[NSRCA-discussion] IMAC Vs Pattern Participation? Does the Dog Hunt on points made?

[Bob Richards]

David,
   
  I think you have a good handle on the IMAC vs pattern thing.
   
  >>>Pattern does not have these kind of high profile events that drive widespread promotion of the discipline.<<<
   
  Again, I think a lot of that has to do with the WOW factor. Big planes, 3D, freestyle are certainly WOW factors, and if you are going to promote a large venue with model airplanes, it does not make much sense to do it with pattern when the IMAC type planes will draw more of a crowd, both public and participants.  I've always said that pattern is not a good spectator sport.
   
  I remember back when I had gotten into pattern. I had a new pattern plane, and had also picked up one of the new fun-fly planes. I told a couple of my friends about my new planes, and invited them out to the field to see them fly. When they showed up, they said "Ok, lets see it fly!". I flew my pattern plane. When I landed, they said "Thats nice, but we don't want to see that, we want to see the other plane."
   
  Bob R.
  
davidmichael1 at comcast.net wrote:
    As an IMAC guy who has flown pattern (and does like it), here's my take on the whole IMAC vs Pattern thing as far as "marketing to the masses":
   
  IMAC has been the very fortunate recipient of not just the TOC but of other events that either directly or indirectly promote IMAC.  Even today after the TOC is no more events exist that advertise IMAC.  I think this is the number one reason why IMAC has enjoyed a period of growth and new members continue to come in at a rate greater than in other RC disciplines.  For example:
   
  High profile scale aerobatics contests:
  - JR Challenge
  - Don Lowe Masters
  - Tuscon Aerobatic Shootout.
   
  These are examples of events that have filled the void created when the TOC ceased to exist.  They are supported by the RC industry or by a benefactor (Pat Hartness), draw "big name" pilots on an international basis, and receive lots of coverage on the internet, in magazines and even in DVD.  

  Has anyone seen the Tuscon Aerobatic Shootout DVD by Wild Berry Productions?  It is unbelieveable- it's so good that non-RC enthusiasts would enjoy watching it.  
   
  Pattern does not have these kind of high profile events that drive widespread promotion of the discipline.
   
   
  Even more- there exists a number of "non-IMAC" events that drive interest in IMAC:
   
  Extreme Flight Championships in Ohio-  You are probably familiar with this event.  It is a freestyle event but 35% and 40% IMAC planes are being flown.  The potential target market sees this and falls in love with what the planes are doing- and the planes themselves.  It's not a far stretch from there to get an IMAC plane and go to a contest- and, if you want, fly Freestyle just like in the XFC.
   
  Extreme Aerobatic Club-  same thing as the XFC-  lots of 3D.... almost entirely with IMAC planes.
   
  The IMAA-  you might not think so but I think that the IMAA drives IMAC participation.  If you have been to IMAA event you'll probably notice that there are two distinct types of IMAA flyers.  Both are great.  One is the "Scale" camp.  Usually warbirds but also Cubs and such.   The other is the "Aerobatics" camp.  Most of the time these guys fly...... you guessed it, IMAC planes.  30, 35 and 40% IMAC planes.  They like to fly aerobatics and some of them like to fly 3D but it's very difficult to do that at an IMAA meet where there is usually a simple circle pattern that is necessary because of the number of planes in the air.  These guys sometimes get bored at IMAA meets after flying too many circles and having sometimes loud, heavy and scary warbirds doing high speed passes down the runway in front of them (before you say anything, I think that can be fun too- it's just that the two types don't always mix ! well).
   
  So- that leaves the "Aerobatics" guy to naturally want to fly aerobatics with the plane he already has.....  you guessed it again, IMAC is where he can go to find that.
   
  Pattern does not enjoy any of these marketing benefits.
   
  Having said that, I believe that Pattern is a more "stable" group.  My perception is that the core group of pattern flyers who continually participate year after year represents a much higher percentage of the total group than in IMAC.  In IMAC, I believe you have a smaller percentage of the total group who stay with it year after year but a much greater number of people who come into it for a few years and then go on to something else.
   
   
  One last thing-  on the "has turnaround hurt pattern?"  I say, "no way".   It sure hasn't hurt IMAC.  
   
   
  Dave Michael
   
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