The biggest difference are the airplanes, while IMAC only allows scale planes (in all classes except basic) pattern allows anything provided it fits within the 2 meter x 2 meter (lengthxwidth) and 5kg weight limits. That brings up the second most visible difference, the planes are much smaller than a 40% IMAC model (and can be far far cheaper, I stress the words CAN BE, they can also be quite expensive). Pattern is also an FAI category which holds World Championships every odd numbered year (F3A) which is the largest radio controlled World event generally drawing upwards of 100 competitors from usually around 35-40 countries.
Beyond that the sequences flown are different, pattern has less snap rolls and rolling circles (until you get into the highest class of FAI), the manuvering zone is smaller in pattern. The judging is slightly different, but otherwise they are both judged aerobatic sequence disciplines.
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