I'm considering building a pattern-oriented plane. My primary goal is to improve my flying skills thru pattern flying. Several club members are helping to train other club members using the IMACBasic patterns. I'm not sure whether I will or won't compete.

My current inventory includes a SIGSomethin' Extra kit w/ OS46AX (fav), SIG4Star60 kit w/ Saito 91, GPBig Stik 40 ARF w/ Saito 82, SIGHog Bipe kit (not covered yet) w/ Saito 100 and a (used) ShowTime 50 ARF set up for the Saito 82. These are all consistent with my plan of keeping my inventory in the glow 40 - 60 range. I tried a Avenger combat plane with a OS25FX (tuned pipe) that would turn 18K - not the style of flying that I want to do. Also, I'm not inclined to migrate to gas or electricity any time soon.

I really like the style of the Chaos (we have several at the field) - seems a bit old school and I find that appealing. I also like the concept of a tuned pipe application. (A club member is selling a Rossi 61 w/ tuned pipe.) Whatever I do, it needs to put a smile on my face and easily fit in the back of the old Volvo stationwagon.

Here's what I have in mind:Bridi Killer Chaos 60 with a Rossi .61 with a tuned pipe. I fly at altitude (5500+). The est. weight is 6.5 lbs. The Bridi XLTis also an option but it is more focused in its intent and its est. weight is 7.5 to 8.5 lbs. I do like the XLT's use of a faux canopy to shroud the exhaust (requires an engine w/ rear exhaust).

Rx will be Spektrum 2.4, battery NiMH 1500 6.0v., surface servos Spektrum DS821 digital (75+ torque), thro servo HS425HB, switch MPI combo. Controls will use CFtubes w/ ball joints at servo & Robart ball joint horns on the surfaces.

1) What's good-n-bad about the Killer Chaos? Highly recommended alternatives w/ reasons?
2) What's good-n-bad about the Rossi .61? Highly recommended alternatives w/ reasons?

Thanks so much for your input!

For entry class stuff there is nothing wrong with the killer chaos.  All of the chaos family are great flying planes.  The Rossi .61s are very good engines.  They like to turn a smaller prop at more RPM's, but there is nothing wrong with that either.  It is a good combination, but the most important thing is flights.  There is no substitute for practice,</p>

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Arch</p>

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Arch - thanks for your input. 'Preciate it.

If you are familiar with David A. Scott's Flight School 1 Aerobatic training materials can you comment? Good? Bad? Indifferent?

I have glanced at them.  Certainly nothing wrong with them.  Good building blocks.  No matter what technique you have, you will at some point need a coach to really be able to tell when you are truly wings level and things like that.  There are many different techniques that work.  A book that I do consider a must have is Crosswind Flying available from Don's Hobby shop.  The tips in that book at amazing.</p>

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Arch</p>

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