re NEW concept? for pattern entry.

[Jon Uhler]

I agree and disagree with some of what Steve says.  First off, let me say that I am new to the pattern seen.  Steve is one of the major reasons why I am in pattern at all.  I fly at the same field as him, and his planes/flying got me interested.  I was, and still do, flying IMAC when I first flew with Steve.  I really liked the looks of the 2M wide body pattern planes, and how smooth they flew.  So I bought one, started practicing, and flew in one contest.  I had a good time.  It was a totally different experience than IMAC.  Some better, some worse.  

The better:

I feel that a person can be competitive, in any class, with lower level planes.  Meaning, you don't need a full blown 2 meter plane to be competitive.  I do not feel this is the case with IMAC.  

Equal:

People.  I've met some great people from both groups.  IMAC guys, on the whole, seem to be a bit more open, willing to help, and willing to loan you a plane if you have problems.  I feel like I could go up to any guy at a IMAC contest, ask him about his plane, and he would be willing to take it apart just so you could see it.  I did not get this feeling from the one pattern contest, or the NATS that I attended.  I guess what I am saying is, I feel IMAC guys are more approachable. 

worse:

The way the contest was ran, and the judging.  I've been told that the contest that I attended always is ran that way, and that it is not like other contest.  I will have to wait and find out if and when I attend another.  The CD was not organized, yelled at people during the pilots meeting, made rude comments like "FAI pilots are allowed to fly one at a time because they are more serious".  Or, "You are not allowed to run your motor up while FAI flies cause they need to concentrate more".  Of course one of the more popular Advance pilots was allowed to run up his motor while FAI flew, but not this rookie.  The CD did not tell us who (class) was flying first, what the class order was, or when we would be starting.  Half an hour later my name is getting called, and I am up first.  Of course I am not ready, and of course this is the first time that my engine doesn't want to start.  Good fun.  So I guess I am saying the IMAC contest seem to be more layed back, and a bit easier on the beginner.

Now, Steve mentioned the cost of planes.  The planes used in IMAC are usually easier to use in everyday flying.  Caps, Extras, and Edges.  They can be used for sport flying, IMAC flying, and 3D flying.  I think this is why IMAC is booming and pattern is lacking.  My Focus is an awesome flying plane.  When I am flying a contest, or practicing, I feel real comfortable with it.  However, when I want to goof around, I don't use the Focus.  It is boring for all other types of flying.  So I feel pattern planes are more expensive considering their limited role.  I know I can buy another set of wings, and stabs to get more out of it, but I'd be putting more into it as well.  

The other area that I feel is lacking in pattern is people, obviously, this is the topic, right?  The only reason I am flying pattern now is cause I met Steve, and he made me interested.  How many clubs out there have no pattern pilots in the club?  I know the club that I fly out of in GA, which has 300 plus members, has no, other than me now, pattern pilots.  It is no fun traveling, practicing, and flying alone.  I think the pattern organizing bodies needs to make a traveling team of some sort, to go around and visit clubs to promote pattern.

The other area I see lacking is Web presence.  Todays generation is an internet generation.  The first place most guys look for information is the web.  The main pattern page doesn't get updated very often.  The information is getting a bit old and stale.  So are the district web pages.  A guy goes there looking for information for his area, sees that the page hasn't been updated since the last contest from last year, and thinks "There is not much pattern interest in my area, think I'll fly IMAC instead".  Web sites are a lot of work, but I think it is a great tool to attract newer, younger pilots.  Speaking of the main web site....What is the theory of putting "Share this issue with a friend" on the K-factor, then not allowing people to download the current copy without being a member?  That truly makes no sense to me.

Just the random thoughts of a pattern rookie.

Jon






First of all I think we are a bigger influence than we think, sense I have returned to pattern, I have seen at our field more people trying new maneuvers instead of just flying in an oval and always the same way, I always go out and do coaching on maneuvers when I can, and the people that I do this with are always very impressed by what they can do, but most will never compete, I'm sure not the best flier by any means but I'm getting better, but the people at my field think I'm one of the best they have seen, there's one person at our field that has been flying for 11 years and still has to take off across the runway because he has to view from the rear, he even has a runway at his house that he fly's off of.
The point is that we will always be a small SIG, many won't compete even if you paid them, some won't compete even if every meet was at there home field, many won't because of cost, planes, travel, building, maintenance, and practice, the young guys it has always been the same get drivers license, discover girls and gone to college or career, I and I know that all of you can't count how many young guys that have been extremely good that have left by the time their 21, some young guys don't have the support of there parents, and are lucky to flying anything, let alone a specialized plane, lots of fuel and lots time. 
Don't get me wrong but I think we have in place a great system as for classes, we have a better chance than IMAC, because of size and price of models (not a slam just the truth) our planes are easier to carry and can be done for a reasonable price, as for age groups, I was talking to Dr. friend the other day about the age issue, and he says that there is no physiological documentation that shows that a 70 year old couldn't be on the World team, 55 so there may be hope.
Gone to practice.

Steve Maxwell 

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