Yeah I'm new at this.

I just responded to your question on a first pattern plane, so I will comment on this topic as well, even though I've been beaten up by both sides for my opinions before. I do fly both, and enjoy both. Both deal with precision aerobatics, so from that point of view, they are the same. The major difference is in the models, although in the entry classes (pattern Sportsman and IMAC Basic) pretty much anything you want to fly is legal. Above the entry class, pattern flies typically glow power two-stroke & four-stroke, models that are designed to fly as neutral as possible (no mixing required, or the less the better, to avoid induced reaction in one of the other axes when you input control in one of the three axes). Size limitation of two meters wingspan and overall length, weight maximum of eleven pounds (five kilograms). Electric power has been coming on strong in pattern in the last few years.

IMAC models are scale (within 10% of scale proportions) models of real airplanes, full-scale aerobats Extras, Edges, Yaks, Giles, CAPs, Sukhois, etc. Typical competition model is a 1/3 scale gasser on up in size. You do see glow power in the entry class, but a 50 cc gasser is a more common first model for IMAC flyers.

The visual impression to the casual observer is pretty much the same between pattern and IMAC big maneuvers, precise control, precise throttle management, smooth flowing, lots of point-rolls, snaps, up and down verticals and diagonals, rolling loops, rolling circles, embedded snaps, more and more complex maneuvers as you move up in class.

The journey from entry class to Pattern Master or IMAC Unlimited is enough to occupy the ordinary mortal for a lifetime, but some of the youngsters with special talent (and time, and money, and parental support or whatever) seem to need only a year or two to move to the next class up. It is wonderful to see them progress, and wonderful to feel your own progress coming along.

We will have our own Granite State IMAC meet the last weekend in September, and would be happy to have you come by for a day or two, meet the guys, talk about the planes, help you catch the bug.

Majortom has given you a pretty good description but forgot one particular difference in the skill set you'll need for IMAC. Once you get past Basic, or the entry level, most meets also have a Freestyle flight which usually involves some 3D type maneuvers.

What's 3D? Easiest explanation I might give is doing stuff full scale airplanes can't...

Oh, one other thing that's always confused me; IMAC doesn't score landings like pattern and the upper classes require a pilot figure and instrument panel...

The freestyle is for anyone entered including basic

Freestyle is also a separate voluntary competition; not included in IMAC rounds or points championships.

What he said

Thanks guys.

Major Tom, I might just have to come out...I do plan on heading to NH for the pattern comp this coming up weekend. Still undecided about flying though.