Well Steve this is the first attempt at the pattern section we spoke about. I would prefer that it comes across as an aerobatics corner to take into account the building interest down here in the IMAC style of competition.

The first topic I will cover obviously will be basic. So basic that many people have great trouble doing it, FLYING STRAIGHT LINES. Most manuvers contain segments of straight lines. However more importantly ALL manuvers begin and end with straight and level flight. The entry to every manuver must be established by a level, straight entry. This is the basis for a good manuver. If this does not exist the entire manuver becomes a series of corrections leading to a poor geometric shape.

I n the turnaround style flown in pattern and IMAC competition each manuver's level , straight exit is the entry to the next. Judges must see an established level, straight entry and exit to each manuver. Here are some exercises I use that have helped me in this area. Try flying in the box using some of the basic turnarounds that exist in the sequence you presently fly. Example a humpty bump on the upwind side, a stall turn on the downwind. Don't try to do any of the center manuvers just keep the airplane straight and level and on the same track. This will also get you use to correcting for drift with rudder. You may find that to do this you have to consistently hold in rudder on level passes depending on the conditions e.g. cross winds.

You can switch the type of manuvers you do at the extremes of the box. Remember to keep the lines going up and down as straight as you can. Look at those wings, keep them level and practice. Till next time.

Mark.