EscapeFlyer

My Feedback: (1)

Can I take a shot at that question?

In reality, any airplane capable of basic loops and rolls can be considered a pattern airplane. That is all that is required for Sportsman into intermediate pattern.

I would answer the original intent was recreational for the US, competition for theTracer.


Brian

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Well, I'll put it this way. I flew pattern in the 70's. Took a break to raise a family and when I got back into the hobby in the late 80's, I built an Ultra Sport 40. I remember thinking then that I wish I had it back when I flew pattern.

catspaw

I flew a Ultrasport 40 with a saito .65 for a couple of years in novice pattern 20 years ago. First year I flew my first ultrasport with retracts, placed 6th, 5th, and 4th in the three contests I entered. Next year, I'd built a fixed gear US40 with the same engine (and tail feather servos in rear fuse for balance), and took 1st, 1st, and 2nd in the same 3 contests. The 2nd was only cause of bad weather the next day.

So yeah, it can be considered a pattern plane. But then again, so can any plane. Some just do certain manauvers better than others. If it's capable of doing em, then it's all on the pilot. Back then, I was single, flew almost every day, doing the novice schedule over and over and over, and being my own worse critic. Paid off, obviously.

BTW, it was pretty much the same pilots in the same classes at those contests, other than those who moved up.

KC10Chief

Thanks for the compliment! The US40 is definitely my new, favorite plane! With the Jett .56, this thing is unreal. It is just an excellent flying plane.

skyraider71

I like the U.S. .40, how is the build? Is it easy, or challenging to build straight?

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

You would have to try hard to build one crooked. As long as you follow the instructions it's ALMOST fool-proof (Of course, there are some pretty creative fools out there)

Aside from that, there is a fair amount of shaping and sanding (mostly the nose and wing tip blocks) but nothing too difficult

KC10Chief

Yeah, it's an easy build. It's a real sturdy plane. It feels real solid when you pick it up. There's a lot of sanding for sure. You will need to have your engine of choice on hand during the fuselage build.

skyraider71

I'm looking for a smooth, precise flyer for a .46. I have an extra AX .46 in need of a home.

KC10Chief

Well, then you might look into the Ultra Sport! The 46AX will fly it just fine. It won't be a rocket ship like mine is with the Jett, but it will still fly great. The Ultra Sport is a very smooth and precise flyer. Flies like it's on rails or something!