I have been flying for about a year now. I am looking to improve my flying skills. Recently I,ve been flying 3d type planes like the magic and some profiles, but I'm looking to fine tune my skills. I thought pattern might be a good place to start. My dilemma is trying to decide what type airplane to learn on. I don't know where i'll end up. (in Pattern or IMAC) I'd like to try both.

Should I go 40 or 60 size?
Should I go pattern ship or Scale?

I was looking at the Tai Ji and the Seagull Extra 300.

Cost is a factor because I'm not sure where I will end up. I know you guys can help me out.

I can get the 60 size seagull for 139.00. It seems like a bargain. Any info on how it flies?

Can I use the Seagull extra 300 for pattern or am I better off starting with a pattern ship?

Thanks,

Charlie

well.....i might get board of other planes but i always like to fly my pattern ship.

Raptor,

If you had to start learning pattern all over again, What model would you start with?

Charlie

Charlie
How much can you spend?
If I wanted to spend say $800 I would definitely go with the Quest 3D from Creek if you can get one. They are the closest thing to a real 2M pattern plane you can get in an ARF for only $250. I have several friends flying them and I have tried them. Awesome plane for the money.
If you are really on a budget you dont have to have a "pattern plane" to fly pattern. I started the Sportsman pattern with my U CAN DO. Trust me if you can learn the sportsman pattern and learn to fly it fairly well with a 3D plane, which you can do with the sportsman pattern routine, you will be light years ahead. Its not the plane that matter at the entry level, pattern forces you to learn how to put the plane exactly where you want it to go. More than anything else I have learned to use my rudder. Before I never really messed with the rudder, now Im constantly on it at least a little and my flying has nver been straighter, smoother, more fluid. Not because Im that good, cause Im not. But relative to my skills before working on pattern Im friggin Chip Hyde. [8D]

Charlie,

If you like scale, then just use a straight SA model like the extra or the edge, etc. Make sure it has enough power to climb staight up with rolls....that will allow you to perform the basic and intermediate schedules with ease.

If you enjoy pattern and the people that you meet, then upgrade later...BTW, you'll like the people you meet. There are alot of great pattern aircraft kits and arfs out there. It looks like there may be a trend toward crossover models that are just scale enough to be IMAC legal, yet pattern capable....such as the new 140 size Somenzini Yak.

$$$$ are scarce for me, and that initially steered me towards pattern. Lets face it, to be competitive in IMAC, sooner or later, you will need a large investment aircraft.....I mean real large $$$. Not to say you cant spend that in pattern, but at least a competitive aircraft can be had for less...maybe because of the size and weight restrictions in pattern....Heck a couple years ago a 60 size boxer took 1st place in Intermediate (or was it advanced?) at the Nats.

I agree with ned you can have a great set up on the quest for around $800 thats what i'm flying now. I dont know about scale but if i were to buy a scale plane i would got to extream flight and buy there yak 54 although its meant for 3D i could probly go through sportsman.

I'll take a look at the quest 3D. It sounds reasonable. Thanks.

Charlie

BigNed,

Creek is out of business. Who else sells the Quest 3D?

Charlie

I dont know how to get a new one but i have one that needs some repair i will sell for cheap.

What needs repair and how much are you looking for?

Charlie

Creek isn't out of business, you can get on a waiting listfor the Quest by sending an E-mail to [email protected] you will probably not get a responce from them until they get the planes in. here's a copy of an E-mail I got from them 2/25/2004.

Sorry for the delay. Yes, we will be continuing with the Quest. Next shipment in April - May time frame. We have a waiting list now if anyone would like to get on it. We expect to be back up and running in the next 30 days. Thank you for your continued interest and support.

Steve Maxwell

I have a Swallow from Giantscale planes, it runs for $210 dollarrs and despite the cheap covering is a pleasure to fly, I beefed up the sides and the landing block with carbon fiber cloth and i flies so sweeett!!
It has an Irvine 72 on a pipe but can easily handle an .91
good plane to start with and few $$$

The local hobby shop offered me a Tai Ji 60 for $300.00. that me be a deal I can't refuse.

Charlie