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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I think the reasons IMAC is so popular
are:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>1. The huge amount of exposure the IMAC type of
planes get in virtually every magazine.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>2. The big hoopla over TOC.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>3. Freestyle provides impressive video clips for
the uninitiated to ogle over (even though that's not primarily what IMAC is
about, the average guy doesn't know that).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>4. Huge availability of really cool looking
planes.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>5. Ego factor. It's more in vogue and seems much
cooler than pattern. Even the basic pilots seem to have the 40% planes, and it
makes them feel special to show them off to their friends.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>All the other things that have been discussed,
friendly people, too serious, rules, pattern being expensive, etc. are Red
Herrings.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>
<DIV>My opinion.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Keith Black</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV>----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
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<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=joddino@socal.rr.com href="mailto:joddino@socal.rr.com">J.Oddino</A>
</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=discussion@nsrca.org
href="mailto:discussion@nsrca.org">discussion@nsrca.org</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, July 26, 2005 4:34
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Does Pattern competition cost
too much?</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Regards, Jim O</FONT></DIV>
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