AllMYRC.com-A Radio Control Helicopter, Airplane and Car Community » R/C Airplanes » Airplanes » Pattern

[bkchum62]

Let the opinions flow.

What do you think, does pattern flying make you a better all around pilot?

[Skylane]

No one at my club fly's a pattern plane, and I've only seen it on youtube video's. With that said, what I have seen in video's is nothing short of amazing. I think it would take immense skill to fly such smooth controlled aerobatics.

In competition do they choreograph they're own routines? or do they follow set routines like they do in IMAC?

[bkchum62]

Skylane, congrats on winning the $1K.

There are 5 classes (Sportsman, Intermediate, Advanced, Masters, FAI), each with at least on prescribed series of maneuvers. Each series must be performed in a specific order and within an imaginary "box". Two judges score each maneuver.

The patterns are determined by the NSRCA (Nat. Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics). You can see the sequences at www.nsrca.us.

My original question was posed because there are many very accomplished pilots who get into pattern after flying for years who say they wish they had gotten involved years earlier. I have only been flying for about 3.5 years and find that my limited involvement in pattern flying has helped to improve my skills tremendously.

I don't doubt that practicing any type of flying helps improve. Heck, just going out an flying holes in the sky in different weather conditions helps. But anytime you fly and get objective feedback about what you did well, and how you can improve, is going to make you better.

Check out the sportman sequence, look over the powerpoint, and try to fly it smoothly. You'll be amazed at how difficult it can be. I would also suggest you compete in a pattern contest at the sportsman level. Even if you only do it once, I think you will enjoy it.

[JeffT]

Keep an eye out for the Osiris. 3D Hobbyshop partnered with pattern champ Andrew Jesky to design a competition level electric pattern ship that performs very well without breaking the bank.
The 62" Osiris is designed to run on a single 5S 5000 pack (Normal 2 meter composite pattern ships run 2 5S500 packs) or 6S5000.

This will be my first attempt at pattern flying. I'm hoping this plane will enable others to try pattern as well.

This is expected to be available sometime in the late spring.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1173419

[GM1]

My RC career now spans over 40 years and the pattern airplanes I have owned are far and away the very best flying airplanes I've ever had. The single biggest thing is that they never do anything you don't tell them to do. They don't add or subtract anything, just what you said.
I compete currently ( the last 10 years) in F3C helicopters but I always have a pattern airplane in my stable. Currently I have a YS 110 powered Excelleron and am looking into a 6S E model. When I go to the field, the guys marvel at how well it flies and especially how predictably it lands. I keep trying to get some of them to try it but they are stuck on these Edge 540 28%-40% gassers that I can fly rings around.
Oh well, everyone has their own interests. Even if you are not interested in flying pattern, flying a pattern airplane is just fun!
Gordie

[bkchum62]

Jeff T - where are you flying.

GM1 - you couldn't be more correct.

[JeffT]

I usually fly at ARCA in Austin.
www.austinrc.org

btw: I lied - this won't be my first pattern plane. I built a Piedmont Models 69" Focus Sport powered by a YS110 4 stroke about 3 years ago. I didn't do more than about 20 flights on it (still learning about trimming a pattern plane) when I decided to get out of nitro airplanes completely. I still fly a nitro heli but I'm not sure for how much longer. I'm loving the power and reliability of E-powered flight.

[electricdarr]

Hey Jeff....

You bring up a great point.

(still learning about trimming a pattern plane)

Where can some one learn the proper way to trim a pattern plane?

I just finished a SebArt AngelS for practice plane and about the only trimming I've ever done is to make sure a plane will fly level at 3/4 throttle. I know there is a lot that goes into the trimming. And sense all the guys around here are into 3D (I don't think they trim anything) I can't lean on there experience.

I was at a fun fly last summer (Somersville WV) and met a fella that was flying IMAC Pattern and he started to explain his method of trimming however, we only had 3 flights when he had to leave. In that short amount of time I became hooked on Pattern....

Dave

[bkchum62]

Setting up a pattern ship is tricky. I am just a novice, but realize how this can help a plane track in calm to windy conditions. I have been relying on some pattern guys from the Chicago area for assistance. My first recommendation would be to join NSRCA. Your membership get you copies of "K-Factor" a magazine devoted entirely to pattern. This will provide insights and contact information to other pattern flyers in your region.

Second, go to a contest. Even if you only fly sportsman, I have never been to a contest where the others there aren't willing to help or at least discuss how to improve both your flying and your setup.