Running a Local Pattern Clinic
 

Hi Guys

I am going to put my money where my mouth is. The local field management has provided an enthusiastic yes.

I have decided to run a pattern clinic at our local club. Out of 60 members Iam the only one flying pattern. I hope to generate some interest in the sport and maybe even entice one or two souls into joining the fold. I plan to run one on June 4th and then another in the early fall with maybe an unsanctioned contest in the middle of the fall. I am going to provide a free lunch ( I have volunteered my wife to whip up a batch of her famous chili) and have some fun along the way.

Soooooo..........never having done this before I would like to hear some constructive suggestions on topics to be covered. I have a basic syllabus in mind but I am absolutely open to some other good ideas, especially by those that have run such an event in the past.

Thanks for your positive input.

Cheers

Murray Johnson

RE: Running a Local Pattern Clinic
 

Murray,

AMA used to have a great pattern video for training judges called Judging & Flying RC Precision.  I just searched the AMA website anc can't find a listing for it.  Maybe someone cah send you a bootleg copy.  It's a fabulous introduction into what pattern flying is all about.  It decomposes the manuvers into lines, loops, rolls, stalls, and snaps - the fundamentals.  Although intended for judges, I found that after viewing it my flying greatly improved.  You could show the video either at the field, if your club has power available or the evening before flying.

I'll keep looking as I'd like to get a copy, preferably on DVD for myself.  I haven't viewed it in over 15 years and would like to see it again. 


Rob</p>

RE: Running a Local Pattern Clinic
 

Hey wrong rudder can I come

RE: Running a Local Pattern Clinic
 

Murray,

If you want to turn people off to pattern, then show them the judging video. Pattern is excrutiatingly boring to spectators. Keep it very, very simple. I've been involved in a number of clinics and it doesn't take long for their eyes to glass over.

If you can get them to understand what straight and level looks like and that rolls need to be centered on lines, you will have done a lot.

Steve

RE: Running a Local Pattern Clinic
 

You're welcome anytime lad.

Be prepared to share all your pattern secrets though!!!http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f.../msn/49_49.gif


MJ

RE: Running a Local Pattern Clinic
 

All competition aerobatics are boring to the casual spectator.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oi2DiLVigA
 Here's a little bit of what we need a lot of, pro presentation and people out on the field flying Pattern. Any kind.
Chris...

RE: Running a Local Pattern Clinic
 

Hey, since when do REAL pattern planes use tuned pipes and retracts?? OR internal combustion engines??? Hmmmm??? LOL

RE: Running a Local Pattern Clinic
 

Since the 70's. LOL

J

RE: Running a Local Pattern Clinic
 

every plane I build has retracts and a tuned pipe. the Hindenburg would be an excellent contestant in modern pattern if the weight restriction was lifted. [8D]

RE: Running a Local Pattern Clinic
 

Good thread topic Murray. Irun clinics and I like the feedback. Interesting that the AMA video is boring. I agree but its still really valuable and hits on all the important points.
I'm listening here to see if there are some points made to improve the process.
I have found that there are many Youtube video's on pattern that are kind of interesting, entertaining and imformative. I'm trying to integrate using a Areofly 5.5 simulator on the big screen to show elements of flying that help to educate.
One thing that needs to be defined here is whether the seminar is to introduce someone to pattern or to educate someone who already knows what it is and just wants to improve and learn how to judge. Thanks, Mike Mueller

RE: Running a Local Pattern Clinic
 

MM,
When (if)are you having the judging clinic locally? I'd like to attend if just for the educational aspect of it for now. (I picked up a Dream 110 so will PM you about that.) Would like to try and make a few contests starting in July (too many weddings before that) and help out with judging if able too. As Mups said good thread topic.
(Sorry to go a bit offtopic Murray)
hook

RE: Running a Local Pattern Clinic
 

Hi Mikeand All

Thanks for the support.

I am going to introduce pattern to a group who kind of knows what it is.........watching me and talking with me............but in a structured venue. My plan, as has been suggested here, is to keep it really simple with emphasis on the precision of straight and level flight with the basics of symmetry and position thrown in plus a loop and a roll. Box adherance will also be pointed out. In other words " put it where you want it". I am going to give a handoutof theSportsman and Intermediate sequences printed out with the suggested downgrades. Peer participation will be emphasised with me doing very little demonstrating and the participants doing most of the flying..........with positive critique. The commradreship (sp?) of the sport will also be a focus.

My goal is to get one or maybe even two participants enthused to a point of being involved with practise and maybe even doing a contest or two. As mentioned beforeI am the only one of the club involved with pattern and it would really be nice to have someone else enthusiastic about it.

There have been some really good suggestions here which I will incorporate but.............keep 'em comin'!! Thanks again.

Warm Regards

Murray

RE: Running a Local Pattern Clinic
 

I have been involved with a number of these in D1. We have handouts of the sportsman sequence w/ maneuver descriptions, diagrams, aresti, etc. What ever you can get together that gives a nice easy to follow picture of the sequence.

We then start with a run through with the group of contest flow and procedure then explaining the basics of each maneuver since many will not have seen them before. A large stick plane is very helpful here and I usually do this with the group standing at the flightline to start the idea of position and box control.
Then we go to a demo flight by someone who can present the sequence pretty clearly with a caller narrating. This moves into the first round. We try to use experienced contest pilots as coaches/callers to walk each new pilot through there first sequence and with a little debrief afterword. Once everyone completes round one we call a little review then Q&A. From there it is repeat as much as possible.

If you can get some help from other experience pilots in your area. It always helps to have extra hands and more people for teaching, coaching, commiserating etc.
If possible a seperate person to handle contest scoring is a huge help to keep things moving.

Take a look at the FAQ on the NSRCA site. Some good info there and stuff to print.

[link]http://nsrca.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=94&I temid=459[/link]

Contact your NSRCA district vp and the will probably be able to help and may have some extra k - factors to give you!