hello everyone,Ive been flying imac for a couple of years currently in sportsman class and am about ready to move up to intermediate. I love flying precision aerobatics and am interested in getting into pattern.Other than the aircraft,what are the differences in pattern vs imac?Where would be a good class to start in pattern?I have looked at sportsman class and it seems very basic.Also plan on getting a 2 meter plane soon,whats the hot ticket currently in pattern[other than zn,too expensive]? thanks for any help

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I think Mk's TOPSTAR I/II is the best choice to you to enter the pattern flight. It's cheap(around us.450) and very friendly to new hand. I own two Topstar I and both of them perform really well in the air.

Focus II from [link]http://piedmontmodels.com[/link]

Choose from ARF or ARC

They also have "builders" kit of the Temptation available

Sense your close to Dallas there are a few pattern fliers there, and there is a contest in Temple I think in 2 weeks check NSRCA.org for dates, contest are great to get aquaited and find out what is flying.

Steve Maxwell

Hey Mike. Ed Deaver here. Don't know if you remember me. Temple is next weekend.

The main differences between IMAC and Pattern are these;

1) Box enforcement and downgrades for going out of the box are greater in Pattern and the box is smaller in all aspects. This increases the challenge to fly against the wind, either blowing in or out.

2) Pattern really is more precise. When I was active in IMAC many didn't like my judging because I was very critical, wings level, symetry, straight flight between manuevers. Also Smoothness and Gracefullness are judging factors also.

3) Pattern shouldn't be influenced by who shows up with the newest 40% plane as there is a size limit which is in place to theoretically level the playing field(Not to mention $2K for a world class plane in Pattern vs $8K for a 40% plane and a trailer)

4) Pattern has a score for landing and takeoff, although the AMA just voted to make it either a 0 or 10 starting next year.

5) You only go through the sequence once, with 6 flights the goal for each contest vs IMAC with 2 sequences each flight and an unknown(except Basic)

6) Everything is centered in all lines and with a center pole with large downgrades for not being on center, as well as total wind correction.

7) Sound rules are typically only enforced at the Nats, but quiet is appreciated.

8) The sequences do not change every year. The rationale is as a pilot improves, they will move up when appropriate(hopefully) and then have a new schedule to fly.

Yes, Sportsman in Pattern is pretty basic, but it is designed to be a building block for pilots. If a pilot can't get 9's on straight and level flight they will only do poorly in the next class. Snaps and Spins are in the upper classes but the focus is to build the control of the plane and develop proper symetry skills. Snaps and spins really don't have anything to do with performing perfectly round loops(just an example) While I was flying IMAC a lot, many pilots couldn't fly a straight line, and it is very difficult to wind correct using scale planes because it simply looks sooooo ugly, even when the line is straight.

I find trying to perfect the Pattern sequence is much more challenging for me, even though I like to do a roller every once in a while. Both are fun and enjoyable. Hope to see you one of these days.

Ed

ed, yes i remember you gave me some great advise in midland a couple of years ago. Thanks for the explanation on pattern.I still like IMAC,but It gets to be a real pain to haul the trailer to the field every time I go and practice,not to mention the expence of keeping a large aircraft going.like i said,I love flying precision and I think pattern might be my next step.I'll try to make it to temple and check it out. thanks mike