Sorry about this post but ive been searching everywhere i have still dont really know exactly what pattern flying is? Is it a set course someone must follow or something?
Please explain.

Thank you,

Papa

yes pattern is a set schedule of manuvers the pilot flys. schedule difficulty depends on class i dont no about classes in the U.S but australias classes are sportsman, advanced, expert then masters (f3a)
michael

Why is it so expensive?

Doesn't have to be, we just make it that way!

www.rcpattern.com/
www.senoirpattern.com

There is sportsman, senoir, super senoir and a novice class as well.

In novice class, you can fly whatever you have. I've flown in a contest with an Avistar, seen guys fly with Tiger II's, Vipers, Daddy Rabbits, Spectrums, etc....... I flew in last years contest with a Bridi Killer Kaos.

I enjoy it because, not only do I get to compete (which is not that mportant to me), but I get to meet a lot of great guys (and gals), and learn something new in the process.

Have I won yet? No..... but I'm having a good time.

Best regards,
Mike

I noticed that your in Canada you mite want to check this site out.
http://www.maac.ca/committees/com_rcprecaero.html
Steve Maxwell

Also, Try NSRCA.ORG

Is there special planes that are pattern flyiers and to win is it who can finished the set course in the fastest time? Cause if not why not use a big slow trainer (unless theres aerobatics involved)?

PaPa-NeGeorgeo,

There is no fastest time that is awarded in pattern. The only flight time limit that I am aware of is 10 minutes for all of the maneuvers from takeoff to touchdown. And pattern is precision aerobatics, so a trainer wouldn't be too feasible to fly unless you are flying a semi-semmetrical airplane in Sportsman class. In F3A though, you definately wouldn't get away with it.

I saw on your profile that you have a Sig 4 Star 40. That would be an acceptable airplane to fly for the lower classes if it was adequately powered.

No, pattern is about smooth gracefull precision aerobatics.

Each Manoeuvre in the sequence (ie loop, etc) has an allocated score, and the challenge for the pilot is to replicate exactly the definition of the manoeuvre.

A loop for example would be judged on its positioning on the flight line, how straight its is tracked, how round it is, etc, etc.

Any deviation from the perfect definition causes points to be dropped for that manoeuvre.

At the end of the sequence, the judges add up the points.
After several rounds of this the pilot with the highest score is the winner.

The loop example is a very basic manoeurve, the shedules get harder and more challenging as you get better and move up the classes. (divisions)

If you want to race your plane, check out pylon racing.

Sorry Acroman330, I didn't mean to double up on what you said, we must have been typing at the same time. (I type slow)

Thanks for both explanations,
Firstly instead of added another thread ill ask it hear pylon racing is? (Theres probably more to it then drag racing with planes?)
And a sig 4* with a .40 LA be enough for pattern flying? Also if ur opinion which plane is better at flying pattern SE or 4*?

I don't know much about pylon racing, but it seems to be just racing around poles in a set lap, in pursuit of the quickest lap.
Full throttle and turn left, ahh boring!!!! (My Opinion anyway)
( try the PylonWorld forum for more info)

Sorry I can't comment on your planes for pattern, I don't know those designs. (I don't know much about pattern yet either!!!!)

That's OK Cameron.

PaPa-NeGeorgeo,

The 4 Star would be the better of the two that you mentioned for pattern. I have one that is currently on inactive duty due to more expensive airplanes (Hydeout, and since I am 16) that had a Rossi .45 . I can't give you a fair evaluation on the LA because I had a .40 FP that was weak and died at the bottom of downlines, so my cousin Warren Thomas had a Rossi .45 that we stuck in it.

If you really want a good entry-level pattern plane, look into the Hanger 9 Aresti, or the Great Planes Venus 40 or Tracer 40. I am hoping to get the Venus soon, but I will give it the "pattern" treatment with a YS .63 and a little better hardware. This is not to say that you can't take a standard .40 size 2 stroke and use everthing out of the box to yeild a great airplane. Just food for thought, hope that this helps.