I am brand new into Pattern and looking to buy my first big plane. I was wondering what you folks would recommend. I would like to use my Sato 180 as I have a new sitting around unused. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Mark

Mark;

This is the Classic Pattern, so planes in this group are going to be the "vintage" size, (ie .60 2-stroke or .91 4-stroke), and 35-40 year-old designs. They still fly great, as pattern planes are supposed to do.

You may want to try the "Pattern Forum". That's where the BIG BOYS are. On the other hand, you may want to forget about AMA or FAI pattern and try SPA pattern for a lot less money, and just as much fun.

All the best

Duane

Moved to the Pattern Flying Forum.

Ken

Mark, There are a number of ways to get into pattern. To fly in SPA you will need a plane that is meets the rules for it...I have seen some of these kits go for as much as a full blown 2-Meter Pattern Kits...$400 to $600+...On the flip side, there are some reasonably priced planes as well...as most stuff goes, price becomes relative depending on wants and pocket book size...

If you would like to get into Pattern, try it out in the Sportsman Class. Although there is a size and weight limit in the rule book, I don't know of any Contest Director that will turn away a Sportsman pilot because of it. In almost all Pattern contests other than the Nats you can fly any plane you have in Sportsman. If a CD does turn away a Sportsman due to weight and size limits (other than for safety reasons), they will hear about it from the other pattern pilots around the country. I have personally seen large IMAC planes flown in Sportsman. If you are concerned about it call the CD ahead of time to make sure.

With that said, you mention a Pattern plane for a Saito 180. I don't have a good answer for this. Are you looking for a 2 Meter Pattern Plane or a plane you can fly Sportsman with? I would say there are very few, if any, Pattern planes competing in Intermediate and above with a Saito engine (this is an opinion as I haven't heard of any... I could be wrong here).

If your first big plane means you are looking for a 2-Meter Pattern plane for your Saito 180, hopefully someone will chime in...

LLD