NEW concept? for pattern entry.

[Mike Mueller]

 Hey if this pattern thing takes off like you think were going to have a big
problem. Too many flyers at a pattern contest can be a disaster! Back in the
70's we would have 70 guys show up for a local contest here in Chicago. We
had to run 3 lines at a small field. Anyone ever go to the Mint Julep in
it's hayday? I once had to fly at 7PM on a Sunday evening to get in the last
round. When 20 to 30 guys show up like today the pace can be pretty slow.
Added numbers could cause a problem. The pace would have to get a lot
faster. Trust me you don't want 3 flight lines, unless you enjoy a good
midair once in a while. Mike

-----Original Message-----
From: ArestiPattern at aol.com [mailto:ArestiPattern at aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 7:37 AM
To: discussion at nsrca.org
Subject: Re: NEW concept? for pattern entry.


I wouldn't get too wrapped up in the thought that a senior class would be
the savior of the pattern community.  Lets view a senior class as a way to
keep our best story tellers involved in our sport.  Let them fly what they
bring, fly the same sequences as the rest of us, and when the final scores
are tallied.......award a trophy to best scoring senior within their
respective classes.

I personally feel pattern will, once again, become a very popular event.
The efforts of current flyers to attract new blood through help and
encouragement at the local club level and even possibly a little stick time
on that latest wizbang ship of yours will lock the new guys and gals that
have that little spark in their minds to give it a try.  

The second and very important ingredient in this recovery is the new ARF
industry.  Now we can show how to get started in  pattern with a 'serious'
plane like the Swallow and Quest that has been discussed so much lately.
More cheaper ARFs will be a boon to pattern, lets not poo poo these planes
at the contests by unfairly judging their pilots, especially in the lower
two classes.

I personally have been inactive in pattern for a few years since my switch
to IMAC.  I must say the new ARF invasion, the deletion of flimsy ( I fly
off grass ) retracts, and an apparent improvement in YS/OS engine
reliability have wet my appetite to jump back in.  

If I can drag along my ole' pattern pro Dad to fly against other seniors at
the same contest, I think this would be a blast !  He practices IMAC
Sportsman and is my dedicated builder/caller.  It wouldn't take much of a
prod to get him entered in a pattern meet.

So, lets look at the possibility of senior scoring within the existing
classes along with an annual points championship for them.  I'd say it just
might work.

Rick Hannah
St. Joseph, Michigan 

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