The weatherman smiled on SPA today in central Alabama with 78 degrees on the thermometer at 4PM CDT this afternoon .

CD Jamie called the meeting to order a bit after a wholesome breakfast was consumed by 17 attendees at Ryans in Prattville, AL. He petitioned the CHIEF for his blessings and they were graciously granted.

The Fountain City Flyers provided a slide projector with computer generated screen projections of the specially prepared material which Jamie reviewed in depth, with emphasis on the NOVICE pattern for the current cycle. He and the other "old timers" who attended answered, in depth, all questions posed. Most of the queries had to do with placement of maneuvers and ranged from the entries to the exits, how do you deal with nerves, etc. This may have been "old hat" for the experienced but a myriad of info for the "newbies" who were present, three of whom paid annual membership fees and became members of SPA.

About noon, the contingent departed the restaurant and moved to REYNOLDS field for some actual flying. The flights were intertwined with the sport flying, 3D kinds, etc at the field with absolutely excellent conditions prevailing. Some of the "old timers" actually flew the "1st-timers" airplanes to give them a "look-see" at the Novice pattern execution. All, while other 1st timers were seated in the judges chair alongside a veteran who answered all their questions about WHY certain deductions were applied, etc.

A drawing for the ANGLE-PRO Incidence meter was held among the attendees who were SPA members (some joined there)....and Anthony Sweeney, a former Military F-15 pilot won the meter. Sweeney has flown jet combat in defense of our country. Ironically, he had use for the meter this date, as it was discovered his .46 powered airplane was "corkscrewing" with elevator application as a result of one throwing more than the other. The excellent meter revealed this and after the problem was remedied, the model performed much better.

Thanks to all for the excellent preparation, presentations and participation. We're looking forward to the season "opener" in Cullman in 2 weeks.

The Clinic at Chattanooga came complete with perfect food, weather, and fellowship. We had twenty three attendees and two very pleasant wives.

Rather than write a description of what happened at Chattanooga let me share what others thought.

"Who knew a "top hat" was a square maneuver? Very professional presentation and nice facilities at Chattanooga...Thanks to Ed, Phil and Mike."
Dan Dougherty

"It was a great pleasure to attend SPA Judging Clinic in Chattanooga yesterday. Not only did I learn how to Judge, but I picked up many tips on how to improve my Pattern flying skills. It was well organized and the presentation by Ed was superb. The practice session at Chattanooga could not have been better."
Karl Gerth

"The Test!" When Ed handed it out I thought I'd blow thru it and hand it right back in. WRONG! It seems like another excellent learning exercise - which a good test should be. I haven't gotten back to it - and the Judging Guide - yet. I hope to this evening or tomorrow. It looks like I will have to review the Guide to answer some of the questions. As Ed would say, "That's a good thing."
Don Eiler

"One of the most informative things I took away from the meeting is the 1-point in 15-degree rule. Man have I been wasting points in my entry and exits. In any line of flight vertical, horizontal or angular the 1-point in fifteen-degree rule applies. Also up to 7.5 degrees off line is a half point deduction. Heading, Heading, Heading, if I can remember that then personally my scores will improve a bunch!!! I now feel a lot more confident that when asked to judge I can do a competent job."
Mike Miller

Many of our attendees were novice class flyers, but judging from the consistency and attention to detail I would not have a problem with them judging me. Special thanks go to Ed Hartley, The Chattanooga Radio Control Club and Wally's Restaurant.

Mike Robinson, SPA 70, CD