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By Ted Tannasse |
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A Beginner's View of Pattern Flying
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By Ted Tannasse |
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I really didn’t know what to expect the day of the contest. I never flew in a pattern contest before. All I wanted to do was to compete against myself, improve my flying skills and experience a pattern event . I didn’t know who would show up for the Sportsman level of competition. The best plane I had to fly precision aerobatics was my trusty Hangar 9 Advanced 40. Of the few planes in my arsenal, it flew the straightest with enough power to make a series of nice round loops.
The weather was near perfect for the contest. The breeze would change direction once in a while to keep it all interesting. It was also welcome as it was hot. It stayed that way throughout the weekend.
2001 Contestants-- Tri-City Sun
& Fun Pattern Contest-- Richland
I didn’t think I would be tense, after all, I had nothing to prove, but the first flight was a nervous one. I kept telling myself to calm down. I got through the maneuvers and landed the plane. Success!!!
I had only one person competing against me. Kevin Wong had only been flying for a year too. (I celebrated my first year on July 6th.) He was a very good pilot. Kevin helped me fly a notch better than I usually do. I kept on his tail throughout the contest and managed a win in Sunday’s first round. Kevin was definitely the victor in the Sportsman level for the weekend. It was obvious he had burned a lot of fuel in the past year. It was a privilege to compete with him.
Bill Bowen's Typhoon D On Take-Off
I found everyone very helpful and with all the information and help I got from all the pilots from virtually all levels of flight, I do believe I became a better pilot by the end of the contest.
My callers for the event were Val Ballard, Steve Sterling, and Gordon Anderson. They called out the maneuvers to the judges and reminded me of things I needed to remember to do. A big thanks for your help during competition.
You couldn’t ask for a better CD than Dennis Cone. His wife, Linda, was his assistant. Whether at the field or at home, she helped him run a smooth operation.
The results of the contest and more information on Pattern Flying in the Nortwest can be found at:
This page last updated 09/15/01 00:46