1987 Oakville Regional F3A Pattern Contest

Here is about half of the 1987 Oakville pattern contest that John C took with his VHS camcorder that day. It is really cool to see all the old school styles of pattern ships. I recognize Steve Lyons from the Hamilton Flying Tigers. And we get a good close up of the Canadian champion Ivan Kistensen`s Summit. The pilots make the routines look easy. You might get bored watching this type of precise aerobatics, but you must know it takes great skill to make it look this way. Throw in a cross wind like this day, and these guys make it seem like none is there at all. Hours and hours of practice, with gallons and gallons of alcohol burnt up to even think about competing with the dedicated F3A precision pilot.. I just love the look of these sleek ships, especially once the gear goes up. Not much touches a pattern ship for aesthetic beauty on the wing drawing a line in the sky.