Pattern Planes for OH EIGHT!

[Boulder]

I could be mistaken, but I think QQ was flying a Euphoria.

[flyintexan]

My Pentathlon served me well in 07'...much better than expected....hope to start building a backup for 08' soon. Should be able to tweak a few things here and there to make it lighter, better, sweeter. DZ power without a doubt.


-mark
Go Team USA!

[ShortBus]

I will be flying the same Brio I was flying around last year. Going to go to my first contest this coming season!

I was thinking about recovering/painting....but I doubt it.

[toddblose]

Yes it Did Mark, Great job this year

[Mike Hester]

	Quote: Originally Posted by prizzy
	I am sorry if this is common knowledge, but I am thinking about getting into pattern. What planes do Jason Shulman, QQ, and Animal Jesky fly?

Errrr I cringe every time I read something like this......

These guys fly FAI and the schedules and airplane requirements are a bit different from the beginning classes in pattern. They require almost as much side area as wing area (think of a really big foamy). This allows them to to the integrated rolling stuff with much less effort....however there is a serious drawback for the beginner.

Pattern is all about precicion, and absolute control over the airframe regardless of conditions. The beginning classes are set up to teach you how to control your lines, radiuses, centering and box management. The planes that are flown by the top FAI pilots are a lot more difficult to control by the beginner. Mastery over the left stick is absolutely crucial.

It is a LONG road from Sportsman or intermediate to FAI. The worst thing you could possibly do is buy a plane because Joe Superpilot flies one. Once you get your feet wet (more like soaked) and have a STRONG mastery over the box and your lines and corrections, then a plane like this is an advantage. Until you reach that point, a plane like the Integral or the Euphoria bipe is a severe disadvantage.

I can't tell you much about the Euphoria since they really aren't accessable yet.

But I have an Integral. It's definitely a better plane for electric than a YS for sure. It requires quite a bit of creative mixing. It's actually not too bad in the wind, but it's not as easy as some other designs. Once properly trimmed it does FAI with the best of them, although it does have a couple of issues, especially with the snaps and spins. They are not insurmountable but you have to know about it. Same with trimming. I hate secrets. This plane can be trimmed and mixed to fly VERY well, but it is different enough it should have it's own thread devoted to trimming it.

Jason and Andrew can fly anything and make it look good. See that Era 50 Jason posted on the front page? He flew that thing at the Jax contest in darn near tropical storm winds....and won with it. Good plane, but with Jason on the sticks, GREAT plane.

I'm not taking anything away from these planes or these pilots so please don't misunderstand. But pattern is a long road especially for a new guy. Just know what you're getting into with these designs. They will outfly anything else in the WORLD, and if you don't believe it, just fly one yourself and you'll see what I mean. But choose your first one wisely. once you have some experience you can find a plane that suits your "style". It may be an Integral, especially if you fly a lot of 3d. Just realize you have to fly it a lot harder while getting used to the basic foundations of precision aerobatics.

That being said, by all means jump in there! You're in D2 and that area of the world is ready to explode with pattern activity. Hook up with Carl Zavalney, Ryan Smith, Terry Darr, and practice practice practice! And welcome!

-Mike

[Mike Hester]

	Quote: Originally Posted by flyintexan
	My Pentathlon served me well in 07'...much better than expected....hope to start building a backup for 08' soon. Should be able to tweak a few things here and there to make it lighter, better, sweeter. DZ power without a doubt. -mark Go Team USA!

"No wonder you did so well at the Nats!" LOL

This is a killer plane guys.

-Mike

[prizzy]

Thanks Mike for taking the time to respond. It you can, send me a PM with a recommendation. I have been flying IMAC for a year.

[Boulder]

Thanks for posting that Mike.

To all future Pattern pilots,

Mike has hit the nail on the head, trying Pattern with one of the "latest and greatest" could very well lead to a serious disappointment in your first contest, unless of course you already have an extremely good handle on the left stick.

As a first bird I would highly recommend one of the Focus' or the Venus II as an ARF, or for those would like a kit, there's no better bird than a Black Magic V2, if you could find one. Please note these are my opinions as I've flown these airplanes, and I'm sure there are other good birds. In my opinion getting a Pattern specific airplane is the best way to go, I was never completely happy with my ventures owning "combo" planes and trying to make a "real good" Pattern plane out of them.

I'll be in Intermediate again next year and flying a Black Magic V2. I've flown both the V2 and the VF3, personally, "for my skill level", I prefer the V2. My plan is to be flying Masters in 5 years, during my move up the ladder, I'll acquire a VF3, but not until I'm ready for it.

[Mike Hester]

Yep Focus is the numero uno entry level ARF. There's not even a close second.

If you want a kit (wood is GOOD) then a Black Magic V2.2 or one of Mark Hunt's Insights are hard to beat. Buy American!!!!! LOL

-Mike

[joenella]

Just my 2 cent

My brother has been flying one of Mark Hunt's INSIGHTs, now he has move up and fly an Impact, but sure he loved the Insight , it is a great beginner pattern ship.

I my self has flow some ARF's for getting used to the left stick movement and other small things like flying lines, boxe's et etc. I have now moved up to a full pattern plane, and completly new design from KRILL the new SPARK and boy that thing just fly good, but i requires a lot of pratice and trimming.

rgds
Joen

[Mike Hester]

Personally, I'd pick an Insight over an Impact ANY DAY.

-Mike

[Jim Woodward]

If I were staying in FAI, I'd scratch build an Era .50 for sure!
Jim W.