Q for u Imac folk...
 

I've been wondering this for quite some time as pattern is dying out and Imac has grown so much. Why is it in your eyes that pattern used to be so strong and now it isn't? Why is it that you don't fly pattern? There seems to be quite a few people in the pattern forums that say it's because of the money. But if that's so, why has Imac grown so much. I have more in my H-9 33% Extra than I do either of my pattern planes. And probably more than half the people at my field are into 3d type planes or Imac. Please don't bash pattern as that's not why I brought this up as I am also an Imac fan. But do be honest. Thanks for your time and good flying!!!!!!!

Krishlan

RE: Q for u Imac folk...
 

I do not fly glow anything anymore, only gas.
I do not like static sequences that change only rarely. IMAC changes each year.
I do not like the fact that K factors are simply made up. IMAC uses the FAI catalog.
I do not like that there are no Unknowns flown at contests. I LOVE Unknowns
I like flying LARGE scale planes.

None of this is meant as a bash, only my own subjective opinion.

I will say that pattern has developed planes that are perhaps the most precise flying machines out there. You cannot fully appreciate what a straight line looks like until you get a chance to fly a well trimmed pattern plane.

RE: Q for u Imac folk...
 

I have to agree with Aresti.I love flying big gas planes.I fly with Dave Villwock(sp) I believe he won a couple of pattern contests:DHe likes flying the big gassers.I wish I had the money & time to fly both.I like being judged on landings and takeoffs.But the feeling of nailing an unknown sequence is the greatest!!!!

RE: Q for u Imac folk...
 

over here in australia pattern is still the biggest type of compition, there are more events in pattern rather than IMAC, thats what i think anyway, BUT IMAC is growing quickly here.
i havent even compteted in either so far and havent flown a pattern plane, so i cant answer to why i dont fly pattern.

RE: Q for u Imac folk...
 

An IMAC plane is a bit more versatile than a pattern model, as well as IMAC it will do 3D too. Pattern seems specialised, whereas IMAC models are a bit of 'jack of all trades' which suites the average flyer more.

IMAC models also look better IMHO and there are more variety of designs to choose from.

RE: Q for u Imac folk...
 

Amusing story. At our IMAC contest in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago I had a spectator ask me if we were all required to fly the same plane! While we may be able to pick up the differences the average person mostly cannot tell the difference between a Yak and an Edge.

I actually like the way pattern planes look and fly. But I only have time for one, and that is why I fly IMAC instead (and for the reasons I stated above).

RE: Q for u Imac folk...
 

My YS 140 DZ + 2 years worth of 30% nitro cost me about 2000$ in canadian money. My ZDZ 80 RV with canister and all stuff required for gas engines with props cost me about 1250$ brand new.

The best of the best pattern plane is not necessarily less expensive than a good IMAC plane. I have seen somewhere that the most expensive pattern plane ARF without engine, radio costs somewhere near 8000$ [X(]:)[X(].

The only really big advantage of pattern to me is that it does not require a larger vehicule hence why I flew 2 years with a YS.

It also may be a perception thing since it looks like IMAC is more receptive to newcomers than pattern.

RE: Q for u Imac folk...
 

I think pattern is not as popular due to several reasons.

1. Too many restrictions, such as weight, size, power, etc. This in turn limits the choice of manufactures to buy from. This also limits the freedom of technological innovation that can occur with lessened restrictions. It seems to me that pattern planes have evolved to their max and nothing new seems to be coming out to enhance the flying characteristics.

2. Unrealistic looking planes, although I personally like the look of them. (especially my Dr Jekyll before I crashed it):D

3. IMAC has a lot more people attend the contests. I call this "people energy" and it draws all the newcomers. A person can attend an IMAC contest with 60+ other people (here in the SW anyway) and have fun, almost like your part of a "bigger something". However, I don't think people are encouraged when they attend a pattern contest and are guaranteed a trophy, because there are only three people in their class.

4. Although Pattern is a harder discipline to fly, I feel IMAC is more competitive because a person is competing against more people.


5. IMAC planes burn gas instead of glow.

6. IMAC planes are based on real planes.


I flew pattern several years ago, but when it came time to compete again I chose IMAC based on the reasons above. However, sometimes I wish I had my Dr. Jekyll back, especially when my plane doesn't fly straight. :D

This is just my opinion and hope it doesn't sound like I am trashing pattern, because that is not the intent.

RE: Q for u Imac folk...
 

All of the replies are all good so far. Thanks for not bashing pattern. I agree with most everything everyone is saying. Although, the most expensive arf in us dollars is only like 3500 i believe as seen here ( http://www.oxai.us/Models-Astral.htm ) I don't however agree 100% that there is no new technology coming out. Pattern is the part of the reason that new technologies come out in my opinion. All the carbon that we have used for years is now very popular in all planes to keep them light. We are always striving to come up with new things to make our plane have the edge over the others. I feel also that pattern size and weight restrictions can be part of the contest. We not only have to fly good, but we have to build good and light. I really wish they would come out with a gas motor that has the power of a ys that would fit in a pattern plane. I have to agree ys fuel is EXPENSIVE. I can't wait until I figure out my zdz 80 and finish my extra... I gotta say, I've been flying for a long time and this is my first gas motor and 9-10 servo plane. It's very confusing... My hat's off to you guys for your knowledge. Thanks for the replies, I thought this might be interesting to bring up at the pattern meet next week.....

Take care and good flying....


Krishlan