Thought for the day. Switching back and forth is easy but some differences do occur. The biggest is the center pole in pattern. Everything is done around the poles. Yes, the poles.

The other difference is flight speed. Centering rolls on lines is much more than timing for IMAC. Its visual. Sean once told me, "You actually have time to think about what you are doing."

Third, wind correction. Weather vaning is much more pronounced in IMAC, so the rudder is used with more gusto during uplines and varying airspeeds.

But then there is 3D. At the flip of the switch its show time and fun with IMAC. Pattern is land and refuel. Maybe a slow roll or knife edge to raise the heartrate a few beats.

Common theme between the two is precision. That is where the drive is for me. Precision.

Cheers,
Don

? Pattern is precision flying. Much more than slow rolls and knife edge passes.

Originally Posted by DAGONZ

? Pattern is precision flying. Much more than slow rolls and knife edge passes.

I think what he meant is that IMAC aircraft lend themselves well to both types of flying, but pattern aircraft are mostly for precision only, not 3D.

A pattern ship will huck just as well, seen it.

pattern planes are pretty cool, but nothing beats a honking 40% ripping it with a 150 or 170.

Only if there are no noise complaints for ripping. I call it all the same. Line, roll, line, radius, line, roll line, radius... But wrong rudder on a knife edge 1 1/2 snap exit will get your attention either in pattern or IMAC. Gives the same thrill as getting behind during a rolling harrier.

Also, getting used to the ground (not the ground but just the fear of the ground) is the most significant challenge. Simulator builds confidence.

Metrics Drive Behavior.

See you Sunday.

Don

An old pylon racer told me one day. That watching a pattern contest was like watching a turtle in a fish tank! He was also a Senior Pattern flyer.