Does Pattern competition cost too much?

[John Pavlick]

Dave,
 You wouldn't be the only one. I'd be right there with ya' buddy. We're
supposed to be flying MODEL airplanes. Stop the madness...
John Pavlick
http://www.idseng.com


  -----Original Message-----
  From: discussion-request at nsrca.org [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org]On
Behalf Of David Lockhart
  Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2005 11:19 PM
  To: discussion at nsrca.org
  Subject: Re: Does Pattern competition cost too much?


  I can picture the optimized 3m plane - it would be a wonderful flying
machine.

  I'm having a harder time picturing the RV or truck/trailer, and
workshop/garage/house that would allow me to have such a plane.  Maybe I am
the only one who would drop out of pattern if the planes were 3 meters - but
I think not - as I know plenty that dropped out of pattern with each
iterative escalation of the rules for pattern since the late '80s.

  Dave
    ----- Original Message -----
    From: J.Oddino
    To: discussion at nsrca.org
    Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2005 5:34 PM
    Subject: Does Pattern competition cost too much?


    Thanks to all who responded.  There were many good thoughts on why IMAC
seems to be more attractive than pattern these days.  I don't think either
group has a lock on being nicer guys and putting on a better contest, it has
to be something in the formula.  I like IMAC from the standpoint there is no
weight limit resulting in more rugged airplanes that require less
maintenance.  The gas engines are more user friendly and provide excessive
power without a lot of engineering and expensive fuel.  No one wins because
they have a better engine.  Less emphasis on the box relaxes the pilots.
But probably the biggest thing they have going for them is the fact that the
larger airplanes are better at doing what we want to do.  The 40%ers fly
huge maneuvers at what seems a low constant speed with constant radii on top
and bottom of very straight vertical lines.  They are much less susceptible
to wind.

    Having said all this I plan to get back into pattern and the reason is I
believe the electric power system will overcome many of my current
complaints about pattern.  I also agree that the arrival of many ARFs will
be good for pattern.  It will be interesting to watch but I think pattern
will be making a comeback without any major changes in the rules and specs
for the airplanes.  I'd still like to see an unlimited aerobatic model
airplane.  Picture an optimized 3 meter pattern plane with a DA 150.

    Regards, Jim O


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