Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
04-02-2010, 12:02 AM
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Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
I was wondering (kinda like the Nats thread), what makes it worth your time and money to travel to a local pattern contest? What things would you like to improve on if you could?
Friendships and hanging out shooting it?
The flying?
The competition?
The results?
The trophies?
The raffle prizes (if any)?
Expand, am curious about it.
For me, it's being able to go a day early (most times) and help other pilots with setting-up planes and watching them fly their patterns and give pointers. Ocala was great for this as I was able to help about half the pilots there with something.
Friendships and hanging out shooting it?
The flying?
The competition?
The results?
The trophies?
The raffle prizes (if any)?
Expand, am curious about it.
For me, it's being able to go a day early (most times) and help other pilots with setting-up planes and watching them fly their patterns and give pointers. Ocala was great for this as I was able to help about half the pilots there with something.
04-02-2010, 12:26 AM
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RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
For me:
Friendships, the competition and getting away from the daily grind.
To be perfectly honest the order of enjoyment (what Idig the most) varies between friendships & competition depending on time of year and my level of preparation at the time. Sometimes Iknow I'm not in practice butjust go to hang out, however, I'd be lying if Isaid Ididn't totally enjoy the competition. Without competition it would just be a fun fly and that doesn't provide the same thrill for me.
Like Jason, Ialso enjoy helping others, especiallywhen Ican help someone coming through the ranks that's eager to learn and craving input. These are the types ofpeople that will double the enjoyment of the contest for me if I end upcalling for them and helping them through the weekend.
Keith B
Friendships, the competition and getting away from the daily grind.
To be perfectly honest the order of enjoyment (what Idig the most) varies between friendships & competition depending on time of year and my level of preparation at the time. Sometimes Iknow I'm not in practice butjust go to hang out, however, I'd be lying if Isaid Ididn't totally enjoy the competition. Without competition it would just be a fun fly and that doesn't provide the same thrill for me.
Like Jason, Ialso enjoy helping others, especiallywhen Ican help someone coming through the ranks that's eager to learn and craving input. These are the types ofpeople that will double the enjoyment of the contest for me if I end upcalling for them and helping them through the weekend.
Keith B
04-02-2010, 12:46 AM
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RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
For me (a beginner) its:
1) Watching the best pilots make flying look easy.
2) Seeing what the best equipment looks like and what their setup is. You can only learn so much from these forums and weekends at the kamakazi flying field (OK I love the basin).
3) Hauling out my gear and flying in front of judges with my peers.
1) Watching the best pilots make flying look easy.
2) Seeing what the best equipment looks like and what their setup is. You can only learn so much from these forums and weekends at the kamakazi flying field (OK I love the basin).
3) Hauling out my gear and flying in front of judges with my peers.
04-02-2010, 02:41 AM
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RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
Interesting question...
I'm a competitive person by nature and attending a pattern contest fills that void. I'm in the middle of the pack for Intermediate, ok...closer to the bottom, but Ienjoy the personal challenge to improve and do better.
However, more recently I will start attending contests again because...well...My wife is making me do it...VBG...
We enjoy the people and I have learned more about how to improve my flying skillsin attending Pattern Contest. It is also an escape from reality and the stresses of life, offering me something to look forward to during the summer months...
I'm a competitive person by nature and attending a pattern contest fills that void. I'm in the middle of the pack for Intermediate, ok...closer to the bottom, but Ienjoy the personal challenge to improve and do better.
However, more recently I will start attending contests again because...well...My wife is making me do it...VBG...
We enjoy the people and I have learned more about how to improve my flying skillsin attending Pattern Contest. It is also an escape from reality and the stresses of life, offering me something to look forward to during the summer months...
04-02-2010, 07:29 AM
#6
RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
I like going to a place with a bunch of good people with the same specialized interest that I have. I like seeing the top-of-the-line equipment and seeing the top pilots painting gracious figures in the sky. I like getting away for the weekend, being outside, and staying in a hotel. I also like, more than anything, getting some guidance with my setup and my flying - I am pretty alone here when it comes to precision setups and flying.
If I could change anything, it would just me more contests up north. I am lucky to find one within 3.5 hours, usually they are 5-7 hours away or more. I also wish there were more contestants in the lower classes.
If I could change anything, it would just me more contests up north. I am lucky to find one within 3.5 hours, usually they are 5-7 hours away or more. I also wish there were more contestants in the lower classes.
04-02-2010, 09:31 AM
#7
RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
Comradery and competition.
I've only been flying pattern competition since 1974, but always enjoy looking forward to the next meet. I have competition experience in drag racing, trap shooting, marathon, triathlon, etc., but pattern folks are far and away the best! Most work hard to be competitive and (rightly) expect a pattern meet to be way more than a fun-fli / party. Real enjoyment comes from helping others get the most from their equipment and flying, swapping war stories, and flying to ones expectations. Of course were all technophobes to one degree or another and pattern is a great venue to pursue those interests, whether equipment or flying related.
Is it worth the cost? Absolutely! There are tons of other activities that are way more costly that provide way less enjoyment. The friendships that come from pattern are priceless!
I've only been flying pattern competition since 1974, but always enjoy looking forward to the next meet. I have competition experience in drag racing, trap shooting, marathon, triathlon, etc., but pattern folks are far and away the best! Most work hard to be competitive and (rightly) expect a pattern meet to be way more than a fun-fli / party. Real enjoyment comes from helping others get the most from their equipment and flying, swapping war stories, and flying to ones expectations. Of course were all technophobes to one degree or another and pattern is a great venue to pursue those interests, whether equipment or flying related.
Is it worth the cost? Absolutely! There are tons of other activities that are way more costly that provide way less enjoyment. The friendships that come from pattern are priceless!
04-02-2010, 09:51 AM
#8
RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
Jason, your list with my rankings of importance;
1-Friendships and hanging out shooting it?
2-The flying?
3-The competition?
4-The results?
6-The trophies?
5-The raffle prizes (if any)?
You almost nailed it, except for the last two.
[sm=lol.gif]
1-Friendships and hanging out shooting it?
2-The flying?
3-The competition?
4-The results?
6-The trophies?
5-The raffle prizes (if any)?
You almost nailed it, except for the last two.
ExFokkerFlyer:
I got to contests for the chicks man.... girls DIG pattern dudes!
Tom
I got to contests for the chicks man.... girls DIG pattern dudes!
Tom
04-02-2010, 12:56 PM
#10
RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
For me it's 4 things.
1) Competition - I practice hard then go to contest primarily to compete against myself. My goal is to always improve my raw score percentage regardless of how others do.
2) Different environment - As mentioned above I spend allot of time at my own field practicing. I love being able to fly at a different field every now and then.
3) Experience - Regardless of how the competition went (maybe the weather was not that great or maybe I didn't fly up to my expectations), the experience is very valuable to me and only strengthens my confidence when I return home. Last year I was at a contest the skys were threatening rain. Everybody before me flew under dark grey skies. When it was my turn to fly it started pooring rain. I looked over to the CD and he said "It's your choice" I took that to mean either I flew or I zeroed the round. Since I'm competeing against myself it was gut check time! I girded my loins, stepped up to the plate, turned aroun and told the judges "Lets Do It!" After the flight I felt great because I endured adversity and flew anyway.
4)The D6 culture - I just love the D6 culture. I'm very fortunate to be in this part of the country and fly with these guys.
Glen
1) Competition - I practice hard then go to contest primarily to compete against myself. My goal is to always improve my raw score percentage regardless of how others do.
2) Different environment - As mentioned above I spend allot of time at my own field practicing. I love being able to fly at a different field every now and then.
3) Experience - Regardless of how the competition went (maybe the weather was not that great or maybe I didn't fly up to my expectations), the experience is very valuable to me and only strengthens my confidence when I return home. Last year I was at a contest the skys were threatening rain. Everybody before me flew under dark grey skies. When it was my turn to fly it started pooring rain. I looked over to the CD and he said "It's your choice" I took that to mean either I flew or I zeroed the round. Since I'm competeing against myself it was gut check time! I girded my loins, stepped up to the plate, turned aroun and told the judges "Lets Do It!" After the flight I felt great because I endured adversity and flew anyway.
4)The D6 culture - I just love the D6 culture. I'm very fortunate to be in this part of the country and fly with these guys.
Glen
04-02-2010, 05:15 PM
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RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
For me it is just as much social as it is the flying. I dig flying and flying in front of a judge gets that old knee knock going that it seems we all enjoy at least a little bit. But seeing old friends and the prospect of making new ones is the majority of the fun for me. Its a bunch of like minded folk doing what they enjoy!
04-02-2010, 06:48 PM
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RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
I love going,
1. To get sunburned
2. See old friends
3. Make new friends
4. See how my equipment holds up
5. See how my skills hold up
6. Get sun burned
7. Get tired
8. Get a shower
9. Get the biggest rib eye I can find.
10. Get sunburned.
11. Fly the best I can and don't care where I end up.
12. Get help from those that fly better than I
13. Get help from those I fly better than.
14. See what stupid mistakes I can make.
15. Have fun.
16. Drive to the contest facing the sun
17. Drive home from the contest facing the sun.
18. Get sun burned.
19. Not crashing
20. Talk about all the stupid things we've done at contests over the last 30 years.
1. To get sunburned
2. See old friends
3. Make new friends
4. See how my equipment holds up
5. See how my skills hold up
6. Get sun burned
7. Get tired
8. Get a shower
9. Get the biggest rib eye I can find.
10. Get sunburned.
11. Fly the best I can and don't care where I end up.
12. Get help from those that fly better than I
13. Get help from those I fly better than.
14. See what stupid mistakes I can make.
15. Have fun.
16. Drive to the contest facing the sun
17. Drive home from the contest facing the sun.
18. Get sun burned.
19. Not crashing
20. Talk about all the stupid things we've done at contests over the last 30 years.
04-02-2010, 07:31 PM
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RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
For me pattern has always been first and foremost about the people. The friends I have made along the pattern trail are some of the best people around, bar none! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the flying and the challenge of competition, but without the people it just wouldn't be as fun. Raffles and giveaways are nice, but give me a good party at the pilots' dinner Saturday night over any of that. It's worth it, even if it costs a little extra on the entrance fee. Outside of the contests, just the practicing with friends at the local club gets my pattern juices flowing every spring. Of course, I'm fortunate enough to have a club that's pretty much nothing but pattern flyers with one of the best designers/trimmers at my disposal, so that doesn't hurt either 
04-02-2010, 09:00 PM
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RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
I enjoy the people at the contestst Great group out here in D-7.
I really like the competition as well. The contests are what the practice is all about. I really enjoy practicing, it gives me a reason, and discipline to fly. the competition is what I am working for in practice, it is a holistic thing, one feeds off the other.
I too like to go out the day before, and practice at the contest field. Flying in San Diego, the conditions are so consistant, almost always sunny, tempature is almost always the same, wind direction the same, wind speed the same. I like the variety of different venues.
I like the coaching I get from the more experienced guys. I am new to Pattern, I fly advanced, and learn a lot when people coach and call for me.
I like seeing all the other planes, and setups, I learn alot. I just can't figure out why anyone is still flying glow power. LOL!
I like winning when it happens.
I hate zeros!!!!
I enjoy the dinners out with my pattern friends.
You guys have raffles, and win prizes? I guess we don't do that in D-7. LOL!
04-02-2010, 10:54 PM
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RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
ORIGINAL: JAS
I was wondering (kinda like the Nats thread), what makes it worth your time and money to travel to a local pattern contest? What things would you like to improve on if you could?
Friendships and hanging out shooting it?
The flying?
The competition?
The results?
The trophies?
The raffle prizes (if any)?
Expand, am curious about it.
For me, it's being able to go a day early (most times) and help other pilots with setting-up planes and watching them fly their patterns and give pointers. Ocala was great for this as I was able to help about half the pilots there with something.
I was wondering (kinda like the Nats thread), what makes it worth your time and money to travel to a local pattern contest? What things would you like to improve on if you could?
Friendships and hanging out shooting it?
The flying?
The competition?
The results?
The trophies?
The raffle prizes (if any)?
Expand, am curious about it.
For me, it's being able to go a day early (most times) and help other pilots with setting-up planes and watching them fly their patterns and give pointers. Ocala was great for this as I was able to help about half the pilots there with something.
MattK
04-07-2010, 09:58 AM
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RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
Matt,
You should've been @ Ocala, FL last month. I understand the judges were awarding zero's to JAS left & right! Airplane refused to snap-roll or something along those lines.....LOL!
Steve
You should've been @ Ocala, FL last month. I understand the judges were awarding zero's to JAS left & right! Airplane refused to snap-roll or something along those lines.....LOL!
Steve
04-07-2010, 10:31 AM
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RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
A pattern contest anywhere is priceless!! for all the reasons that you describe!!!
I like it FAI style, I mean, model processing, sound checking, all of it, makes it more interesting!
take it form a guy that travels a lot juts to go to a pattern contest!!
Regards
TUNY
I like it FAI style, I mean, model processing, sound checking, all of it, makes it more interesting!
take it form a guy that travels a lot juts to go to a pattern contest!!
Regards
TUNY
04-07-2010, 11:28 AM
#19
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RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
ORIGINAL: Planeclaims
Matt,
You should've been @ Ocala, FL last month. I understand the judges were awarding zero's to JAS left & right! Airplane refused to snap-roll or something along those lines.....LOL!
Steve
Matt,
You should've been @ Ocala, FL last month. I understand the judges were awarding zero's to JAS left & right! Airplane refused to snap-roll or something along those lines.....LOL!
Steve
Personally, I want to see the return of "BOM" rule. Would level the playing field for us old f.rts.
MattK
04-07-2010, 11:37 AM
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RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
want to see how flight should look, artistry in the sky,see how installs should be done,what equipment performs,go to a pattern contest.
04-07-2010, 03:51 PM
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RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
JAS my hero!!!!!![sm=spinnyeyes.gif][sm=spinnyeyes.gif][sm=spinnyeyes.gif][sm=spinnyeyes.gif][sm=spinnyeyes.gif][sm=spinnyeyes.gif][sm=drowning.gif][sm=drowning.gif][sm=drowning.gif][sm=drowning.gif][sm=drowning.gif][sm=drowning.gif][sm=drowning.gif][sm=drowning.gif][sm=drowning.gif][sm=drowning.gif][sm=drowning.gif][sm=drowning.gif]
lol
gary
lol
gary
04-08-2010, 10:03 AM
#22
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RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
I agree with everyone else[8D]
Also
I LOOOOOVVVEEEEE aviation, and the miracle of controlled flight. Nothing and I mean NOTHING flies like a pattern plane. Competing with one just comes naturally, it makes sense.
Not competing in pattern if you own a pattern plane (and everyone should) Is like having a souped up car and not pulling up next to some guy at a light and revving the engine. It's the adrenaline rush of putting your best against his/her best and seeing what happens. Pattern and competition are the essence of manliness (grunt grunt grunt), the preparation, the focus, the intensity, when I fly and compete it gives me a chance to learn something about myself in a competitive but friendly and supportive environment. There is nowhere to hide on the flightline! Do I have the mental toughness to be my best when the pressure is on, or will I crap out and land three maneuvers before the end of my pattern, or fuel the wrong airplane, or forget which direction I need to roll or which rudder to give. How do you know if you will choke under pressure without putting yourself in the pressure cooker? How can you improve your performance underr pressure without practicing under pressure (competition).
Oh, and the people aren't bad either! I love my pattern friends.
Damn I got myself all excited... Where's my wife... COME HERE WOMAN it's time for some low passes[sm=48_48.gif]
One other thing. Big time RC and by extension the pursuit of pattern is insane! No one but other pattern people understand what the hell is wrong with me to do this for fun.
Anthony
Also
I LOOOOOVVVEEEEE aviation, and the miracle of controlled flight. Nothing and I mean NOTHING flies like a pattern plane. Competing with one just comes naturally, it makes sense.
Not competing in pattern if you own a pattern plane (and everyone should) Is like having a souped up car and not pulling up next to some guy at a light and revving the engine. It's the adrenaline rush of putting your best against his/her best and seeing what happens. Pattern and competition are the essence of manliness (grunt grunt grunt), the preparation, the focus, the intensity, when I fly and compete it gives me a chance to learn something about myself in a competitive but friendly and supportive environment. There is nowhere to hide on the flightline! Do I have the mental toughness to be my best when the pressure is on, or will I crap out and land three maneuvers before the end of my pattern, or fuel the wrong airplane, or forget which direction I need to roll or which rudder to give. How do you know if you will choke under pressure without putting yourself in the pressure cooker? How can you improve your performance underr pressure without practicing under pressure (competition).
Oh, and the people aren't bad either! I love my pattern friends.
Damn I got myself all excited... Where's my wife... COME HERE WOMAN it's time for some low passes[sm=48_48.gif]
One other thing. Big time RC and by extension the pursuit of pattern is insane! No one but other pattern people understand what the hell is wrong with me to do this for fun.
Anthony
04-09-2010, 02:49 PM
#23
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RE: Pattern contest... what makes it worth it?
ORIGINAL: AAbdu
I agree with everyone else[8D]
Also
I LOOOOOVVVEEEEE aviation, and the miracle of controlled flight. Nothing and I mean NOTHING flies like a pattern plane. Competing with one just comes naturally, it makes sense.
Not competing in pattern if you own a pattern plane (and everyone should) Is like having a souped up car and not pulling up next to some guy at a light and revving the engine. It's the adrenaline rush of putting your best against his/her best and seeing what happens. Pattern and competition are the essence of manliness (grunt grunt grunt), the preparation, the focus, the intensity, when I fly and compete it gives me a chance to learn something about myself in a competitive but friendly and supportive environment. There is nowhere to hide on the flightline! Do I have the mental toughness to be my best when the pressure is on, or will I crap out and land three maneuvers before the end of my pattern, or fuel the wrong airplane, or forget which direction I need to roll or which rudder to give. How do you know if you will choke under pressure without putting yourself in the pressure cooker? How can you improve your performance underr pressure without practicing under pressure (competition).
Oh, and the people aren't bad either! I love my pattern friends.
Damn I got myself all excited... Where's my wife... COME HERE WOMAN it's time for some low passes[sm=48_48.gif]
One other thing. Big time RC and by extension the pursuit of pattern is insane! No one but other pattern people understand what the hell is wrong with me to do this for fun.
Anthony
I agree with everyone else[8D]
Also
I LOOOOOVVVEEEEE aviation, and the miracle of controlled flight. Nothing and I mean NOTHING flies like a pattern plane. Competing with one just comes naturally, it makes sense.
Not competing in pattern if you own a pattern plane (and everyone should) Is like having a souped up car and not pulling up next to some guy at a light and revving the engine. It's the adrenaline rush of putting your best against his/her best and seeing what happens. Pattern and competition are the essence of manliness (grunt grunt grunt), the preparation, the focus, the intensity, when I fly and compete it gives me a chance to learn something about myself in a competitive but friendly and supportive environment. There is nowhere to hide on the flightline! Do I have the mental toughness to be my best when the pressure is on, or will I crap out and land three maneuvers before the end of my pattern, or fuel the wrong airplane, or forget which direction I need to roll or which rudder to give. How do you know if you will choke under pressure without putting yourself in the pressure cooker? How can you improve your performance underr pressure without practicing under pressure (competition).
Oh, and the people aren't bad either! I love my pattern friends.
Damn I got myself all excited... Where's my wife... COME HERE WOMAN it's time for some low passes[sm=48_48.gif]
One other thing. Big time RC and by extension the pursuit of pattern is insane! No one but other pattern people understand what the hell is wrong with me to do this for fun.
Anthony
For me it's the place to be. It's unexplanable. I just have to be there. I'm fearsly competive and it allows me to show off my skills and gauge them against other crazy people who think the same way. This sport is so rare in it's mindset that you have to go to confirm your not alone in your insane passion. It's a Coo Coo's nest. The personality traits are so diverse too. The sport also has a diverse demographic and you get to establish some meaningful lasting relationships with some pretty special people.
Earl said it best. Pattern guys are a cut above average and you'll benefit in life from your association with them. Mike Mueller