IMAC, Pattern, 3D - help me out
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From: Brookland, AR
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I still am not clear on is the difference between the two. I went to both sites. There is actually stuff about Pattern on the IMAC site. I'll make it easy for someone. I have seen Pattern planes I think. they are small and not scale in design or appearance. Correct? IMAC planes appear to be scaled down versions of real aerobatic planes and usually 1/4 scale size and larger. Correct? Do both types of competition do the same maneuvers? thanks. come on I know someone is dying to help me out here.
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From: Brookland, AR
Splais,
Maybe I can add a little to what you found on the sites.
The pattern rc planes are not scale models. They are designed to be rc planes. Small pattern planes are around, but most of the current designs are fairly large. They have a size and weight limit.
They are limited to 2 meters in wingspan, 2 meters length, with about an 11 pound max weight. They are not designed for 3-d type stuff, but rather smooth and accurate control.
IMAC planes are scale models of full size planes, 1/4 scale or larger, athough in the beginning level of competition the plane can be smaller.
Both categories fly a lot of the same maneuvers as diagrammed in the Aresti system, although pattern and IMAC have different sequences for competition.
I hope this helps.
Larry
Maybe I can add a little to what you found on the sites.
The pattern rc planes are not scale models. They are designed to be rc planes. Small pattern planes are around, but most of the current designs are fairly large. They have a size and weight limit.
They are limited to 2 meters in wingspan, 2 meters length, with about an 11 pound max weight. They are not designed for 3-d type stuff, but rather smooth and accurate control.
IMAC planes are scale models of full size planes, 1/4 scale or larger, athough in the beginning level of competition the plane can be smaller.
Both categories fly a lot of the same maneuvers as diagrammed in the Aresti system, although pattern and IMAC have different sequences for competition.
I hope this helps.
Larry
#5

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Pattern - pattern is identical to IMAC only the planes they use are not scale and most look weird..
IMAC - is used with scale planes, like the edge 540, gile 202, extra 300, those aerobatic scale planes...
those are the extreme differences between the two... also, they fly different sequences
IMAC - is used with scale planes, like the edge 540, gile 202, extra 300, those aerobatic scale planes...
those are the extreme differences between the two... also, they fly different sequences
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From: Frederick,
MD
Posted by LarryC
IMAC planes are scale models of full size planes, 1/4 scale or larger, although in the beginning level of competition the plane can be smaller.
The above is not true as regarding the size of 1/4 or larger. While many planes are of this size or larger it is not a requirement. In the Basic category any plane can be flown. There is no scale outline requirement. I have seen everything from full blown pattern planes to 35% aerobatic scale models entered in basic and one J-3 Cub.There is a MINIMAC which does limit the size.
From the rules:The IMAC classification of aircraft is comprised of models
using engines of any size.
See the rules here: http://www.mini-iac.com/pages/rules/2002-2004_Rules.pdf
Posted by Shortman
Pattern - pattern is identical to IMAC only the planes they use are not scale and most look weird..
Pattern and IMAC both fly sequences. Pattern sequences are of a purely model type and generally are very smooth in nature of flying. IMAC on the other hand flies sequenced that are patterned after the full scale sequences (IAC >> the "M" is inserted for miniature meaning models). Each year the sequences are changed and most are at least somewhat based on the new season IAC sequences. As far as them looking weird I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Watch a truly skilled pilot smoothly fly through a sequence and it becomes a thing of beauty (at least to me >> maybe not so much if I'm on the sticks <vbg>).
The full scale site is http://www.iac.org/
This information is provided as just that. Not trying to give a difficult time but just to clear things up a bit. I do fly IMAC and plan to try a few pattern contests this year. Hope this helps.
EXCAP232
IMAC planes are scale models of full size planes, 1/4 scale or larger, although in the beginning level of competition the plane can be smaller.
The above is not true as regarding the size of 1/4 or larger. While many planes are of this size or larger it is not a requirement. In the Basic category any plane can be flown. There is no scale outline requirement. I have seen everything from full blown pattern planes to 35% aerobatic scale models entered in basic and one J-3 Cub.There is a MINIMAC which does limit the size.
From the rules:The IMAC classification of aircraft is comprised of models
using engines of any size.
See the rules here: http://www.mini-iac.com/pages/rules/2002-2004_Rules.pdf
Posted by Shortman
Pattern - pattern is identical to IMAC only the planes they use are not scale and most look weird..
Pattern and IMAC both fly sequences. Pattern sequences are of a purely model type and generally are very smooth in nature of flying. IMAC on the other hand flies sequenced that are patterned after the full scale sequences (IAC >> the "M" is inserted for miniature meaning models). Each year the sequences are changed and most are at least somewhat based on the new season IAC sequences. As far as them looking weird I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Watch a truly skilled pilot smoothly fly through a sequence and it becomes a thing of beauty (at least to me >> maybe not so much if I'm on the sticks <vbg>).
The full scale site is http://www.iac.org/
This information is provided as just that. Not trying to give a difficult time but just to clear things up a bit. I do fly IMAC and plan to try a few pattern contests this year. Hope this helps.
EXCAP232
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From: Brookland, AR
EXCAP232
Your response to my post is sure not taken as you being difficult. I found your reference to size in the mini-iac link, sec 3.2, "There is no minimum size requirement for any class."
Learn sumthin new ever' day
Larry
Your response to my post is sure not taken as you being difficult. I found your reference to size in the mini-iac link, sec 3.2, "There is no minimum size requirement for any class."
Learn sumthin new ever' day
Larry
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So some of you must know why Pattern was developed. Would be a nice trevia thing. Because pattern planes are not scale, wondering just why the category was developed. What was it that people wanted that is not provided by 3D or IMAC. thanks.
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Pattern came out first. IMAC was developed to 1) fly scale planes and 2) get away from some of the guys flying pattern. At least that's the short version of what I understand.
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From: Kennesaw,
GA
IMAC type of flying was a result of how popular the TOC is. The TOC took the best of the F3A world and mixed it with IAC style of flying. It became real popular and IMAC was born. I would also assume the 'Turn around" style of pattern flying that was all the rage in the 80 as a part to play in IMAC.
As some one mentioned, the big difference between pattern and IMAC is the sequences. Pattern is based off of sequences that are model plane specific. IMAC comes straight from the aresti catalog.
Now, as far as the planes are concerned....pattern planes have changed a lot over the years. They use to be speed demons with powerful 2 strokes and long pipes. As the sequences have changed over the years, so have the planes. The trend now is a wide body design with lots of drag. They need the drag to help control down line speed. Pattern planes tend to fly a lot slower these days. Large 4 strokes are the norm, although large 2 strokes are making a strong run, with large props for that breaking disc.
IMAC planes are as you mentioned. For the upper classes, they must be modeled after a full scale aerobat. That could be anything like a Extra, DR 109, Katana, 152 Aerobat, T-craft, Edge, One design....and the list goes on. Now, the trend is large 35 % and 40 % planes because they "PRESENT" well to the judges. Meaning the judges can see them better, therefore the pilots feel they get better scores. You can fly any class in IMAC with a 40 size plane. Size does not matter per the rules. You do need a pilot and a scale dash board or you will get a down grade, but size is not a down grade.
So, get you a plane and jump in.....it is a blast. I've flown one IMAC contest now, with a pattern plane (lol), and I had a real good time. I plan on flying my first pattern contest in a few weeks. I'll check back in on that scene later.....
Pugs
As some one mentioned, the big difference between pattern and IMAC is the sequences. Pattern is based off of sequences that are model plane specific. IMAC comes straight from the aresti catalog.
Now, as far as the planes are concerned....pattern planes have changed a lot over the years. They use to be speed demons with powerful 2 strokes and long pipes. As the sequences have changed over the years, so have the planes. The trend now is a wide body design with lots of drag. They need the drag to help control down line speed. Pattern planes tend to fly a lot slower these days. Large 4 strokes are the norm, although large 2 strokes are making a strong run, with large props for that breaking disc.
IMAC planes are as you mentioned. For the upper classes, they must be modeled after a full scale aerobat. That could be anything like a Extra, DR 109, Katana, 152 Aerobat, T-craft, Edge, One design....and the list goes on. Now, the trend is large 35 % and 40 % planes because they "PRESENT" well to the judges. Meaning the judges can see them better, therefore the pilots feel they get better scores. You can fly any class in IMAC with a 40 size plane. Size does not matter per the rules. You do need a pilot and a scale dash board or you will get a down grade, but size is not a down grade.
So, get you a plane and jump in.....it is a blast. I've flown one IMAC contest now, with a pattern plane (lol), and I had a real good time. I plan on flying my first pattern contest in a few weeks. I'll check back in on that scene later.....
Pugs



