Ken I think no one is buying the idea of a first flight, or are we? The video is nice and clear.
I have witnessed Sparky fly the pattern on maiden flights on several models over the years. The last three airplanes I built were all put through the pattern on the maiden flights. If you know what engine/prop/tank set ups are, can build straight and true, and do a thorough job of bench trimming the airplane, there should be no reason to not fly the pattern. I understand "new plane-itis" and it's natural to be nervous flying a new bird. But if you have faith in your abilities and know and really understand your equipment, it's really no problem.
I built a second Shark 45 for the 2005 VSC. It was a clone of the first one I built in 1994. Same engine, tank, prop, controls and such. The engine was a previously used ST.51 and well broken in. The plan was to have this airplane be as close to the first one as possible to minimize trimming and teething at VSC. I set up on the grass circles with Bob McDonald. I asked him if he could sight the model for wings level on the first flight. I fueled it, started it, set the needle for the usual RPM, and Bob launched. After a few laps he signaled OK, I flipped it over for a few laps and he signaled OK so I went into the pattern. It was like I was flying the first Shark, like putting on an old glove. After landing, Bob asked if I had just made some changes and I told him, no, it was the maiden flight on the airplane! He seemed pretty impressed. But there was no reason in my mind not to fly the pattern with an airplane that I knew so well. In some of his construction articles, Jack Sheeks often mentioned flying the pattern with his airplanes on the maiden flights. He said that if it wouldn't fly right then, it might never fly right! They were usually flown with minimum finish on them in case he needed to cut back into them for some reason. If you know what you are doing, have confidence in your ability and equipment, there should be no reason not to fly a pattern on the first flight.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee