Pattern Talk
Jeff Owens
I've decided to create a section of the SRCC web site devoted to pattern flying. This main page will have links to various articles I plan to write about my experiences flying precision aerobatics with RC models. The subjects will be varied and will include tips on getting started, on competition, equipment, techniques, and more. To start things off, here is a link to a short history of my involvement in flying pattern.
With that bit of background, let's move on to an article I wrote recently. An abbreviated version appeared in the August SRCC Newsletter. This article basically attempts to explain what it is that I find so enjoyable and challenging about pattern flying.
This next article is about the Senior Pattern Association. It first appeared in the September issue of the Club Newsletter. SPA is an AMA Special Interest Group (SIG) devoted to pattern flying (more or less) as it was done in the late 60s and early 70s. The level of activity has shown a marked increase in recent years as interest in the older pattern planes has reemerged. Indeed, many new kits and short kits have become available, so it is possible to recreate some of these great planes. Here is some more detail concerning SPA.
OK - so you've decided that you might like to try learning some new pattern maneuvers. How is the best way to proceed? There are undoubtedly lot's of questions going through your mind. This next article is designed to start answering some of them.
New content being added in 2025
I started this collection of articles back aound 2009 and I have decided that it is high time to add some more content about getting started with aerobatics. A lot has changed since then, but the general ideas behind the types of competition described above have remained the same. As for the Senior Pattern Association, I have held the office of President since 2015. The cutoff date for eligible models has been moved to 1992 and pipes and retracts are now allowed. These moves were made to encourage more former competitors to get bring their older aircraft out of retirement and to participate in our contests. The class structure has been updated and other small changes have been made, as well. More details can be found at our website www.seniorpattern.com.
My plan is to pick up where I left off, describing how to begin flying some basic maneuvers. So let's start with some rolls!
And now let's explore the Cuban 8 and its variants. The Cuban 8 was developed by Len Povey, an American pilot serving with the Cuban Air Force. It was first performed in 1936 at the All American Air Race Meeting in Miami. This maneuver uses the same types of inputs as the Immelmann turn with some modifications and additions.