RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

Uh, yeah that's always a good policy. My college funds and R/C funds are in separate accounts for this very reason.

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

...a creative transportation solution

This plane traveled from Houston to Crowley Louisiana this way, a little over 2 hundred miles.

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

I think I'd have taken the prop off of that. :-)

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

I know for a fact there will be two 2meter pattern airfames for sale at Jackson. One is a Focus 2 and
the other is an Icepoint. The Focus is priced under $300 and the Icepoint is under $200. Both are setup
for 1.60 FX and pipe. The focus will be flying in Sportsman.

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

Check into the Northeast Aerodynamics Aquila. It's been a long time coming, with some production delays, but I recently heard that they are on the boat headed to the States. Check with them for estimated arrival time. With a 1.20 AX or similar, you can get excellent performance. This is nearly as big as a Focus II, but far lighter and will perform on a 1.20, no issues. I flew the prorotype with / without a pipe on the 1.20 AX and it's a winner, though I certainly prefer the added quiet and increased performance with the pipe. http://ne-aero.com/2maquilaf3aarfarc.aspx

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

Hey Chris, please make sure that my old Focus finds it's way to another good home. I've got some great memories from that airplane!

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

Yeah I was thinking it would be nice getting something that is already set up properly. I have no idea what goes into properly setting up a pattern plane, but I do know that it's hard enough to set up a sport plane. Of course I'm sure I could figure stuff out (with your help that is) it would just take a long time. And of course I have a long time as winter here is like 6 or 7 months.

My tuition is paid for by scholarships, and I get money for room, board, and expenses from financial aid. Most of it goes to paying the bills, but school is hard and hard working and successful students deserve a reward once in a while:D I bought my Civic using this money, and will probably get a plane with fin. aid. one semester and an engine the other semester. It's chump change when you look at the costs of school and expenses.

So those planes ($200 and $300) for sale - do they come with anything, or just airframes?

I have takend the idea that the off season is the time to get together a pattern ship. I'm gonna take my time, spend the money, and do it right. In the mean time, I'm gonna burn fuel with my Dolphin (burned a half gallon today:D) flying straight and level and practicing 1/2 reverse cuban 8's. Made some really good improvement today, with my line and with throttle management, which helped to round out my loops. Great day today:D

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

Ed I promise to find it a good home. I love the plane and want to keep it, but moving to Intermed. next year
I am trying to fund a brand new Focus II. Hey Ed let me have that prestige and i'll give you the focus back LOL.

Joe,
these planes are airframes only, the Focus has all the linkages and fuel tank. The icepoint has most of the linkages except for
rudder setup and fuel tank. the Focus is an Ed Alt custom covering scheme. The Icepoint needs some covering work.
Both planes fly very good and have never seen any major problems except for a hard landing for the Icepoint and a crack in the
Fuse for the Focus. I added some pics of the icepoint, and focus. the stars and stripes is focus the pic with the Focus all alone
is when ed finished it. and the other Pic was taken a in June at the Pocono contest. I think the Focus has one almost every contest
it entered so with it comes alot of responsibility.

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

I'd be interested in seeing the Focus. It will be in Jackson?

And if it makes you guys feel any better I'm an old Jersey Boy myself (Bergen County);)

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

Actually I guess I was wrong, the Focus II is quite a bit bigger than the Sport - definitely a stretch to fit in the car and needs a bigger engine; I think I'd be better off with the Focus Sport (or the Venus II, these are my two leading choices right now).

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

I'd look hard at the Focus Sport. I've flown several of them and they are awesome. They have all of the features of a two-meter airplane, just in a smaller package.

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

Yes, I was impressed with the performance of the airplane when I got a chance to fly one. It's a smaller airplane, but you wouldn't easily know it by how it controls.

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

This is exciting - as of right now I'm narrowed down to the Focus Sport, the Venus II, and the Fliton Inspire 90, though I heard the Inspire doesn't handle wind as well as the others (VT is pretty windy!) Would be powering with a 120 AX.

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

Check out the Pursuit on RCU for sale. Frank will be at Oasis and can bring it there.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=421066

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

Here's another one in the RCU ads. The Patriot is one of the most solid pattern planes ever designed, and the price listed is a steal. I know the man who built this one, he is a master builder, and I've watched this plane fly... it just doesn't get prettier than the lines it can draw.

[link]http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=420945[/link]

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

Joe,
I was only kidding about the Mini Van. :) I know your funds are limited. I forgot - the Aquila might be a little too big to fit into your car. On that note, a Venus 2 would be perfect for you. It's easy to set up (it has a one-piece wing) and it's rugged enough to survive everyday Sport flying. Spare parts are available from Tower Hobbies. You don't need anything complicated at this point. You need something that's rugged and dependable. Plan on going to Jackson. I'll bring a Venus 2 that you can fly on the buddy box. We can see what will fit into your car and I'll show you why I have a Mini Van. LOL

John Pavlick
Team Black Magic

RE: A list of first pattern planes
 

John, I definitely plan on going to Jackson. I was thinking either the Venus would be good, or maybe something like a pre-flown Groovy 90 someone might have laying around and not using anymore - then I wouldn't have to worry about screwing up the setup on my first plane, and could spend a little more on proper engine and servos :D