Is it possible for a biplane to work as a pattern plane? Have there ever been any successful pattern biplanes? Are there any in production right now?

Hi Bearcat,

Both [link=http://www.plprod.com]PL Prod[/link] (DoubleVision) and [link=http://www.znline.com]ZN Line[/link] (Suxess) have bipes in production. The usefulness of a bipe has been shown at the last WC in Poland, where several top pilots, including Chip Hyde, flew this kind of plane. Be aware that bipes tend to be much more difficult to set up properly and have much added drag due to the two wings and struts, thus an experienced pilot is needed to get the best out of them. For us "normal" (I'd say below-average) pilots, monoplanes are the way to go. The fact alone that CPLR (past and current World Champion) did not use his bipe for the competition shows that there are still unresolved issues or disadvantages when flying bipes - but then again CPLR is an outstanding pilot.

Regards,
-Fabrizio

P.S: use the search function to find several discussions on pattern bipes. There were many around the time of the WC in Poland, august last year.

The answer to part one of your question is yes. On the cover of a Model Aviation for one of the Nats in the 60's was a line up of Aeromasters. They were THE PLANE to fly pattern with back then. My last generation kit from GP was a little heavy, and even with a ys 91 it didn't have much of a vertical capability.

In 1984, Steve Rojecki won the TOC with a Ken Bonnema designed and built Reed Falcon biplane. Ken had a real passion for bipes in pattern and designed several very successful bipes.


Rob

There was a pattern bi-plane the mid 70's called the Mallard. I seen one fly in the 80's and man was it a hot plane! Every bit as fast as the standard 60 size pattern plane and could do any of the typical pattern maneuvers! A very kind gentleman here on RCU set me up with a few older pattern ship fuses awhile back that I was looking for and included a few old AAM magazines and low and behold there was the Mallard in one of them! If I can ever finish what I have laying around, I might build one of these. If you want, shoot me a e-mail and I'll send you some pictures. MK

At that time of the TOC, bipes were given a points bonus over monoplanes. That is the only reason Steve flew the Reed Falcon.

John