but the rolling loops on is the right pilot (electric).

Pattern flying is fun and challenging and adds a nice new dimension to flying - we always have something to practice and it really helps overall flying skills. Many of the best 3D pilots actually started out flying pattern, and many of them still compete. Competition is really friendly and it's really about improving your own skills. I have met some really great people in the pattern scene and am really thankful for learning about the whole thing on this site.

Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-pREmry-SE

(Here's my sorry but competing in the beginner's class for anyone interested...)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIDupIvy2o0

RE: Pattern Flying
 

I am trying pattern and its trying my patience ... its hard and its nuts. Even trying to fly straight with simple 1/2 Reversed Cubans for a turn around is a real chore. Its a whole world of its own. Need patience, perseverance, practice practice and practice ... of course a good tutor really helps.

RE: Pattern Flying
 

The only thing I found wrong with the first video is that it was an Astral when it took off, and a Prestige when it landed.

Congrats on second!

RE: Pattern Flying
 

A drum of fuel or two wouldn't hurt either.:D

RE: Pattern Flying
 

A drum or two only? For me maybe a whole 20 foot containers worth of fuel! Anyways, I am all EP! :P

RE: Pattern Flying
 

Man what a smooth flying plane/sequence!

RE: Pattern Flying
 

I flew pattern back in the 70's. I eventually lost interest in the competition aspect, but whether you stick with it or not, it a great way to learn discipline and a great foundation to your skills

RE: Pattern Flying
 

HA! LOL LOL! I wish I could take off a showtime 50 and get back a 40%!!!

RE: Pattern Flying
 

Yeah I don't know how/why the Astral got in there - Dave flies electric.

And yes, he is darn smooth =)

Thanks for the props. I came in second twice this year to the same guy. I'll fly against him two more times, and if I beat him I'm treating myself to a much nicer pattern ship =) Unfortunately my Venus didn't turn into the Pinnacle I've been dreaming about:eek:

RE: Pattern Flying
 

Looking good Joe...

Keep at it...Your rolls are much better than mine already...Hope to see you on the trail....

Larry Diamond
NSRCA 5024

RE: Pattern Flying
 

Go for the Sebart! I think I will get the Wind 110 to replace my Angel 50 (RIP). They seem to be the best value for money at the moment. Unfortunately, its mainly EP. How about treating yourself to a nice Integral? Hehehehe ...

RE: Pattern Flying
 

Did you say you were flying in the same class as Dave Lockhart, FAI, now?

That was quick.

RE: Pattern Flying
 

Boy, Joe has come a long way in just a short period of time. Congrats!!!!! CGR, 1 egg basted soft, homemade crumpets, spicy sausage and chock full of nuts coffee. I saved you some.

RE: Pattern Flying
 

Im assuming he meant the same district

Wow that KE loop Dave did was awesome, ive never seen one done in a pattern comp

RE: Pattern Flying
 

That's some very nice, graceful and smooth flying.

RE: Pattern Flying
 

Congratulations!!

Your dedication and progress, in just a little more than one year of RC flying, is really impressive.

Nice flying![sm=thumbs_up.gif]

RE: Pattern Flying
 

That would be a maneuver for the F09 schedule. They also have some form of a combination of a loop rolls, kinda like a vertical rolling circle. :)

RE: Pattern Flying
 

I wonder how good he is at freestyle? Ive seen some imac stuff and ive never seen rolling loop so precise as in the video...i guess it could have to do with that in imac they are bulkier airplanes such as, extras yak, katanas...etc

RE: Pattern Flying
 

I saw him maiden a glow Sundowner that was sent to him by Horizon to show at some fair...the first thing he did was take off into a rolling circle about 15ft off the deck.

I haven't seen him with the foamies or anything but I heard it's a sight.

RE: Pattern Flying
 

would you happen to know what servos he uses in his ailerons?

RE: Pattern Flying
 

JR 9411
http://nsrca.us/documents/nats/2008_...tion_Sheet.pdf

RE: Pattern Flying
 

Stupid question. Can you fly pattern with a stick? if not I might have to build a more patternly ship and play a bit.. (Anything to make my maneuvers more precise and purpose looking versus "hey that was cool how'd you do it?" "No clue, lets see if i can do it again"

RE: Pattern Flying
 

The maneuver that you are referring to is called a rolling loop with two reversed integrated rolls. It has a K-factor of 5.

RE: Pattern Flying
 

Dave is a member of our club. He practices there regularly. I saw him hand launch... a high-wing "trainer" and put it through some maneuvers I didn't even know were "in the books". He's quite an event in his own right!

Then he did one of his horizontal rolling loops followed IMMEDIATELY by a vertical rolling loop.. or was it the other way around.. doesn't matter... quite a show.

CGr.

RE: Pattern Flying
 

If im not mistaken, the Ugly Stick was designed by Phil Kraft in the 60's to compete in pattern.